In general, private signs are just not allowed in the right-of-way (ROW).  There are two key points to keep in mind before removing an illegal sign:  you need to make sure the sign is in the ROW, and if the sign has "value", please contact the City of Des Moines Traffic and Transportation (283-4973).  In reality almost none of the illegal signs in the ROW have real value.  The typical paper or plastic signs would not have real value, but a 4'X8' plywood sign probably would have.

If you have questions about whether the sign was in the ROW or has value, just leave it and contact Traffic & Transportation 283-4973 so they can check it out and take proper action.  If you think there are illegal signs on private property, you should call the City's Zoning Enforcement (283-4200) to report them.  You could potentially be trespassing if you go onto private property to remove a sign, even if it is an illegal sign.  Also, for political campaign signs, just report those to the City – but use some discretion. If it's a safety problem, the City will take immediate action.  Otherwise, unless there is an excessive number or they stay up several days after the election, the city generally won't to be taking someone's campaign signs.

Anyway, if you just help with the simple paper or plastic signs that are obvious, that's probably at least 95% of the problem, and contact the city for any others.  Thanks for your help.

Grafitti Camera - 

The Des Moines Police Department has a grafitti camera that can be used to help reduce problems with vandalism and other issues.  Contact our local NBSD officer for more details.  Go the the Report a Problem page and scoll to the bottom of the page to see current contact information and a list of other services provided by our valuable NBSD officers.

Subsidized Sidewalk - 

Do you have sidewalk that needs replaced?  There may be ways to get the replacement costs subsidised by the City of Des Moines.  Go to the Report a Problem page and click the sidewalk subsidy link.

$10,000 free money with Neighborhood Finance Corporation! - 

If you live within the South Park Neighborhood (Check out the About Us page for boundaries), you qualify for a forgiveable home improvement loan up to $10,000! The are no income requirements, you only have to live within our boundaries!  There are also ways NFC can help with new home buyers with closing costs.   Please call the NFC for more details at 288-5626, ext 202.  Or check out their website at www.neighborhoodfinance.org