West Des Moines, IA
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A Block Party is defined as an event open to a specific/defined neighborhood or area; where no admission fee is charged for attendance; where alcoholic beverages are not sold or where no entrance fee or admission is charged for service of alcoholic beverages; where a street closure, if necessary, will not exceed 6 hours; where the use of Kybos/Porta Potties is not necessary.
Click on the link below to download the Block Party Guidelines and Requirements and Application.
The State of Iowa has made tobacco permits available to apply for online. If you wish to apply online for a tobacco permit, please click the online link below.
Individuals seeking to operate as retail sellers of fireworks within the City of West Des Moines are required to obtain a Firework Retail Seller License from the City Clerk's Office.
To apply for this license, applicants must submit a completed application form along with any required documentation, such as proof of insurance and compliance with fire safety regulations.
Additionally, applicants may need to provide details regarding the location and hours of operation for their retail fireworks sales. It is essential for all retail sellers to adhere to local ordinances and regulations governing the sale and use of fireworks within the city limits.
Individuals operating food trucks, food stands, or food carts within the City of West Des Moines are required to submit a comprehensive license application to the City Clerk's Office.
This application must include a copy of their food service license obtained from the appropriate health department, along with a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Operators of drivable vehicles must also include a copy of their vehicle registration.
Join us in enhancing the vibrancy of West Des Moines by becoming a valued member of our mobile vendor community.
Multiple Vendor Permit Information
Multiple Vendor Permit Online Application
Solicitor Definition: Any person who initiates or attempts to initiate personal contact with other persons at or near residences or businesses, including upon private driveways, parking lots, or public sidewalks in an apparent effort to solicit or attempt to solicit monies or orders for goods, services, subscriptions, or merchandise to be delivered immediately or at a future date.
Solicitors Permit Online Application
Please note that all solicitors are required to wear their city-issued permit in a conspicuous place on their person. All permits issued to solicitors are in force and effect between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and sunset. If you have concerns regarding a solicitor, please contact Westcom Non-Emergency Dispatch at (515) 222-3321.
A special event permit is required when an individual or organization requests use of City of West Des Moines public property or right-of-way for any special event of limited duration, including, but not limited to, parades, athletic events, walks, runs, fairs, festivals, and outdoor concerts. Block parties on residential streets are governed by different guidelines and require a permit.
Individuals and businesses planning to set up tents, canopies, or inflatables within the City of West Des Moines must comply with all relevant state laws and regulations governing their use.
In addition to state regulations, all businesses and events within the city are required to adhere to local ordinances, which address factors such as fire safety, zoning, building codes, electrical requirements, and more. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these ordinances and ensure full compliance to legally operate within the city limits.
Take the necessary steps to ensure the safety and success of your event or business by obtaining your permit for tents, canopies, and inflatables today.
City of West Des Moines Licenses
Pet Licensing & Dog Park Permits
All pets 6 months or older living in West Des Moines must have a city license. Your pet's license tag is permanent and includes a unique ID number for your pet.
Important Rules:
- Annual Deadline: Renew your license by April 30. A $25 late fee per pet starts May 1.
- New Residents: You have 30 days to license your pets after moving to the city.
- Pet Limit: Households are limited to 4 pets over 6 months old.
Pet License Fees
Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31. You must provide rabies vaccination dates and proof of spay/neuter (for first-time applications).
| Type of License | Annual Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Altered Cat or Dog | $20 | Spayed or Neutered |
| Intact Cat or Dog | $25 | Not Spayed or Neutered |
| Service Animal | $0 | License required, but fee is waived |
Raccoon River Dog Park Permits
West Des Moines residents must have a valid City Pet License before they can buy a dog park permit.
| Permit Type | Fee | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Permit | $20 per dog | Requires WDM Pet License |
| Non-Resident Annual Permit | $45 per dog | Requires vaccination records |
| Day Pass | $5 per dog | Valid only on date of purchase |
How to get your Dog Park Permit:
- Go to the Barkpass website using the button above.
- Create an account and add your dog’s info.
- WDM residents will be asked to buy or verify their City Pet License.
- Once paid, wait for your approval email (usually within 3 business days).
- Gate Code: Your approval email will contain the code to enter the park.
Contact & In-Person Sales
You can purchase permits and licenses in person Monday–Friday, 8:00 am– 5:00 pm at:
- City Hall Parks & Rec: 4200 Mills Civic Parkway | 515-222-3444
- Nature Lodge: 2500 Grand Avenue | 515-222-3424
- Email Questions: PetLicense@wdm.iowa.gov
The applicant must complete the following:
- The State of Iowa Alcohol Beverages Division (ABD) electronic license/permit application must be accessed at elicensing.iowaabd.com/ and then by selecting “licensing”. Instructions are included on the website. Please note: when completing the form, the City of West Des Moines is the issuing authority.
- Prior to consideration for issuance of the license, the applicant is required to submit either by mail to:
Ryan Jacobson, City Clerk
P.O. Box 65320
West Des Moines, IA 50265-0320
or by delivery to:
City Clerk’s Office
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
Wing 2B
1. 8 ½" x 11” sketch of premise showing all areas under control or lease of the applicant, including entrances, exits, restrooms, bar location, and outdoor service area if that privilege is being requested.
2. Criminal History Check completed by the DCI of all persons listed in the ownership portion of the application. The Iowa DCI phone number is 515.725.6066.
3. Copy of the executed lease/warranty deed; renewal applicants must provide a copy of the new lease when the current lease expires.
4. Notarized signature page from the ABD online application.
- The application must be submitted online with supporting documents submitted to the Deputy City Clerk for processing a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested issuance date. The licensing process includes review by the City Clerk’s office, Police, Fire, and Development Services Departments, with final approval from the City Council. Once the approval process has been completed, the City Clerk will notify the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for issuance. The State ABD will return the license to the city, and in turn, it will be mailed to the applicant listed on the online application.
If you need additional assistance, please contact Ryan Jacobson, City Clerk, at 515.222.3603 or via email at ryan.jacobson@wdm.iowa.gov.
Individuals and businesses offering massage therapy services within the City of West Des Moines must adhere to all relevant state laws and regulations governing massage therapy practices.
In addition to meeting the state regulations governing massage therapy services, all businesses operating within the City of West Des Moines are required to adhere to the relevant local ordinances. These ordinances cover various aspects such as health regulations, zoning, building codes, signage, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, fire safety, licensing requirements, and more. It is imperative for businesses to familiarize themselves with these ordinances and ensure full compliance to operate legally within the city limits.
Join us in promoting relaxation, healing, and well-being throughout our city by obtaining your massage therapy business license today.
Other City of West Des Moines Applications/Forms
Enroll for Premium Yard Waste Collection
Since December 2007, West Des Moines residents who use the City’s solid waste services have been able to sign up for Metro Waste Authority’s (MWA) Premium Yard Waste Collection Program. This program allows residents who wish to participate the opportunity to use a 96-gallon wheeled container for weekly collection of their yard waste.
The carts hold the equivalent of three bags of yard and garden waste. This program is an alternative yard waste collection method and does not replace the current Compost It! program that utilizes the MWA Compost It! bags and stickers.
The Compost It! Premium service containers are for yard waste only. This includes grass clippings, leaves, branches, yard and garden trimmings, and brush. Containers are placed at the curb the same as trash containers and are collected weekly on your regular garbage collection day.
Visit Metro Waste Authority to enroll in the program or purchase an annual sticker.
Call MWA at 515-244-0021 with any questions about the program.
Highlights of the Premium Yard Waste Collection Program
- Stickers must be obtained annually and placed on the designated area on the cart
- Residents are not required to use the premium cart program
- The cart is the property of the resident
- The cart may only be used for yard waste disposal
- Yard waste carts will be collected on the resident’s regular solid waste collection day
- Yard waste cart collection dates will coincide with MWA’s Compost It! annual calendar
- Residents may have more than one premium yard waste cart