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Top Ten Planning Questions

1. How can I find information about my property?
Currently the best way for you to find out any detailed information is for you to come in to Community Development during the hours of 9am – 11am, Monday through Friday, and talk to one of our Land Use Planners. In the office they can show you maps of your property and tell you the lot dimensions, zoning and other features about your property. After 11am, you can also call (206) 870-7576 and ask to speak to our Planners.

To find online information about your property, visit King County’s Parcel Viewer. There you will see an interactive map that will provide general map and parcel information. This information should be considered information only. You should verify this information with a City of Des Moines Planner.

2. How do I determine where my property lines are?
Your property lines can be determined by a licensed surveyor completing a survey of your property. The City has plans that show your lot dimensions; however, you cannot determine the exact location of your lot lines without a survey of the property. The City does not recommend any specific surveyor or survey company. Please check your phone book for a list of surveyors.

3. What kind of land use permits do you issue?
The City of Des Moines issues many different types of land use permits. Here is a list of the most commonly requested permits:

• Sign permit
• Temporary Sign permit
• Lot Line Adjustment
• Short Subdivision (four lots or less)
• Subdivision
• Environmentally Sensitive Areas Development Exception
• Design Review
• Variance
• Conditional Use Permit
• Unclassified Use Permit

4. I’m building a room addition. What are my setbacks?
Setback information can be obtained from out Zoning Code. You must know the zoning designation of your property in order to determine the setback information. Zoning information is available by contacting the Planning Department at (206) 870-7576

5. What is the Spring Clean?
The City provides a special Spring Clean collection event once each year. SeaTac Disposal collects garbage, recyclable materials, and yard waste which have been placed at the curb on your regular garbage collection day during the week long event.  Collection will start at 7:00am and trucks will come by only once.

Tagged bulky items (sofas, appliances, and other items weighing over 60 lbs) will only be collected on Monday or Tuesday of the collection event, but must be at the curb by 7:00am on Monday. A small fee must be pre-paid through Des Moines Community Development Department located at City Hall, 21630 11th Avenue South, Suite D by Friday of the week before the event.
If you are a SeaTac Disposal customer, please check your mailboxes in the early spring for a brochure which will give the exact dates and more detailed information regarding the event.  If you are not a SeaTac Disposal customer, the information will also be published on our website and in our quarterly newsletter, City Currents.

If you have any questions, please contact SeaTac Disposal at (253) 872-7220 or the City of Des Moines at (206) 870-7576.

6. Where can I find maps of the City?
Please see the online maps page. There you can find a listing of maps available on the web page. The city is currently building a Geographic Information System (GIS) to electronically map features in the city. See the GIS page for more information. You may be able to have a map emailed to you.

7. My neighbor is dumping garbage across the street – how do I report it?
You can call (206) 870-6558 and speak to our Code Enforcement Officer. You can then give your information confidentially and the complaint will be followed up.

8. Where can I find the latest Demographic information?
Please see the Demographics page. There you will find the latest Census, State and County information about the City of Des Moines. There are also links to help you find further information.

9. Where can I put my fence and how tall can it be?
The fence can be located along the property line, but must be entirely on your property. Generally, the maximum height for fences in residential areas is 42 inches in the front yard and 6 feet in the side and rear yards.  A survey may be necessary if you are unsure of where your property lines are located.  Click here for a handout containing additional information relating to fence height and location.

10. What is Community Development Block Grant?
Please see the Community Development Block Grant page.