Des Moines Window Permits: What You Need to Know Before You Replace

Quick Take: What Every Des Moines Homeowner Should Know

Permits are sometimes required for window replacement in Des Moines, depending on the scope.
You’ll need a permit if you change the size, location, or structure of your windows, or if safety/egress rules apply.
The City of Des Moines requires applications through its online Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal.
Required paperwork usually includes drawings, a description of work, and energy/safety code compliance documents.
Inspections may follow installation to verify the work meets city codes.
Zen Windows handles all permitting steps for you—so you never have to worry about missing forms or delays.

Do You Need a Permit for Window Replacement in Des Moines?

Homeowners often ask a simple question: If I’m just replacing my windows, do I really need a permit? The answer depends on what kind of work you’re doing.

If you’re replacing an old window with a new one of the exact same size in the same opening, a permit may not be required. But if your project involves altering the structure—like enlarging an opening, changing a window’s location, or cutting into new framing—a building permit is almost always necessary (Permit exemption policy).

Certain scenarios always draw attention from the city. Bedroom and basement windows, for instance, must meet egress standards so occupants can safely escape during an emergency. If you’re upgrading to tempered safety glass or altering a home in a historic district, the city will want to review the plans before giving the green light.

Rule of thumb: If the project changes the look, size, or safety features of your window, you should assume a permit will be required.

How the Des Moines Permit Process Works

If your project needs a permit, the City of Des Moines manages the process through its Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal. Here’s what that looks like step by step:

1. Gather the Right Documents

You’ll need scaled drawings of the window replacement or addition, a description of the work, and sometimes energy code compliance documentation (Building Plan Submittal Checklist). If you’re in a historic district, design details may also be required.

2. Apply Online

Through the CSS portal, you’ll fill out the application, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable fee. The system allows you to track the status of your permit and see if the city has requested more information.

3. Review and Approval

City staff will review your submission. If anything is unclear or doesn’t meet code, they’ll request changes before issuing a permit.

4. Inspections

Once the permit is approved, you can move forward with installation. The city may send an inspector afterward to confirm the work was completed according to code and the approved plan. Skipping this step can lead to significant issues later with insurance or resale.

Why Permits Matter More Than You Think

For many homeowners, permits feel like unnecessary red tape. In reality, they’re designed to protect you and your investment. When a permit is required, it ensures your new windows are:

Safe where it matters most — bedrooms, basements, and other high-risk areas must meet egress and tempered glass requirements.
Up to today’s energy standards — permitted projects often need documentation showing your windows meet current U-values and efficiency codes.
Properly documented — a permitted, inspected project creates a paper trail that protects you during insurance claims, refinancing, or when selling your home.

Trying to skip permits can seem like an easy way to save time or money, but it usually backfires. Stop-work orders, fines, and failed inspections are common—and unpermitted work can even reduce your home’s resale value.

How Zen Windows Makes Permits Hassle-Free

This is the part where homeowners usually breathe a sigh of relief. At Zen Windows, we don’t leave you to figure this out on your own. When your project requires a permit, we handle it all:

Reviewing your project to confirm whether a permit is needed.
Preparing and submitting drawings, compliance documentation, and the application itself.
Communicating with the City of Des Moines if revisions are requested.
Scheduling and coordinating inspections, so nothing is overlooked.

Because permitting is built into our project planning, you don’t face surprise fees or unexplained delays. We give you a clear timeline up front, including how long the city is likely to take to review and approve your permit.

The Bottom Line for Des Moines Homeowners

Window replacement in Des Moines is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your home. But it’s also one of those projects where the fine print matters. In Des Moines, certain types of replacements require permits, and skipping them can create more problems than it solves.

The good news is you don’t need to navigate the process yourself. Zen Windows takes care of permits from start to finish, so you can focus on choosing windows that fit your home and budget, not on paperwork and city codes.

Thinking about replacing your windows? Request your free quote from Zen Windows Des Moines today and enjoy a project that’s smooth, simple, and fully compliant.

Disclaimer: All information on https://zenwindows.com/ is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. Zen Windows does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. Any action you take based on the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk.