Des Moines does not limit short-term rentals to primary residences. Investor-owned and second-home STRs are eligible for permits under Ch. 134-2.6.4 if zoning, life-safety, insurance, and local-responder requirements are met.
Many cities require STR operators to use the dwelling as their primary residence for a minimum number of days per year. Des Moines does not impose this restriction. Under Zoning Ordinance Ch. 134-2.6.4, both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied dwelling units may obtain a short-term rental permit, subject to district eligibility, neighborhood density spacing, and basic operational standards. This makes Des Moines a relatively permissive STR market compared to peer Midwest capitals, although individual neighborhoods and HOAs may impose private-deed limits the city does not enforce.
Misrepresenting occupancy status on a permit application, operating without a permit, or violating zoning-district limits can lead to revocation, civil penalties, and disqualification from re-permitting.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines does not require an STR operator to live onsite during guest stays. Both hosted and unhosted whole-home rentals are allowed citywide if the operat...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires short-term rental operators to obtain a rental certificate and board of adjustment approval before operating. STRs are defined as commerc...
See how Des Moines's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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