Looking for a civil engineer in Des Moines, WA? Describe your project once and up to three licensed civil engineers who work in Des Moines and King County get back to you with a quote. It's free and there is no obligation.
Des Moines is home to about 33,207 people (2024 Census Bureau estimate), a stable community (+0.9% since 2020). With 5,178 people per sq mi, it is a densely built-up area. New homes, commercial buildings and subdivisions here go through site plan review, where a sealed civil plan is often required.
Des Moines at a glance
- Population (Census Bureau estimate, 2024)
- 33,207 (+0.9% since 2020)
- Rank in Washington
- 40th of 281 cities and towns
- Land area
- 6.4 sq mi
- Population density
- 5,178 people per sq mi (densely built-up)
- Type
- City (Des Moines city)
- Main county
- King County
What to check before hiring in Des Moines
- License: in Washington, site, grading and drainage plans are sealed by a Professional Engineer licensed by the state board.
- Survey: have a boundary and topographic survey ready, or ask the engineer to coordinate one.
- Local rules: stormwater standards differ between cities and counties; the engineer designs to the rules where the site is.
- Price drivers: site size, slope, utilities, stormwater requirements and review rounds.
Useful official resources
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NCEES: state licensing boards
Find your state board to check an engineer's license.
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EPA: construction stormwater
Federal stormwater rules for construction sites.
Services available in Des Moines
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Site plan, grading and utilities
Civil site plan with grading, utilities and access, sealed by a licensed engineer for the permit.
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Stormwater and drainage design
Drainage calculations and stormwater management design required by the city, county or state.
Frequently asked questions in Des Moines
How much does a site plan cost in Des Moines, WA?
It depends on the site, the project and the local requirements. Describe your project: engineers who serve Des Moines send a proposal.
How long does it take?
Design often takes a few weeks, then the review by the city or county adds time.
Can the engineer handle the permit review?
Most civil engineers respond to review comments and resubmit the plans for you.
Which licensed civil engineers will contact me?
Up to three independent licensed civil engineers who serve Des Moines and the surrounding area, chosen for the service you need. Your details are shared only with your consent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2024) and Gazetteer Files (public domain), imported on 10/31/2026. Figures describe the incorporated place or county as published; they are shown for information only.