Des Moines staff outline state‑required and local code amendments to reach council in 2026

Rebecca Deming, the city’s community development director, briefed the committee Nov. 6 on a slate of municipal code amendments staff plan to bring forward by public hearing late this year and into 2026. The items include a mix of state‑mandated changes and locally proposed technical updates.

What staff presented - Application abandonment: a proposed municipal code change would allow an application to expire 180 days after staff requests corrections, so long‑dormant land‑use applications would terminate unless applicants respond. Deming said the 180‑day period aligns with the majority of peer jurisdictions; councilmembers asked whether a shorter timeframe or ongoing placard updates might improve clarity for neighbors. - Co‑living housing: a state‑required code to allow residential sleeping units (sometimes called residential suites — lockable sleeping units with shared kitchen or bathrooms) in areas that permit six or more dwelling…