Where Des Moines Is Growing: A Quick Guide to PlanDSM

Is your next move tied to where Des Moines is growing? You are not alone. Buyers and sellers across the metro want to understand what the city’s long-term plan means for neighborhoods, new projects, and property values. In this quick guide, you will learn how PlanDSM works, the areas seeing the most activity, and what to watch as rules evolve. Let’s dive in.

PlanDSM at a glance

PlanDSM is Des Moines’ official comprehensive plan that sets goals for land use, housing, transportation, parks, and more. It was adopted on April 25, 2016 and guides zoning, capital investments, and neighborhood planning across the city. You can review the plan’s goals and the Future Land Use Map on the City’s site at PlanDSM. To check a specific address, use the City’s Future Land Use Map and the “Show Me My House” zoning map on the same planning pages.

Where growth concentrates now

PlanDSM directs higher intensity development to key centers and along major corridors, while supporting reinvestment in established neighborhoods. The Future Land Use Map is the best indicator of where the city expects more density and mixed use.

Downtown, East Village, Market District

The Market District south of the East Village is a major focus for mixed-use redevelopment. The city has advanced infrastructure and incentives, and the new Two Rivers Park is an anchor amenity for the area. See the district vision on the Market District site and the 9-acre park coverage from KCCI.

Downtown housing momentum

Large multifamily projects and a new residential tower are boosting downtown living options. A notable example is the 33-story 515 Walnut Tower, which signaled increased residential investment in 2024–2025. Expect continued infill near the core as amenities and riverfront access improve.

Neighborhood reinvestment pockets

Beyond downtown, smaller projects are appearing near parks and in priority areas. Recent reporting highlighted renewed interest around Riverview Park, including small apartment proposals and a larger plan in 2025. That activity aligns with PlanDSM’s reinvestment tools and programs such as InvestDSM; see local coverage of Riverview redevelopment.

Metro ripple effects

Regional growth on the metro’s edge influences demand inside Des Moines. West Des Moines and nearby suburbs continue to expand along highway corridors with logistics, data centers, and new housing, which shapes jobs and commute patterns across Polk County. Read about the annexation and warehouse growth trend in Axios coverage.

Housing rules shaping change

City leaders have explored middle housing and ADU options to increase housing diversity in established neighborhoods. Proposed rules active in 2024–2025 could allow more duplexes, triplexes, or backyard homes on some blocks. Track outreach materials and updates on the city’s middle housing engagement page.

Des Moines also worked on a citywide Comprehensive Housing Strategy in 2024–2025. Drafts spurred public debate and were revised by Council, so treat details as evolving until a final strategy is adopted. You can see summary reporting on the ongoing process in Axios’ housing strategy update.

Public incentives, land disposition, and infrastructure sequencing continue to steer development toward targeted areas. The Market District is a clear example where these tools are in play to catalyze change.

What it means for buyers

• Expect more new apartments and amenities near downtown, the Market District, and along key corridors.
• If you prefer lower-intensity blocks, watch for middle-housing and ADU changes that may allow small-scale infill nearby.
• Confirm a property’s Future Land Use designation and current zoning before you offer, especially near parks or major corridors.
• Consider long-term access to trails, riverfront, and parks when comparing neighborhoods.

What it means for sellers

• Proximity to planned parks or downtown amenities can be a selling point, especially near Two Rivers Park or the riverfront.
• If your parcel sits near a designated higher-intensity area on the Future Land Use Map, be ready for buyer questions about future change.
• Highlight recent nearby public investments, neighborhood programs, and trail access in your listing materials.
• Include links to the City’s planning maps in disclosures so buyers can verify future land-use expectations.

How to verify a property

• Look up the address in the City’s “Show Me My House” zoning map.
• Check the Future Land Use Map for the planned intensity and use category.
• Review recent City Council agendas for any rezoning or plan amendments affecting the parcel.
• Drive the area for on-the-ground signs of infrastructure work or new construction.
• Watch the City’s comprehensive plan update, Imagine Des Moines 2044, for any changes to land-use policy at imaginedesmoines2044.com.

What is next

PlanDSM remains the baseline today, and the City’s Imagine Des Moines 2044 update advanced through drafts in 2025. Expect ongoing refinements to housing policy, corridor priorities, and neighborhood strategies. If your timeline is flexible, verify current zoning and any pending plan amendments before making a major decision.

Ready to talk through how these trends affect your block, your budget, or your build? Reach out to Boutique Real Estate (Iowa) for neighborhood‑focused guidance tailored to your goals.

FAQs

When was PlanDSM adopted and does it still guide decisions?

• PlanDSM was adopted on April 25, 2016 and continues to guide city decisions while the 2044 update proceeds.

Where is Des Moines allowing more density under PlanDSM?

• Higher intensity is generally directed to downtown, key centers and corridors, and targeted redevelopment districts such as the Market District, with zoning controlling exact allowances.

How do parks like Two Rivers or the riverfront affect nearby areas?

• Major parks and trails often increase desirability and are used to attract mixed-use and residential investment in adjacent blocks.

What are middle housing and ADUs in Des Moines?

• Middle housing includes duplexes and small multifamily, and ADUs are accessory homes on the same lot, both considered to add options in established neighborhoods.

How can I check if changes are planned near my home?

• Use the City’s Future Land Use Map, zoning map, and recent Council agendas to confirm any pending rezonings or plan amendments.