Ankeny, IA Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Ankeny Code of Ordinances Section 177.07 establishes the Housing Code within Section 102.12 of the Property Maintenance and Housing Code, and Section 102.12.2 states its provisions apply to all rental dwellings, including short-term rentals, used or intended for human habitation. It separately confirms that short-term rentals of thirty days or less are subject to the chapter's requirements, Iowa Code Chapter 423A, its own exemptions, and any requirements imposed by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. No dwelling may be occupied for human habitation until the Code Official issues a certificate confirming it conforms to housing requirements, called an occupancy certificate, and Section 102.12.10 separately bars anyone from renting, leasing, letting or operating a dwelling without a valid inspection certificate under the chapter.

Section 102.12.6 requires applying to the Community Development Department on city-provided forms with an inspection and application fee set by City Council resolution; the City inspects the property and issues the certificate if it complies, or provides written notice of the reasons for noncompliance if it does not. For new construction, a Building Code Certificate of Occupancy counts as valid for the initial duration of the rental inspection certificate. Certificates run for a term set by Council resolution and require re-inspection within sixty days of expiration under Section 102.12.11.