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 does not have a standalone tenant anti-harassment ordinance. Tenant protections come from Iowa Code 562A.36 retaliation rules and federal Fair Hou...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines allows ADUs in its neighborhood districts under Municipal Code Chapter 134, with building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits through De...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Chapter 134 historically required the owner to live in either the main house or the ADU, backed by a recorded affidavit. Since July 1, 2025, Iowa ...
Des Moines, IA
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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...
See how Des Moines's primary-residence-only rule rules stack up against other locations.
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