All oversize loads entering the City of De Soto, located in Dallas County, must conform to the requirements set by the Iowa Department of Transportation and De Soto's local ordinances.

In general, any vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or exceeding 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight should obtain an oversize load permit from the Iowa DOT with additional notification to the City of De Soto Public Works Department.

Loads exceeding 12 feet in width require pre-approval from the City of De Soto, especially if the route includes travel on or under the Highway 44 overpass, as vertical clearance can be a concern. Contact the De Soto Public Works Department at least 72 hours prior to transport to confirm clearance.

Escort vehicles are typically required in De Soto when the load exceeds 12 feet in width or 85 feet in length. For loads exceeding 14 feet in width or 100 feet in length, two escort vehicles (one front and one rear) are mandatory.

While De Soto itself doesn't require dedicated police escorts within city limits, if the route necessitates travel on state highways within Dallas County, the Iowa State Patrol may require a police escort. Contact the Iowa State Patrol District 1 at (515) 281-5765 for specific requirements and scheduling. Fees for police escorts are determined by the Iowa State Patrol and are separate from city permit fees.

Begin by obtaining an oversize load permit from the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) through their online permitting system. Then, notify the De Soto Public Works Department at (515) 834-2630 with the Iowa DOT permit number and proposed route through the city. This allows them to assess potential impacts and provide any necessary local guidance.

Documentation requirements for De Soto include a copy of the Iowa DOT permit, a detailed route map highlighting any turns or potential obstructions, and proof of insurance. For loads exceeding 14 feet in width, a structural analysis of any bridges along the route may be required by the City Engineer.

Time-of-day restrictions in De Soto prohibit oversize loads from traveling through the city between 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM on weekdays, coinciding with peak school and commuter traffic. Weekend travel is generally permitted, but subject to review by the Public Works Department.

Seasonal restrictions may apply during periods of heavy snowfall or flooding. Check with the De Soto Public Works Department for any active restrictions before commencing transport during winter months or periods of heavy rainfall.

Restricted routes include the residential areas north of Highway 44 and streets immediately surrounding the De Soto Elementary School during school hours. Avoid using County Road F90 (Orchard Hills Drive) due to weight restrictions on a small bridge near the city limits.

De Soto does not currently charge a separate permit fee for oversize loads traveling through the city, provided they have a valid Iowa DOT permit and have notified the Public Works Department. However, fees may be assessed for any damage caused to city infrastructure as a result of the transport.

While there is no base permit fee, the city reserves the right to charge for personnel time if a site visit or detailed route assessment is required due to the size or complexity of the load. This will be communicated to the applicant in advance.