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

YES - Short-term rentals are allowed in Altoona, Iowa under specific conditions. Based on available information, Altoona permits short-term rentals provided that the property owner is present during the guest stay. Additionally, a conditional use permit is required to operate a short-term rental in the city.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Altoona, IA

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning Compliance

• Verify your property is located within Altoona city limits
• Confirm that short-term rental use is permitted in your specific zoning district
• Ensure the property meets all residential requirements

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

• Conditional Use Permit: This is mandatory for operating a short-term rental in Altoona
• Submit application to the City of Altoona planning/zoning department
• Pay associated permit fees (contact city for current fee schedule)

Step 3: Owner-Occupancy Requirement

• Critical Requirement: You must be present at the property during all guest stays
• This distinguishes Altoona's approach from purely investor-owned STRs
• Plan your business model around this occupancy requirement

Step 4: Property Preparation

• Ensure the property meets all safety and habitability standards
• Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors)
• Prepare the property for guest occupancy while maintaining residential character

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

1. Conditional Use Permit (Required)

   • Contact Altoona City Hall for application process
   • May require public hearing or review process
   • Must be renewed according to city schedule

2. Business License (If Applicable)

   • Check if a general business license is required
   • Contact city clerk's office for requirements

Tax Obligations

• Iowa Hotel and Motel Tax: 5% of listing price and fees
• Local Hotel and Motel Tax: 2-7% of the price (varies by locality)
• Register with Iowa Department of Revenue for tax collection/remittance
• Maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections

Safety and Housing Standards

• Property must comply with International Property Maintenance Code standards
• All life-safety systems must be operational (smoke detectors, CO detectors)
• Property must maintain residential habitability standards
• Regular inspections may be required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Altoona City-Level Regulations

• Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Property owner must be present during all guest stays
• Conditional Use Permit Required: No STR operations permitted without this permit
• Zoning Compliance: Must comply with residential zoning requirements
• Parking Restrictions: Standard residential parking rules apply
• Noise and Nuisance Ordinances: Standard city noise ordinances and nuisance regulations apply

Polk County Level

• According to available information, unincorporated Polk County currently has no restrictions on short-term rentals
• Properties outside Altoona city limits in unincorporated county areas may have fewer regulations
• Always verify current county regulations before purchasing

State of Iowa Regulations

• Tax Collection: Required to collect and remit both state (5%) and local hotel/motel taxes
• Sales Tax Registration: Register with Iowa Department of Revenue
• Business Registration: Consider whether formal business registration is required
• Insurance: Adequate liability insurance recommended

Contact Information

Primary Contact: City of Altoona

Address: City of Altoona, City Hall Phone: Contact city switchboard for Codes & Inspections or Planning Department Website: www.altoona-iowa.com (verify current website)

Iowa Department of Revenue

Phone: 515-281-3114 Website: tax.iowa.gov For: Hotel/motel tax registration and reporting

Polk County (for unincorporated areas)

Contact: Polk County Planning and Development Phone: Contact county offices for current information

Important Notes and Limitations

1. Regulatory Evolution: Short-term rental regulations are evolving rapidly in Iowa. The information provided is based on 2019 reporting, and regulations may have changed since then.

2. Verification Required: Before making any investment, directly contact Altoona city officials to verify:

   • Current permit requirements
   • Fee schedules
   • Inspection requirements
   • Any recent regulatory changes

3. Competitive Landscape: Understanding that Altoona requires owner presence may limit your competitive positioning against other STR markets that allow investor-owned properties.

4. Insurance Considerations: Ensure your homeowner's or landlord's insurance policy covers short-term rental activities, or obtain appropriate commercial coverage.

Links to Source Pages

1. Primary Source: WHO13 Article on Iowa STR Regulations

   • who13.com/news/iowans-offer-unique-vacation-rentals-as-cities-discuss-regulations/

2. Note: The Altoona municipal website content provided appears to be for Altoona, Pennsylvania (altoonapa.gov), not Altoona, Iowa, and may not be relevant to Iowa STR regulations.

3. Top Shelf Iowa: URL provided but no content available for analysis

Recommendation for Investors

Given the owner-occupancy requirement and conditional use permit process, Altoona's STR market may be better suited for local residents seeking supplemental income rather than professional investors with multiple properties. The regulatory framework suggests the city prioritizes maintaining residential character while allowing some flexibility for homeowners to share their space.

Before proceeding with any investment, contact Altoona city officials directly to confirm current regulations, permit processes, and requirements.