Des Moines may suspend or revoke a short-term rental permit when a property accumulates documented nuisance, occupancy, or zoning violations. Operators with repeat strikes face escalating penalties under Ch. 134-2.6.4 and Code Compliance Ch. 28.
Although Des Moines does not publish a formal three-strikes ordinance, the STR permit issued under Zoning Ch. 134-2.6.4 is conditioned on continued good-faith compliance. Repeated documented complaints, such as overcapacity parties, parking blockages, life-safety failures, or unpermitted operation, can trigger administrative review by Development Services and Code Compliance Ch. 28. Outcomes range from written warning, to permit suspension, to full revocation with a re-application bar. Police nuisance reports, neighbor complaints, and Polk County tax filings can all be considered when deciding whether to renew an annual permit.
Three or more substantiated complaints in a 12-month window typically draw a suspension; ongoing nuisance behavior or unpaid civil penalties trigger revocation and disqualification from re-permitting.
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