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West Des Moines Overview
West Des Moines, IA Code of Ordinances
West Des Moines, IA Planned Unit Development
WEST DES MOINES, IA PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCES
PREFACE
PUD #1 THE PRESERVE ON GRAND
PUD #2 GRAND WOODS
PUD #3 HEATHERWOOD
PUD #4 HEATHERWOOD 2
PUD #5 BEH
PUD #6 BEH II
PUD #7 PARKHAVEN
PUD #8 SOMERFIELD
PUD #9 SOUTHWOODS KNOLL
PUD #10 S AND F/KARP
PUD #11 SOUTHWOODS EAST 2
PUD #12 SOUTHWOODS EAST
PUD #13 STONEBRIDGE
PUD #14 WISTFUL VISTA
PUD #15 SOUTHWOODS WEST
PUD #16 WESTBROOKE
PUD #17 THE KNOLLS
PUD #18 WEST PARK
PUD #19 WOODLAND PARK
PUD #20 THE SHOPPES AT VALLEY WEST
PUD #21 WESTDALE PLAZA
PUD #22 COUNTRY PARK
PUD #23 JORDAN PARK VISTA
PUD #24 MEADOWVIEW
PUD #25 SUN PRAIRIE
PUD #26 SUN PRAIRIE WEST
PUD #27 WEST LAKES
PUD #28 COUNTRY CLUB OFFICE PLAZA (CCOP)
PUD #29 REED'S CROSSING
PUD #30 GLEN OAKS
PUD #31 ASHWORTH CORRIDOR
PUD #32 RYUN FARM
PUD #33 WIRTZ PROPERTY
PUD #34 BOONE FARM
PUD #35 98TH STREET
PUD #36 WESTOWN CENTRE
PUD #37 CORPORATE PLACE
PUD #38 WRENWOOD PLACE
PUD #39 WATER TOWER PLACE
PUD #40 THREE FOUNTAINS COMMERCIAL
PUD #41 BLUE CREEK
PUD #42 WESTIN HEIGHTS
PUD #43 SOUTH WATER TOWER PLACE
PUD #44 42ND STREET
PUD #45 50TH STREET
PUD #46 MAPLE GROVE NORTH
PUD #47 JORDAN CREEK TOWN CENTER
PUD #48 BRIDGEWOOD
PUD #49 ASHAWA
PUD #50 VALLEY GREEN
PUD #51 5940 UNIVERSITY
PUD #52 COLBY OFFICE PARK
PUD #53 GREENWAY CROSSING
PUD #54 WEST GRAND BUSINESS PARK
PUD #55 MILLS CROSSING
PUD #56 RESERVED
PUD #57 ASHWORTH CROSSING
PUD #58 BATY FARM
PUD #59 DEPOT AT ASHWORTH
PUD #60 LAKE VIEW
PUD #61 BENNETT
PUD #62 WEST GLEN TOWN CENTER
PUD #63 LINCOLN STREET PARK
PUD #64 KING'S VALLEY
PUD #65 CLEVEN
PUD #66 KING'S RIDGE
PUD #67 RESERVED
PUD #68 GALLERIA
PUD #69 ROBEL FARM
PUD #70 WELLS FARGO WEST DES MOINES CAMPUS
PUD #71 JORDAN CREEK CROSSING I
PUD #72 SOUTH MAPLE GROVE
PUD #73 BELLA SOUTH
PUD #74 JORDAN CREEK CROSSING II
PUD #75 JORDAN HEIGHTS
PUD #76 MAPLE GROVE WEST
PUD #77 PUBLIC SAFETY STATION #19
PUD #78 HERITAGE BEND
PUD #79 VILLAGE AT JORDAN CREEK
PUD #80 TALLYN'S REACH
PUD #81 VILLAGE OF PONDEROSA
PUD #82 PLAZA AT JORDAN CREEK
PUD #83 JORDAN CREEK BUSINESS PARK
PUD #84 MERCY WEST LAKES
PUD #85 LUTHERAN-MYERS
PUD #86 COUNTRY CLUB DENTAL
PUD #87 JORDAN WEST
PUD #88 PARADISE POINTE
PUD #89 SILVERWOOD
PUD #90 BROADMOOR APARTMENTS AT JORDAN CREEK
PUD #91 AVIVA USA
PUD #92 ESCALADE TOWNHOMES
PUD #93 WESTOWN CITY CENTER
PUD #94 TACO JOHN'S
PUD #95 RACCOON RIVER QUARRIES
PUD #96 WEST BANK-CASEY'S
PUD #97 60TH AND ASHWORTH CENTER
PUD #98 FAREWAY
PUD #99 DENTON
PUD #100 KINGS LANDING
PUD #101 ROGER'S FARM
PUD #102 MIDWEST TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS PARK
PUD #103 CLOCKTOWER SQUARE
PUD #104 GRAND VALLEY
PUD #105 ELDORADO ESTATES
PUD #106 1ST STREET REDEVELOPMENT
PUD #107 PLATINUM POINTE TOWNHOMES
PUD #108 MAJESTIC OAKS
PUD #109 DELLA VITA
PUD #110 SAMMONS FINANCIAL GROUP
PUD #111 QUAIL PARK WOODS
PUD #112 PHENIX
PUD #113 THE FOUNDRY
PUD #114 THE PARKWAYS
PUD #115 TRAIL SIDE
PUD #116 RB WDM GRAND LLC
PUD #117 BROWNS WOODS HOLLOW
PUD #118 WDM PUBLIC SERVICES
PUD #119 CEDAR RIDGE
PUD #120 GRAND RIDGE
PUD #121 THE PRESERVE
PUD #122 MIDTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
PUD #123 DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
PUD #124 WENDY’S
PUD #125 SOUTH BRANCH BUSINESS PARK
PUD #126 VILLAGE ON JORDAN CREEK
PUD #127 KING’S GROVE
PUD #128 WESTOWNE SHOPPING CENTER
PUD #129 MILLS LANDING
PUD #130 LINNWILL HY-VEE
PUD #131 THE WILDER PINES
PUD #132 M&W MINI STORAGE (CUBESMART)
PUD #133 ERIK'S BIKES
PUD #134 THE VILLAGE AT SUGAR CREEK
PUD #135 PAVILION PARK
PUD #136 JORDAN RIDGE
PUD #137 JORDAN CREEK TOWER
PUD #138 SUITE SHOTS
PUD #139 ASHWORTH 88
PUD #140 WOODHOUSE
PUD #141 VALLEY WEST MALL
PUD #142 VAL AIR BALLROOM
121-05: LAND USE DESIGN CRITERIA:
In addition to the general criteria as stated above, the following land use regulations, development standards, and design criteria shall apply to the development of all areas designated on the Sketch Plan:
   A.   Parcels A and B: All general use and bulk regulations and provisions set forth in Title 9, Zoning of the West Des Moines City Code for the Single Family Residential (R-1) district shall apply to any development proposal for these parcels, unless noted otherwise in this ordinance.
      1.   Buffers: A minimum sixty-foot (60') buffer park shall be required along SW Grand Prairie Parkway. Plans detailing the landscape vegetation and earthen berming within the buffer park shall be provided in accordance with the West Des Moines buffer ordinance at the time of preliminary platting. The equivalent of one overstory tree shall be required per thirty five (35) linear feet of the sixty foot (60') buffer. Evergreen trees or shrubs shall not be required within the buffer, but may be installed if desired.  
   Installation of the buffer amenities shall occur prior to acceptance of public improvements associated with the adjacent final plat. If surety is posted for public improvements to allow for approval and recordation of the associated final plat before improvements are constructed and accepted (which allows for the sale of lots and construction of dwellings to commence), the buffer vegetation and amenities shall be installed prior to issuance of any occupancy permit, including temporary occupancy permit for any dwelling within the adjacent final plat. If the time of the year prevents installation of the vegetation and amenities, to receive an occupancy permit for any dwelling, surety shall be provided to the City at 1.5 times the cost of the vegetation and labor to install. In this instance, installation shall occur in the first possible planting season and prior to June 15th. No additional occupancy permits, including temporary occupancy permits shall be issued after June 15th until such time that the buffer vegetation and amenities have been installed to the satisfaction of the City.
      2.   Architecture: It is desired that building architecture through Parcels A and B should be varied and provide strong visual interest through the use of design, materials, and detailing. Side and rear building facades shall incorporate a minimum of two material types. One primary and one accent material comprised of a different material type, color, or texture than the primary material. Facades that face a public or private street shall incorporate a third material of brick or stone in a percentage that provides a strong visual presence. Masonry materials shall start and stop at an interior corner created by a change in wall plane or wrap corners a minimum of two (2) feet to give authenticity to the material. Materials, trim and details used on the front façade shall be continued around all sides of the building, however, the level of detail can be reduced on the facades not visible from a street (public or private) or adjacent properties surrounding the development.
   B.   Parcels C, D, and F: All general use and bulk regulations and provisions set forth in Title 9, Zoning of the West Des Moines City Code for the Residential Medium Density (RM-12) district shall apply to any development proposal for these parcels, unless noted otherwise in this ordinance.
      1.   Parcel F, as shown on the sketch plan, shall include approximately 5 acres to be reserved for development of a fire station. The property will be required to be platted at the time that any portion of the adjacent parcels are platted. The fire station land shall be conveyed to the City according to the terms of the Raccoon River Land Development Agreement. At the time of site plan review of the fire station, the city shall be required to install the sixty-foot (60') buffer park and earthen berming along SW Grand Prairie Parkway as required below.
      2.   Buffers: A minimum sixty-foot (60') buffer park shall be required along both sides of SW Grand Prairie Parkway. Plans detailing the landscape vegetation and earthen berming within the buffer park shall be provided in accordance with the West Des Moines buffer ordinance at the time of site planning for adjacent medium-density parcels. The equivalent of one overstory tree shall be required per thirty five (35) linear feet of the sixty foot (60') buffer. Evergreen trees or shrubs shall not be required within the buffer, but may be installed if desired.
   Installation of the buffer amenities shall occur prior to acceptance of public improvements associated with the adjacent final plat. If surety is posted for public improvements to allow for approval and recordation of the associated final plat before improvements are constructed and accepted (which allows for the sale of lots and construction of dwellings to commence), the buffer vegetation and amenities shall be installed prior to issuance of any occupancy permit, including temporary occupancy permit for any dwelling or non-residential building within the adjacent final plat. If the time of the year prevents installation of the buffer vegetation and amenities, to receive an occupancy permit for any dwelling or non-residential building, surety shall be provided to the City at 1.5 times the cost of the vegetation and labor to install. In this instance, installation shall occur in the first possible planting season and prior to June 15th. No additional occupancy permits, including temporary occupancy permits shall be issued after June 15th until such time that the buffer vegetation and amenities have been installed to the satisfaction of the City.
      3.   Architecture: The intent is to encourage a sense of place by allowing the imaginative and efficient utilization of land that engages residents with the street and neighborhood. Building design should reinforce a sense of community by establishing a unique identity within a cohesive design theme. This can be accomplished by careful attention to building massing and human scale, choice of exterior building materials, details and site orientation. Porches are encouraged to be made a part of the front façade of dwellings to provide a useable outdoor room and promote community connectedness.
   The following shall apply to the different types of medium density dwellings proposed within The Preserve PUD:
         a.   Building design for residential uses should use materials such as brick, stone, stucco, lap siding or shakes, decorative trim or similar combination of material which represents a variation of architectural styles or elements. Materials choices should be durable, substantial and of a quality that will maintain their appearance over a prolonged time. Use of natural materials is encouraged, composite materials such as fiber cement and wood composites are appropriate substitutions. Vinyl siding may be used only with appropriately scaled trim.
         b.   Long blank walls are prohibited. The building and unit plans shall be designed and organized to provide variety and interest on all sides of the building. If function dictates the need for a segment of blank wall, its appearance shall be mitigated with one or more of the following strategies:
            i.   Incorporating minor changes in building footprint and roof forms along with utilizing a variety of materials for visual interest and to break-up blank wall expanses.
            ii.   Including door or window openings or changes in materials that mimic openings in a number and size that is in proportion to the other building facades. Accent windows can be located high enough that they don't interfere with furniture placement or trigger security concerns, but add interest to the façade and provide natural light to the interior of the space.
            iii.   Building elements such as porches, arcades, awnings and accent lighting.
         c.   Attached garages facing any street shall be designed to minimize their appearance. When the building contains more than 4 garage bays per facade, the garage doors shall be enhanced by the addition of engaged columns, secondary roof forms or decorative garage doors to mitigate the dominant appearance of the doors.
         d.   Detached garages or accessory structures should be clad in the same materials and incorporate similar architectural details of the primary buildings with the use of roof forms, windows, doors and other facade detailing. Portions of accessory buildings visible from any street or adjacent property shall incorporate same level of detail as the primary buildings. Detached garages shall contain no more than eight (8) garage doors per façade.
         e.   Attached Multi-Family Building (Up To 4 Units): It is desired that building architecture through Parcels C, D and F should be varied and provide strong visual interest through the use of design, materials, and detailing. Side and rear building facades shall incorporate a minimum of two material types. One primary and one accent material comprised of a different material type, color, or texture than the primary material. Facades that face a public or private street shall incorporate a third material of brick or stone in a percentage that provides a strong visual presence. Masonry materials shall start and stop at an interior corner created by a change in wall plane or wrap corners a minimum of two (2) feet to give authenticity to the material. Materials, trim and details used on the front façade shall be continued around all sides of the building, however, the level of detail can be reduced on the facades not visible from a street (public or private) or adjacent properties surrounding the development.
         f.   Attached Multi-Family Building (Greater than 4 Units): All facades of the building shall be treated with the same level of architectural style and detail (360 degree architecture). Variations in building form and design such as facade modulation and articulation (stepping back or extending forward a portion of the building) and changing the roof height and form by alternating dormers, stepped roofs, gables, or other roof elements - organized with the changes in plan shall be incorporated to lessen the plainness of appearance, mitigate the building mass and repetitive characteristic of large residential buildings. All building elevations shall incorporate a minimum of three material types. One primary material, one accent material, comprised of a different material type, color, or texture from the primary material and a third material comprised of brick or stone. Masonry materials shall be located principally on the base (lowest) story of the building and as the majority cladding of that story, and shall start and stop at an interior corner created by a change in wall plane or wrap corners a minimum of two (2) feet to give authenticity to the material. Variation in materials, material modules, and material heights along with expressed joints, textures, colors and details should be used to break up the mass of the buildings. The use of trim and detailing such as window and door trim, band boards, louvers, etc. shall be carried around all sides of the building and shall be appropriately sized to be noticeable and provide visual interest and detailing. Entrances into buildings should face the street and be easily identified through the use of building design and detailing. Door or window openings shall be incorporated on all sides of the building.
         g.   Outdoor Living Area: For horizontally attached multi-family buildings, all dwelling units within the building shall provide a defined outdoor living space (porch, deck or patio) with a minimum usable area of 100 square feet. For multi-family buildings with vertically attached units, all dwelling units within the building shall provide a defined outdoor living space (deck or patio) with a minimum usable area of 40 square feet and a minimum usable dimension of five (5) feet deep in either direction. Buildings greater than 4 units may provide area(s) of common defined outdoor living space (of an area equivalent or greater than the total required area of all units within the building) in lieu of outdoor living area for individual units. The common defined outdoor living space(s) must be adjacent or in close proximity to the building.
   C.   Parcel E: All general use and bulk regulations and provisions set forth in Title 9, Zoning of the West Des Moines City Code for the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district shall apply to any development proposal for the parcel, unless noted otherwise in this ordinance.
      1.   Land Use: Uses permitted and permitted conditionally shall be allowed within Parcel E in accordance with the zoning ordinance for the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) district pursuant to title 9 of the City Code and with the approval of the appropriate review body.
      2.   Parking: Parking for a planned commercial center constructed in parcel E shall be calculated according to subsection 9-15-7B, "Planned Commercial Center", of the city code or, if applicable, for single use commercial developments as required.
      3.   Buffers: A minimum sixty-foot (60') buffer park shall be required along SW Grand Prairie Parkway. Plans detailing the landscape vegetation and earthen berming within the buffer park shall be provided in accordance with the West Des Moines buffer ordinance at the time of site planning. The equivalent of one overstory tree shall be required per thirty five (35) linear feet of the sixty foot (60') buffer. Evergreen trees or shrubs shall not be required within the buffer, but may be installed if desired.
      Installation of the buffer vegetation and amenities (development branding signage and sculptures) shall occur prior to acceptance of public improvements associated with the adjacent final plat. If surety is posted for public improvements to allow for approval and recordation of the associated final plat before improvements are constructed and accepted (which allows for the sale of lots and construction of dwellings to commence), the buffer vegetation and amenities shall be installed prior to issuance of any occupancy permit, including temporary occupancy permit for any building within the adjacent final plat. If the time of the year prevents installation of the buffer vegetation and amenities, to receive an occupancy permit for a building within the parcel, surety shall be provided to the City at 1.5 times the cost of the vegetation and labor to install. In this instance, installation shall occur in the first possible planting season and prior to June 15th. No additional occupancy permits, including temporary occupancy permits shall be issued after June 15th until such time that the buffer vegetation and amenities have been installed to the satisfaction of the City.
      4.   Architecture: The intent is to create building facades throughout this development that are varied and articulated to provide visual interest and to establish a unique identity for the development. Although it is understood and preferred that not all buildings within this development are identical, each building will include design elements such as similar building proportion and roof forms as well as common materials, colors and detailing to provide continuity amongst buildings and to unite all structures within the development into one project concept. All sides to each building shall receive high quality materials, finishes, and details (360 degree architectural treatment). There are no "backs" to a building. Materials should be durable, economically maintained and of a quality that will maintain their appearance over a prolonged time. The architectural design of any building within this development shall be acceptable to the City.
   All buildings within this development shall accommodate or incorporate the following in building design and materials:
         a.   Form and Scale: Buildings shall be designed to relate specifically to the pedestrian in scale and respond to the residential context of its surroundings. The following techniques shall be used to meet this objective.
            i.   Buildings shall be organized to create a logical balance and relationship within the site, open spaces and circulation. The design of buildings shall meet context and site objectives such as providing gateways, creating linkages and framing or terminating views.
            ii.   Variation in building height, mass and roof forms shall be provided while still maintaining an overall building continuity. Shifts in building planes/facades and variation in exterior materials shall be incorporated to minimize long expanses of wall.
            iii.   Entrances into buildings shall be easily identified through the use of building design and detailing. Projected or recessed entryways, change in rooflines, addition of awnings or changes in building material are examples that can create this effect.
            iv.   Ground floor areas shall provide the maximum possible glazing toward pedestrian areas to provide visual interest and to promote the linkage of the interior and exterior of buildings.
            v.   Fenestration (door and window openings) and trim and structural elements (such as posts or columns) shall be sized to the scale of the building and be compatible with the chosen architectural style.
            vi.   A building's roof form and related details/materials are an integral part of the architectural design aesthetic. Roofs shall not be designed as attention-getting devices related to the reinforcement of signage or as an identifiable corporate image.
            vii.   Views of roof and building mounted mechanical equipment shall mitigate by screening incorporated into the design of the building through location and the use of parapets, screening walls, or other acceptable solutions as identified during the review of the site plan.
         b.   Material Quality and Detail:
            i.   Natural materials such as brick and stone shall be used as the major cladding elements of the facade. Architectural precast concrete, composite or metal panel acceptable to the City may be incorporated in the design up to 40% of the cladding area.
               1.   Concrete products shall have integrated color rather than surface applied paint/staining and should generally have texture for interest; smooth finish concrete products may be used in conjunction with texture for accent purposes.
               2.   All composite or metal panel systems must have finished edges and concealed fasteners. Trim or channels must be the same color as the panels.
               3.   The use of EIFS or synthetic stucco shall be used in moderation and primarily used as a minor cladding or trim material. Use of EIFS is limited to areas of the building seven feet (8') above grade and higher.
               4.   The use of non-architectural metal and vinyl cladding materials is prohibited.
            ii.   Variation in materials, material modules, expressed joints, textures, colors and details shall be used to break up the mass of the buildings. Changes in materials shall be aligned with changes in plan or roof form to emphasize these changes in building mass and shall have the appearance of 3-dimensional elements.
         c.   Corporate architecture shall be prohibited. Limited use of architectural elements characteristic of prototypical architecture may be allowed at the discretion of the Director of Development Services or the appropriate reviewing and approval body. Implementation of these architectural elements shall be minimized and whenever possible modified to give a unique image to the establishment. No standard corporate building design without modifications shall be implemented.
   D.   Parcel G: All general use and bulk regulations and provisions set forth in Title 9, Zoning of the West Des Moines City Code for the Residential Medium Density (RM-12) district shall apply to any development proposal for the property, unless noted otherwise in this ordinance.
   Parcel G, as shown on the sketch plan, shall include approximately five (5) acres to be reserved for development of a water tower Parcel G shall be required to be platted at the time that any portion of the adjacent parcels are platted. The water tower land shall be conveyed to the City according to the terms of the Raccoon River Land Development Agreement.
   E.   Parcel H: All general use and bulk regulations and provisions set forth in Title 9, Zoning of the West Des Moines City Code for the Residential Estate (RE-1A) District shall apply to any development proposal for the property, unless noted otherwise in this ordinance.
      1.   Storm Water: Individual lots within Parcel H shall capture and treat the water quality volume in accordance with the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual through design and installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Supporting calculations and construction details are required to be submitted in conjunction with the building permit for the dwelling structure on each lot and shall be approved by the City prior to issuance of a building permit, including footing and foundation permits, for the respective lot.
      2.   Buffers: A minimum sixty-foot (60') buffer park shall be required along SW Grand Prairie Parkway. Plans detailing the landscape vegetation and earthen berming within the buffer park shall be provided in accordance with the West Des Moines buffer ordinance at the time of preliminary platting. The equivalent of one overstory tree shall be required per thirty-five (35) linear feet of the sixty-foot (60') buffer. Evergreen trees and shrubs shall not be required within the buffer but may be installed if desired.  
   Installation of the buffer vegetation and amenities (development branding signage and sculptures) shall occur prior to acceptance of public improvements associated with the adjacent final plat. If surety is posted for public improvements to allow for approval and recordation of the associated final plat before improvements are constructed and accepted (which allows for the sale of lots and construction of dwellings to commence), the buffer vegetation and amenities shall be installed prior to issuance of any occupancy permit, including temporary occupancy permit for any dwelling within the adjacent final plat. If the time of the year prevents installation of the buffer vegetation and amenities, to receive an occupancy permit for any dwelling, surety shall be provided to the City at 1.5 times the cost of the vegetation and labor to install. In this instance, installation shall occur in the first possible planting season and prior to June 15th. No additional occupancy permits, including temporary occupancy permits shall be issued after June 15th until such time that the buffer vegetation and amenities have been installed to the satisfaction of the City.
      3.   Architecture: It is desired that building architecture through Parcel H should be varied and provide strong visual interest through the use of design, materials, and detailing. Side and rear building facades shall incorporate a minimum of two material types. One primary and one accent material comprised of a different material type, color, or texture than the primary material. Facades that face a public or private street shall incorporate a third material of brick or stone in a percentage that provides a strong visual presence. Masonry materials shall start and stop at an interior corner created by a change in wall plane or wrap corners a minimum of two (2) feet to give authenticity to the material. Materials, trim and details used on the front façade shall be continued around all sides of the building, however, the level of detail can be reduced on the facades not visible from a street (public or private) or adjacent properties to parcel H within or outside of The Preserves development.
      4.   Fire Sprinklering: Homes within Parcel H that are eight thousand (8,000) square feet or larger (including garages and any structure within twenty feet (20') of the dwelling) must be fire sprinklered according to the West Des Moines fire code. Homes on Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 of The Preserve Estates Plat 1 shall be fire sprinklered regardless of size of the dwelling structure as the homes on those lots will be greater than seven hundred fifty feet (750') from SW Grand Prairie Parkway. The distance from SW Grand Prairie Parkway to the dwelling structure shall be determined by the City Fire Marshal. (Ord. 2383, 10-21-2019; amd. Ord. 2413, 5-4-2020)