Note: This guide focuses strictly on Buffalo, Iowa (Scott County). The City of Buffalo, New York, and its short‑term rental rules are not applicable to Buffalo, Iowa. At the time of this analysis, no Buffalo, Iowa‑specific short‑term rental (STR) ordinance was identified in the provided materials; therefore, this guide covers state‑level requirements for Iowa and the relevant local processes that would apply to any rental housing business in Buffalo (e.g., rental inspections), along with practical compliance steps for STR operators.

Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Buffalo, Iowa?

Short‑term rentals are allowed in Buffalo, Iowa, but only to the extent they comply with the property’s zoning classification and any state or county requirements. The City of Buffalo Code includes a “Rental Dwelling Inspection Code” (Title VI, Chapter 12) that applies to rental housing operations and safety/inspection standards, and it requires compliance with applicable licensing and permitting. There is no city‑specific STR permit, registration, or fee program identified in the provided code, and no city‑level STR density, occupancy, or reporting limits were located. As a result, an STR in Buffalo should be planned and operated like any other rental housing use under the zoning code and state requirements, with the general Rental Dwelling Inspection Code and the standard City of Buffalo permitting/licensing pathways as the primary local touchpoints.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Buffalo, Iowa

Buffalo’s land use and public safety rules are administered through the Permit & Inspection Services and Licensing divisions at City Hall (65 Niagara Square, Room 301, Buffalo, IA 52728; phone 563-381-2151). For STRs, investors should use the same due‑diligence framework they would for any rental property and then layer on state‑level lodging/tax obligations.

1. Confirm zoning and land use feasibility

• Identify the subject property’s zoning district and permitted uses (Title VI, Chapter 7 – Zoning Code).
• Verify that “short‑term rental” or “lodging” is a permitted or conditionally permitted use in that district. Where the zoning code does not explicitly address STRs, lodging uses are often treated similarly to hotels/motels or boarding/rooming house uses.
• If you are seeking an interpretation or a variance for lodging use, contact the City to understand the procedures and submittal requirements.

2. Prepare the property for safe rental operations

• Buffalo’s Rental Dwelling Inspection Code (Title VI, Chapter 12) establishes organization, enforcement, licensing/permits/inspections, and technical requirements for rental housing.
• Ensure the property meets applicable building, life‑safety, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire codes for the intended occupancy type.

3. Secure required local approvals

• Building/Zoning: Apply for any required building permits, zoning approvals, or special use permits at City Hall, Permit & Inspection Services (Room 301). This includes plan submittals, inspections, and sign‑off for code compliance.
• Rental License/Inspection: Follow the City’s rental registration/licensing and inspection program (see “Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines” below).
• Licensing (City): Complete any city business‑type licensing required by the Licensing Division.

4. Establish compliance with state lodging and tax obligations

• Iowa state hotel/motel tax and sales tax rules apply to lodging businesses. Obtain a Iowa Sales/Use Tax Permit, collect the applicable state sales tax and hotel/motel tax, file returns, and remit to the Iowa Department of Revenue as required.
• Register with the County Treasurer for the local hotel/motel tax if Scott County imposes one and requires local lodging registration/remittance.
• If operating as a bed and breakfast or similar, confirm any Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing requirements that may apply to lodging establishments.

5. Launch and manage

• Implement guest screening, house rules, safety plans, and operating procedures that meet local and state standards.
• Maintain records for licensing/inspections, guest stays, revenue, and tax filings.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning confirmation and approvals (if any)

  • Use confirmation from the City’s zoning code and any written determinations/permits issued by the City related to lodging use at the property address.

• Building and safety

  • Permit(s) and inspection approvals as required by Buffalo’s Permit & Inspection Services for the intended occupancy and any work performed (renovations, life‑safety upgrades, etc.).

• Rental Dwelling Inspection Code (Title VI, Chapter 12)

  • This chapter governs rental housing licensing, permits, inspections, technical requirements, notices/orders, and enforcement in Buffalo. It is the key local compliance baseline for any rental operation, including short‑term rentals.

• City of Buffalo business‑type licensing

  • If the City requires a business license for lodging operations, complete the applicable license application with the Licensing Division (City Hall, Room 301).

• State of Iowa requirements

  • Sales/Use Tax Permit and periodic filing/remittance of state sales tax and hotel/motel tax to the Iowa Department of Revenue (permitting and reporting are typically done online).
  • If applicable, bed and breakfast or lodging licensure through the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (requirements vary by structure/operation).

• County hotel/motel tax (if applicable)

  • Registration and remittance with the Scott County Treasurer’s office if a local lodging tax is in effect.

• Insurance and records

  • Property, general liability, and any additional coverage appropriate for lodging operations; maintain documentation for inspections and tax audits.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

• City of Buffalo (Scott County, Iowa)

  • Zoning: Short‑term rentals must be a permitted or conditionally permitted use in the property’s zoning district (Title VI, Chapter 7). The code does not provide a stand‑alone STR ordinance. If zoning is silent, confirm the proper lodging use category and approval path with the City.
  • Rental Housing: Title VI, Chapter 12 (Rental Dwelling Inspection Code) sets licensing, permits, inspections, technical standards, notices/orders, and enforcement. STR operators should expect to comply with these requirements.
  • Safety Inspections: Buffalo provides permit/inspection services for building, electrical, plumbing, multiple dwellings, and new construction. STR operators should engage the City to determine which inspections and approvals are required for their occupancy type.
  • Occupancy and Life Safety: Follow applicable building and fire codes for the occupancy classification (e.g., R‑1 transient lodging vs. R‑2 residential) and ensure egress, fire protection, and accessibility standards are met.

• Scott County

  • No county‑specific STR ordinances were identified in the provided materials. However, verify whether Scott County administers a local hotel/motel tax that requires lodging registration and periodic remittance.

• State of Iowa

  • Lodging taxes: Iowa imposes state sales tax and a state hotel/motel tax on lodging charges. STR operators must collect and remit these taxes through the Iowa Department of Revenue.
  • Sales/Use Tax Permit: Register online with the Department of Revenue and file returns on the prescribed schedule.
  • Licensing: For some lodging formats (e.g., bed and breakfast), Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing may require a license or specific compliance measures.
  • Local option taxes: Some Iowa jurisdictions impose local hotel/motel or other local option taxes. Operators should verify whether Buffalo/Scott County has adopted any local lodging taxes and register if required.
  • Other: As of the latest provided materials, Iowa had not enacted a comprehensive statewide STR registration or reporting scheme that would supersede local rules; operate on the basis of local zoning and the state tax/permit regime summarized above.

• Developer note

  • Because Buffalo’s code does not contain a dedicated STR chapter, zoning compliance, life safety approvals, and state lodging tax compliance become the primary regulatory pillars for investors in this market.

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs in Buffalo, Iowa)

Because Buffalo has no separate STR office, the relevant departments handle STR matters through the City’s standard permitting, zoning, and rental inspection processes.

• Permit & Inspection Services (Zoning, Building, Inspections)

  • Address: 65 Niagara Square, City Hall, Room 301, Buffalo, IA 52728
  • Phone: 563‑381‑2151

• Licensing (Office of Licenses)

  • Address: 65 Niagara Square, City Hall, Room 301, Buffalo, IA 52728
  • Phone: 563‑381‑2151

• Scott County Treasurer (Hotel/Motel Tax, if applicable)

  • Verify registration and filing obligations directly with the County Treasurer’s office (no specific contact information is provided in the materials).

• Iowa Department of Revenue (State Sales/Hotel Tax)

  • Register for a Sales/Use Tax Permit and manage filing online through the Department of Revenue portal.

• Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (for lodging licensure, if applicable)

  • Use the Department’s website to determine licensure and compliance requirements for bed and breakfast or other lodging establishments.

Links to Source Pages

Direct, Buffalo‑specific STR links were not identified in the provided materials. The primary local references are the City’s zoning and rental inspection codes, which are included in the Buffalo, Iowa City Code (updated October 2021). For state lodging and tax obligations, consult the Iowa Department of Revenue and the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing via their official websites. If Buffalo adopts a dedicated STR chapter in the future, Permit & Inspection Services will likely be the point of contact for applications and enforcement.