Roof Replacement in Des Moines: Permits, Code Basics and the 2027 Change

Roof replacement Updated 2026-10-22 · By Kasey, Waukee, Iowa · 8 sources

If you own a home in Des Moines and a new roof is on your list, the timing matters more than usual. The City of Des Moines has changed its permit rules for reroofing, and the change takes effect on January 1, 2027. This guide explains what the city's own documents say, the shingle code basics the city publishes, and how to hire a roofer with the paperwork in order.

This page is about the City of Des Moines only. West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Waukee and other suburbs are separate cities with their own building departments, so check with your city before work starts.

The big change: reroof permits starting January 1, 2027

Until now, the city's published guidance has said reroofing generally did not need a building permit:

• The city's Residential Asphalt Shingle Requirements sheet states "Reroofing does not require a building permit," but adds that if sheathing or rafters are repaired or replaced, a building permit is required.
• The city's Minor Repair / Permit Exemption Policy (dated July 1, 2023) lists "reroofing that does not involve alteration of roof sheathing, decking or framing members" among the exempt items.

That is changing. Ordinance No. 16,568 amends the city's building permit section (Sec. 26-301) to add: "Beginning January 1, 2027 replacement of roof coverings will require a building permit." The city's July 13, 2026 Council Communication No. 26-244 describes the change as requiring a re-roofing permit for both commercial and residential structures beginning on January 1, 2027, and lists permit fees from re-roofing projects as the funding source.

What this means for you:

• If your roof is being replaced in 2027 or later, plan on a building permit. Ask your roofer, in writing, who will apply for it and who will schedule inspections.
• If work is happening before January 1, 2027 and the roofer finds rotten sheathing or rafters that must be replaced, a permit is already required under the city's current guidance.
• Fees and application steps are set by the city. Contact the Permit & Development Center (its residential page lists permits@dmgov.org) rather than relying on a contractor's estimate of the cost.

The Iowa Attorney General's home improvement guidance says to be cautious if a contractor avoids discussing permits or inspections, or says they are unnecessary without explanation. After January 1, 2027, that advice applies directly to every Des Moines reroof.

Code basics from the city's shingle sheet

The city's Residential Asphalt Shingle Requirements sheet summarizes International Residential Code (IRC) rules for one- and two-family homes. (The sheet cites the 2021 IRC; Council Communication 26-244 notes the council adopted the 2024 editions of the building codes in December 2025, so confirm current requirements with the city.) Highlights worth knowing before you sign:

When a roof can't be laid over the old one

The sheet says a roof recover is not permitted when:

1. The existing roof is water-soaked or deteriorated to the point it is not an adequate base.
2. The existing covering is wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos cement tile.
3. The existing roof already has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.
4. The manufacturer's instructions prohibit roof recover.

If your house already has two layers, expect a full tear-off.

Slope, deck and underlayment

• Asphalt shingles may only be used on slopes of 2:12 or greater; from 2:12 up to 4:12, double underlayment is required.
• Shingles must be fastened to a solidly sheathed deck (for example, minimum 3/8-inch plywood or 7/16-inch OSB).
• Underlayment must meet listed ASTM standards and be lapped as the sheet describes.

Ice barrier

An ice barrier is required for asphalt shingles, extending from the lowest roof edges to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line, and at least 36 inches along the slope on roofs of 8:12 or steeper. Detached accessory buildings without conditioned space are exempt. This is the code's built-in defense against ice dams.

Fasteners and flashing

• At least four fasteners per strip shingle, or the manufacturer's minimum.
• Corrosion-resistant roofing nails with at least a 3/8-inch head, long enough to penetrate the sheathing 3/4 inch or all the way through.
• Metal flashing at walls, valleys and penetrations, and a cricket or saddle behind any chimney or penetration more than 30 inches wide.

You do not need to memorize these. Use them as questions: "Is this a tear-off? How many layers are up there now? Where does the ice barrier go? Will you need a cricket behind my chimney?"

Hail-resistant shingles and insurance

The Iowa Insurance Division says upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can significantly reduce the risk of roof damage from hail and may also qualify for insurance discounts. Ask your insurance agent before you choose materials. If your replacement is part of a storm claim, read our Iowa hail damage claim guide first.

Hiring a roofer in Des Moines

• Check Iowa contractor registration. DIAL requires contractors who earn at least $2,000 a year from construction to register, and lists roofers among them.
• Get written estimates that describe the same scope: tear-off or recover, layers, underlayment, ice barrier, flashing, ventilation, permit and cleanup.
• Get a written contract listing the work, materials, price, dates, cleanup, permits, inspections and change-order process, as the Attorney General recommends.

Our step-by-step guide to choosing a roofing contractor in Iowa covers insurance, lien waivers and red flags.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Des Moines?

Under Ordinance No. 16,568, beginning January 1, 2027, replacement of roof coverings in Des Moines requires a building permit. Before then, the city's guidance says reroofing does not need a permit unless sheathing or rafters are repaired or replaced.

Does the permit rule apply to West Des Moines or Urbandale?

No. The ordinance is the City of Des Moines' code. Suburbs such as West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny and Waukee have their own building departments and rules, so check with your city.

Can a new roof go over my old shingles in Des Moines?

The city's shingle requirements sheet says a recover is not allowed if the roof already has two or more layers, is water-soaked or deteriorated, is a material like slate or tile, or if the manufacturer prohibits it.

What is an ice barrier and is it required?

The city's shingle sheet requires an ice barrier on asphalt shingle roofs, running from the lowest roof edges to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line, with a longer 36-inch requirement on steep roofs.

Who gets the roofing permit, me or the roofer?

Ask your roofer to state in the contract who applies for the permit and schedules inspections. The Iowa Attorney General says to be cautious if a contractor avoids discussing permits.