Based solely on the provided content, here is a well-organized guide for short-term rental (STR) regulations in Adel, Iowa, formatted for STR investors:

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Adel, IA?

Iowa municipalities, including Adel, regulate short-term rentals. The provided sources do not indicate any specific bans or comprehensive regulatory frameworks for Adel. Therefore, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Adel, Iowa, subject to local zoning, homeowner association (HOA) rules, and state-level taxes.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Adel, Iowa

1. Verify Zoning & Restrictions:

   • Confirm with the city of Adel or Dallas County that your property is zoned for short-term rentals (typically "Commercial" or specific "Short-Term Rental" zones, not purely "Residential").
   • Check your property's covenants and HOA bylaws for any explicit bans or restrictions on STRs. Non-compliance can lead to legal action by the HOA.

2. Obtain Required Permits & Licenses:

   • Business License: Contact Adel City Hall to determine if a local business license is required for operating an STR. [Contact information needed].
   • State Tax Permit: Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue to legally collect and remit Iowa sales tax and any applicable local option sales taxes.

3. Secure Appropriate Insurance:

   • CRITICAL: Standard Homeowners or Landlord insurance policies do NOT cover the unique risks of STRs.
   • Obtain a specialized STR insurance policy (like Proper Insurance) that includes:
     • Commercial General Liability (min. $1M recommended).
     • Building & Contents Coverage (replacement cost, no occupancy restrictions).
     • Business Revenue Protection (covers lost income after a covered claim).
     • Key Enhancements: Property Entrustment, Pet/Animal Liability, Bed Bug Coverage, Squatter Protection, Amenity Liability (on & off-premises), Liquor Liability.

4. Set Up Tax Collection & Remittance:

   • Sales Tax: Iowa's state sales tax is 6%. Local option taxes may apply, bringing the total to 7-8%. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo may collect these taxes automatically, but you are ultimately responsible for compliance and remittance. Verify your platform's setup.
   • Lodging Tax: Some municipalities impose an additional lodging tax. You must verify if Adel or Dallas County has a lodging tax and register to collect it. Contact city hall for clarification.

5. Prepare the Property:

   • Ensure the property meets safety standards (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, safe egress).
   • Furnish and equip the property according to market standards (Wi-Fi, kitchenware, linens, etc.).

6. Launch and Market:

   • List your property on major STR platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com).
   • Utilize local marketing and property management services if needed (e.g., Awning, RedAwning).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Business License (Potential): Issued by Adel City Hall (if required). [Contact Info Needed].
• State Tax Permit: Issued by the Iowa Department of Revenue (for sales tax collection).
• Lodging Tax Permit (Potential): Issued by Adel City Hall or Dallas County (if a local lodging tax exists). [Contact Info Needed].
• Zoning Compliance Confirmation: Documentation or confirmation from Adel City Planning & Zoning. [Contact Info Needed].
• HOA Approval (if applicable): Written approval or evidence of compliance with HOA covenants.
• Specialized STR Insurance Policy: Policy documents from an insurer like Proper Insurance.
• Platform Compliance: Ensure listings comply with the terms of service of Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.
• State & Local Tax Registration: Proof of registration with the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals (Adel, Dallas County, Iowa)

Iowa State Level:

• Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax is applied to the rental of lodging. An additional local option sales tax of 1-2% may also apply, for a total of 7-8%.
• Zoning Authority: State law grants municipalities the authority to regulate land use, including short-term rentals. Therefore, the primary source of regulation is the city or county.

Dallas County Level:

• The provided content does not indicate any county-specific regulations for STRs in Dallas County. County-level rules are less common than city ordinances, but zoning for unincorporated areas may apply.

Adel City Level:

• Regulatory Status: The provided sources do not contain any specific municipal ordinances, bans, permit requirements, or safety standards for short-term rentals in Adel.
• Key Areas to Verify: * Permit Requirements: Is a specific STR permit/registration required? * Occupancy Limits: Are there limits on the number of guests? * Safety Standards: Are there specific requirements for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, or fire extinguishers? * Noise & Nuisance Ordinances: Standard city ordinances against excessive noise, disorderly conduct, and illegal parking apply and can be enforced for STR guests. * Lodging Tax: Does the city impose an additional tax on short-term lodging?

IMPORTANT: Prospective operators must directly contact Adel City Hall or the Dallas County Administration to confirm there are no specific local regulations, permit requirements, or fees in addition to state taxes.

Contact Information for Local Authority

The provided content does not include specific contact information for Adel City Hall or the Dallas County Administration regarding short-term rentals.

• For Adel City Hall: Search for official city contact details (typically a phone number, email, and website) on the official City of Adel website. Ask for the Planning & Zoning Department or the City Clerk.
• For Dallas County Administration: Search for Dallas County government contact details online. Ask for the County Administrator or Zoning/Planning department.

Links to Source Pages

• Proper Insurance - Short-Term Rental Regulations for Iowa: https://www.proper.insure/short-term-rental-insurance/iowa/
• Proper Insurance - Iowa Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations: https://www.proper.insure/airbnb-laws-iowa/
• RedAwning - Iowa Airbnb Management Company Directory: https://www.redawning.com/pm/post/iowa-airbnb-management-company-directory

Disclaimer: This guide is based only on the provided content. The absence of specific Adel ordinances in the sources does not mean they do not exist. You are strongly advised to contact Adel City Hall and Dallas County directly to verify all local regulations and requirements before investing or operating a short-term rental.