West Des Moines, IA
Home MenuDevelopment Process
Pre-Application Process
Most development projects begin with a pre-application meeting. This identifies critical issues early in the review process, saving you time and money.
Meeting Details
- Deadlines: Tuesdays by 5:00 pm
- Meeting Time: Tuesday afternoon starting at 1:30 pm (staff will set an agenda each week)
- Confirmation: Via email by Thursday
Attendees
Staff from Planning, Building, Fire Marshal, Water Works, Engineering, and Parks & Recreation.
Cursory Review (Optional)
Receive high-level feedback on concept site plans or architecture before submitting a full application. Staff will identify major "red flags" rather than providing a detailed code review.
Contact us to apply: 515-222-3630 | Email Development Services
Application Checklists
Select your application type to view requirements and submittal checklists:
- Comp Plan Amendment
- Final Plat
- Major Modification
- Minor Modification
- Conditional Use Permit
- Plat of Survey
- Preliminary Plat
- PUD (New or Amended)
- Site Plan
- Vacation
- Variance/Exception
- Zone Change
How to Submit
All applications must be submitted through the City Access Portal (CAP). Email submissions are not allowed and will be redirected to the portal, which may delay your review.
Approval & Review Process
Standard Review Cycle
1. Initial Review (7-10 days) → 2. Comment Letter → 3. Resubmittal via CAP → 4. Final Approval Body
Approval Bodies
- • Council & Commission: Site plans, area development plans, and zoning requests (held alternating Mondays).
- • Board of Adjustment: Permitted Conditional Uses, Variances, and Zoning Appeals (held every other Wednesday).
-
• Administrative Approvals: Staff approves Minor Modifications and certain Site Plans once all code requirements are met.
- Minor Modifications: Approved immediately upon resolution of comments. Controversial items may be referred to the Commission or Council.
- Town Center Overlay & Jordan Creek Town Center Site Plans: Includes a one-week memo review by Council. If no concerns are raised, a 48-hour notice is posted in the City Hall lobby before final approval.
Public Hearings
Required for Rezoning, Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Variances, Code Amendments, and Permitted Conditional Uses. Notification includes:
- Publication: Notice in a newspaper serving West Des Moines.
- Mailing: Notices are mailed to all property owners within 370 feet of the subject property at least 7 days before the hearing.
Interested parties may speak during the hearing or provide written comments to the Case Planner prior to the meeting.