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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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