Executive summary

• Short-term rentals are allowed in Boone, Iowa.
• All residential rental property in the City (including non-owner-occupied homes and dwelling units) must comply with Boone Municipal Code Chapter 171 (Rental Code), which requires registration, an annual Self-Inspection Report, and a valid Rental Permit. Owner-occupied single-family dwellings occupied by a “family” are exempt. Hotels/motels are separately defined and not regulated under this Chapter.
• Compliance hinges on passing minimum standards for habitability, fire/life safety, and inspections, with inspection cycles (1/2/4 years) set based on performance and compliance history.
• Operators must follow Iowa state requirements including dual-sensor smoke detectors and lead-based paint disclosures for pre-1978 housing.
• Enforcement tools include notices of violation, emergency orders, placarding (unfit for habitation), reinspection, and permit suspension/revocation for non-compliance.
• Appeal rights exist through the City’s Appeal Board (Zoning Board of Adjustment) and, ultimately, judicial review.
• Inspections, permitting, and appeals are coordinated through the Boone Building Department. The City’s official website and this Chapter’s ordinance PDF are primary sources.

Important note on sources

• Use City of Boone Ordinance No. 2227 (Chapter 171 – Rental Code) as the controlling local regulation. The state-level context summarized here reflects Iowa statutes and administrative codes cited within that ordinance. If you discover additional local or county rules (e.g., zoning updates), verify them against the current City or County Code prior to operation.

1) Allowed? Explicit Overview

• Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Boone, IA.
• The Rental Code governs all residential rental property used for human occupancy within City limits (owner-occupied single-family dwellings occupied by a “family” and hotels/motels are exempt). Non-owner-occupied short-term rental dwellings are not exempt and must register, obtain a Rental Permit, complete an annual Self-Inspection Report, and meet minimum standards, including fire/life safety and inspection requirements. There are no length-of-stay restrictions in Chapter 171; rental agreements must, however, be consistent with the “family” definition (see Section 3 – Definitions) to maintain a valid permit for that unit.
• The City’s rental standards are minimum habitability and safety requirements; confirm zoning or any use-type approvals separately if you plan a multi-unit or commercial-type operation.

Source: [1] Boone, IA – Ordinance No. 2227 (Chapter 171 – Rental Code) [PDF]

2) How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Boone

1. Property verification and “family” definition

• Confirm your rental occupancy plan complies with the City’s definition of “family” (see Section 3 below). If occupancy is contrary to that definition, the Rental Permit is invalid for that dwelling unit.

2. Registration and permitting

• Register each rental unit with the City and file a complete Rental Permit application in duplicate with the Building Department on City-approved forms.
• Pay associated fees and any reinspection fees prior to issuance or renewal of the Rental Permit.

3. Annual self-inspection and compliance

• Complete and submit the annual Self-Inspection Report (approved by the Compliance Officer).
• Correct all deficiencies and be ready for inspection on the assigned cycle.

4. Program attendance and fire/life safety upgrades

• Attend the Landlord Education Assistance Program (Crime Free Multi-Housing Program) to qualify for extended inspection cycles and maintain eligibility.
• Install required fire extinguishers, smoke detectors (dual-sensor), and carbon monoxide alarms per the International Fire Code and Iowa rules.

5. Lead-based paint disclosure

• For pre-1978 units, provide the required Iowa lead-based paint disclosures to tenants (Boone County Health Department contact provided below).

6. Inspection scheduling and readiness

• Expect notification at least 30 days before a scheduled inspection. You may reschedule with at least five working days’ notice or pay a cancellation fee if later.
• Maintain access to all required inspection areas.

7. Operating standards and renewals

• Operate in continuous compliance with habitability, fire safety, egress, sanitation, and nuisance standards.
• Maintain current registration and permit status; permits are not transferable—new owners must obtain a new permit.

Source: [1] Sections 171.05–171.11, 171.09

3) Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-level documents and actions

• Rental Permit application (duplicate filing with Building Department; City-approved forms).
• Registration of each rental unit (annual submission to the Compliance Officer).
• Annual Self-Inspection Report (form approved by Compliance Officer).
• Evidence of completion of the Landlord Education Assistance Program (Crime Free Multi-Housing Program).
• Payment of inspection and permit fees (set by City Council resolution).
• Notification to the Compliance Officer of owner information changes, as needed.

State-level requirements incorporated by reference

• Smoke detectors:
  • Dual-sensor smoke detectors required when added or replaced; effective July 1, 2021, all detectors are required to be dual-sensor (Iowa Code §100.18; 661 Iowa Administrative Code 210.1).
  • Detector placement must follow 661 IAC 210.3(11).
• Carbon monoxide alarms:
  • Required in units with attached garages or fuel-fired appliances; listed to UL 2034; placed outside separate sleeping areas in immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
• Fire extinguishers:
  • Must be charged/operable and compliant with applicable fire safety regulations and NFPA 10; maintenance at intervals not more than one year.

Lead-based paint disclosure

• Required under state law for pre-1978 units; contact the Boone County Health Department for the required disclosure package and compliance questions.

Fees and schedule

• Fees are set by City Council resolution and made available upon request. Fees must be paid before issuance or renewal of the Rental Permit.

Sources: [1] Sections 171.05, 171.06, 171.07, 171.10, 171.11; Iowa Code §100.18; 661 IAC 210.1, 210.3(11)

4) Specific Regulations (City, County, State)

City of Boone – Rental Code (Chapter 171)

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to all residential rental property within City limits. Exempts owner-occupied single-family dwellings occupied by a “family,” hotels/motels, and certain state/federally regulated occupancies.
• Registration and permit validity
  • Registration and Rental Permit are mandatory. Permits are not transferable; new owners must re-register and obtain a new permit.
• Minimum standards for rental units
  • Kitchen/kitchenette with functioning sink; proper utilities; space for food prep and storage.
  • Working toilet; bathtub or shower; lavatory basin.
  • Functioning water heater with temperature controls (max 210°F).
  • Proper connections to City water and sanitary sewer for all fixtures.
  • Direct access to outside or public corridor; at least one operable window or exterior door for emergency egress (in addition to main access).
  • Heating facilities capable of maintaining 68°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
  • Electrical standards: minimum two separate double convenience outlets in each habitable room and at least one supplied ceiling/wall light or switch outlet per room; no temporary wiring as permanent.
  • Structural integrity and maintenance standards for foundation, roof, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, handrails, guardrails, doors, windows, screens, locks, and interior surfaces.
  • Roof drainage (eaves/downspouts) maintained; chimneys and smoke pipes supported and clean.
  • Egress kept unobstructed at all times.
  • Electrical systems safe; no shock/fire hazards; owner supplies properly sized fuses at start of each tenancy.
  • Supplied plumbing fixtures and water/waste pipes maintained in sanitary condition.
  • Extermination responsibility on owner when infestation is due to owner’s failure to maintain rodent/insect-proof conditions.
  • Vacant units must be clean, sanitary, and fit for human occupancy before re-occupancy.
  • Adequate, weather-tight, rodent-proof, insect-proof garbage disposal facilities required.

Fire and life safety

• Fire extinguishers
  • Single-family dwellings: minimum one charged/operable 2-A:10-BC in conspicuous, readily accessible location.
  • Two-family/duplex/triplex: one 2-A:10-BC extinguisher; or if served by a common corridor, one 5-pound 2-A:10-BC at each exit; spacing not to exceed 30 feet of travel to any extinguisher.
  • Multi-family (>3 units): same as above for common corridors; individual units require a minimum 2-A:10-BC extinguisher.
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Dual-sensor smoke detectors required per state law; placement per IFC and 661 IAC 210.3(11).
  • Carbon monoxide alarms required as stated above.
• Egress and fire escape standards
  • Floors above the first story used for human occupancy must meet IRC/IBC exit requirements. If only one approved means of egress exists, fire escape stairs may serve as a second means provided they meet performance and structural requirements (access from each unit, not passing in front of building openings below, clear activation access, safe clearance from electrical wiring, compliance with IBC, and reach ground or counterbalanced extensions). Fire escapes must remain clear and in good operating order.

Inspection cycles and performance criteria

• Regular cycle: all properties on a two-year cycle; eligible for four-year cycle if criteria met; or placed on one-year cycle for non-compliance.
• Extended (four-year) cycle eligibility:
  • Attendance at Landlord Education Assistance Program.
  • Maximum number of violations per unit less than six.
  • Maximum average violations per unit less than six.
  • All violations corrected by first re-inspection.
  • All mandated certified inspection documentation per the International Fire Code presented.
  • Likelihood of continued compliance for the four-year period.
• Revocation of extended cycle:
  • Non-compliance at re-inspection; extension required to correct violations; founded complaint violations not corrected; exceeding allowed violations; failure to provide access or required information; failure to file Annual Self-Inspection Report; failure to pay fees; failure to register.
• Assignment to one-year cycle:
  • Nine or more violations in any unit; exceeding 75 total violations; non-compliance at second re-inspection; property tagged as substandard (exceptions for fire/natural-damage); nuisance designation; false documentation; founded complaints during cycle not corrected.
• Graduation from one-year cycle (all criteria required):
  • Two consecutive cycles with regular inspections passed.
  • No founded complaints for two consecutive cycles.
  • No nuisance designation for two consecutive cycles.
  • Statement provided for fossil-fuel heating devices per IFC at inspection.
  • Property conditions support extended cycle compliance.
• Complaint inspections:
  • Only after tenant has exhausted efforts with landlord. A letter is sent to owner notifying of a filed complaint. Reinspection fees may be assigned depending on findings and responsibility.

Enforcement and penalties

• Notice of Violation: written, post-inspection; specifies violations; provides reasonable time to correct (generally not more than seven days); served personally, by certified mail, or by posting/publication if necessary. If owner/tenant fails to comply, the Compliance Officer may order the premises vacated; notice effective seven days after receipt.
• Placarding: “Unfit for Human Habitation” placard posted for dangerous conditions. Placard remains until violations are eliminated and written approval is obtained from the Compliance Officer.
• Reinspection: authorized at end of compliance period.
• Emergency Orders: immediate threats to health/safety trigger written vacate orders and placard posting.
• Violations: each instance is a separate offense under the Code of Ordinances.
• Appeals and reconsideration:
  • Reconsideration application to Building Department within 30 days; informal conference within 10 days; decision within 10 days post-conference.
  • Appeal to Appeal Board (Zoning Board of Adjustment) within 30 days after notice/order or after reconsideration decision; hearing granted within 60 days; Board may affirm, modify, or revoke.
  • Judicial review: petition for writ of certiorari within 30 days of the Appeal Board’s final decision.

State-level regulations (Iowa) referenced in Boone’s Code

• Smoke Detector Act and administrative code (Iowa Code §100.18; 661 IAC 210.1, 210.3[11]) mandates dual-sensor smoke detectors and placement standards.
• Carbon monoxide alarm requirements (UL 2034 listing; installation per code and manufacturer instructions).
• Lead-based paint disclosures for pre-1978 rental units (state requirement; contact Boone County Health Department).

County-level

• No county-specific short-term rental rules were provided in the referenced materials. For lead disclosure assistance, see Boone County Health Department contact below.

Source: [1] Sections 171.02–171.18; Iowa Code §100.18; 661 IAC 210.1, 210.3(11)

5) Contact Information – Local Authority in Charge of STRs

• City of Boone – Building Department (Compliance Officer for Chapter 171)
  • Address: 923 8th St., PO Box 550, Boone, IA 50036
  • Phone: 515-432-0633
  • Note: The Compliance Officer referenced in the Rental Code is the Building Official/Fire Chief or designee.
• Boone County Health Department (Lead-based paint disclosure questions)
  • Contact the Department to obtain Iowa’s required disclosure materials and compliance guidance for pre-1978 units.

Sources: [1] Sections 171.03, 171.16; City ordinance footer addresses and phone

6) Links to Source Pages

• Primary local regulation (Boone, IA – Chapter 171): www.boonegov.com/egov/documents/1515504673_17616.pdf
• State-level overview and STR resources (contextual; not Boone-specific): www.proper.insure/regulations/page/2/

Closing compliance checklist for investors

• Confirm your planned occupancy complies with the “family” definition.
• Register the property and file the Rental Permit application with the Building Department.
• Schedule and complete the annual Self-Inspection Report.
• Attend the Crime Free Multi-Housing program (eligibility for extended cycles).
• Install/verify fire extinguishers, dual-sensor smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms per code.
• Prepare for inspections; maintain access and documentation.
• Address lead-based paint disclosures if applicable.
• Maintain continuous compliance to avoid one-year cycle placement, citations, or permit suspension/revocation.