West Des Moines Development
A practical starting point

Research a site

Follow the original records before making a development or investment decision. These are research questions, not a verified finding about any individual property.

Confirm the site

Establish the correct jurisdiction and parcel with the relevant public office. A street address, project name and legal parcel can describe different extents.

City county/tax resources ↗

Future land use

Read the comprehensive plan as policy guidance. It does not by itself establish allowed uses or an approved development.

City comprehensive planning ↗

Zoning and PUD conditions

Read the actual zoning district and applicable PUD ordinance, amendments and conditions. Confirm the current application with Development Services.

City zoning information ↗

Applications and adopted decisions

Separate an application, staff recommendation, commission action and final council decision. Follow the actual case record.

City development applications ↗

Permits and completion

A permit is not proof of completed construction or occupancy. Ask the relevant office about inspections and occupancy records.

City building inspection ↗

Flood and infrastructure context

Use official maps as a starting point. Nearby water, sewer, roads or utility lines do not establish capacity or an approved site connection.

City GIS viewer ↗

Flood maps

Check the effective FEMA map and relevant local requirements. A location outside a mapped hazard area is not a guarantee against flooding.

FEMA Map Service Center ↗

Public commitments and payments

Read the agreement, conditions, term and annual reporting period. Projected investment, a rebate obligation and an actual payment are different measures.

Public commitments and spending ↗

Use the right county record

Confirm the county for the specific site before searching. Assessment information is not a title opinion, survey, current asking price or development approval.

Keep the evidence separate

This public site does not contain private underwriting or confidential investment assumptions. Contact the responsible agency and qualified advisers for a site-specific determination. Links do not grant permission to copy a dataset or map.