Utility Permitting and Construction Procedures

Private Utility Work

  • All private utility work completed within City owned property or easements shall be reviewed and approved by the City of West Des Moines prior to starting any construction.

  • All utility work on City owned property or easements shall comply with Title 7 of the West Des Moines City Code.

  • For subdivision and City project related utility work the utility company is responsible for coordinating with the project design engineer.

  • Prior to starting any private work, a permit application must be submitted through the City of West Des Moines SharePoint site. To obtain access to the SharePoint site please contact Nick Rentel (nick.rentel@wdm.iowa.gov). The SharePoint application will require general information about the project as well as contact information. Detailed construction plans will be required to be uploaded and shall comply with all requirements detailed here.

Locates

  • Prior to new building construction information on sanitary and storm sewer locations may be obtained by contacting West Des Moines Engineering Services at 515-222-3475.

  • West Des Moines Water Works information can be obtained through the Iowa One Call Design Request System (http://www.iowaonecall.com/designrequestsystem) or by calling 515-222-3510.

  • All new and relocated utility lines shall be placed underground, unless approved by the City Engineer.

  • The utility company is responsible for determining the corridor for lines and appurtenances to avoid potential conflicts with City infrastructure.

  • Utility work shall follow the West Des Moines Guidelines for Placement of Utilities.

  • The utility company is responsible for determining locations for other utilities and City infrastructure when putting together a proposal for work in the City. It is highly advised that the utility company obtain design locates when putting together their proposal. Contact the City of West Des Moines Public Services Sewer Division by calling 515-222-3480 at least 48 hours prior to starting any utility work for City sanitary and storm sewer locate information.

  • Utility coring holes for locating shall follow the West Des Moines Utility Coring and Hydro-Excavating Requirements.

  • West Des Moines digital maps are available for use as a base map and to obtain City infrastructure information. *Note that these maps do not include Water Works information

Permitting
  • At least 48 hours prior to starting any work on public property or easements City permits for any excavations, tunneling, or necessary street lane closures shall be obtained.
  • ROW/Excavation Permit Application is available online and can be emailed to bi@wdm.iowa.gov or completed at the Development Services office located at City Hall in Suite 1D.
  • Street/Lane Closure Permit Application is available online, to be completed and faxed to Public Services at 515-222-3478.

 

 

Utility work in the City shall not start unless the respective utility company proposal has been accepted by the City and the proper lane closure forms and/or excavation permits have been obtained.
It is expected and imperative that the respective utility company and its contractors will provide appropriate notification and coordination with nearby residents, businesses, and property owners prior to any utility work.
Immediately upon completion of utility work; backfill, restore, sod, and repair any disturbed areas and damaged items caused by any utility work prior to utility work crews leaving each job site location in accordance to Article 7-1B-9 and Chapter 7-14 of West Des Moines City Code.

 

Contact the City of West Des Moines Engineering Services at 515-222-3475 at least 48 hours prior to starting any utility work within the City.

Last updated: 01/31/2023 JG

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