Note: The only authoritative local source you provided for Buffalo is the city code PDF (buffaloiowa.org/data/files/completecodeupdatedoctober312021.pdf). The Iowa-specific source page referenced by the STR regulations index is not included among your provided links. I therefore focus on the city code you provided and state-level resources that govern STRs generally in Iowa.

Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Buffalo, Iowa?

• Short-term rentals are not explicitly prohibited by the Buffalo City Code you provided, nor do we find a section that defines or specifically licenses “short‑term rentals.” That does not mean they are unrestricted. You must still comply with:
  • General city code requirements (zoning, building/safety codes, fire prevention, and local business licensing where applicable).
  • State and county rules that govern lodging businesses.
  • Any future ordinances that Buffalo may adopt to regulate STRs.
• Buffalo operates under a mayor–council form of government (Title I, Chapter 2, Article 1). Licenses and permits (including transient merchant and related business registrations) are issued through the City Clerk (Title I, Chapter 4, Article 1).
• City zoning and subdivision regulations are in Title VI, Chapter 7 (Zoning Code) and Chapter 5 (Subdivision Regulations). STR uses must conform to the zoning district rules for the property.

Bottom line: STRs are allowed in Buffalo if the use is consistent with zoning for the subject property and the operator complies with all applicable city, county, and state licensing, safety, and lodging laws. Because Buffalo has not published STR-specific rules in the provided code, investors should confirm with the city that a transient lodging use complies with zoning and licensing.

How to Start a STR Business in Buffalo

• Confirm zoning eligibility
  • Determine the zoning district for the property (Title VI, Chapter 7).
  • Verify the primary residence rules, accessory use limits, and any parking or occupancy constraints for the parcel. If the STR would be a principal nonconforming use, check Chapter 7 for administration and variance procedures.
  • If within a floodplain, comply with Chapter 10 (Floodplain Management), including any development permits and elevation requirements.
• Complete any local business licensing/registration
  • Title VII, Chapter 1, Article 1 requires Peddlers, Solicitors, and Transient Merchants to register with the City. Short‑term rentals may or may not be captured by this category depending on the city’s interpretation; you should confirm with the City Clerk whether a registration or business license is required for transient lodging. Contact details appear below.
• Meet fire and safety requirements
  • Review any fire safety code references and ensure smoke detectors, extinguishers, and safe egress are installed and maintained.
  • For rental dwellings, the City has adopted a Rental Dwelling Inspection Code (Title VI, Chapter 12). Confirm whether an STR-triggering unit must obtain an initial and periodic inspection (licensing, permits, and technical standards are in that chapter).
• Property standards and address/utility compliance
  • Ensure the address is clearly posted (Title II, Division 3, Chapter 2) and that water and wastewater connections comply (Title VI, Chapter 1 and Chapter 3).
• Taxes and reporting
  • While the code excerpt does not specify hotel/motel tax or sales tax registration for lodging, Iowa generally requires lodging tax registration and local tax compliance. Contact the city and county to confirm tax remittance procedures and any local lodging taxes.
• Insurance
  • Obtain a short‑term rental insurance policy tailored to your structure (single‑family home, multifamily unit, duplex, etc.). Verify limits for property, liability, and loss-of-rent.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City-level

• Zoning use verification (zoning district, permitted uses, parking, occupancy).
• Floodplain development permit if the property lies within a flood hazard area (Title VI, Chapter 10).
• Rental dwelling inspection program compliance if applicable (Title VI, Chapter 12).
• Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant registration if your STR operation is deemed to fall within that category (Title VII, Chapter 1, Article 1).
• Address number posting compliance (Title II, Division 3, Chapter 2).
• Water and wastewater utility compliance (Title VI, Chapters 1 and 3).
• Fire and safety equipment compliance as required by city fire prevention provisions.

State-level (Iowa)

• Sales tax and lodging tax registration with the Iowa Department of Revenue for transient lodging sales.
• Compliance with Iowa smoke alarm laws (Iowa Code 103.6; verify current requirements and timelines). Maintain functional smoke alarms on each level and in sleeping areas; install carbon monoxide alarms where required.
• Health and safety standards and any local public health requirements.

County-level (Scott County)

• Confirm county lodging licensing, inspections, or tax rules that may apply to STRs. Verify whether any Scott County public health permits are required for transient lodging.

Note: Because the provided city code does not list an explicit STR license, you should ask the City Clerk whether your lodging activity triggers a local registration or requires the rental dwelling inspection program.

Specific Regulations: Buffalo (City), Scott County (County), and State (Iowa)

City of Buffalo (local)

• Zoning and subdivisions (Title VI, Chapters 5 and 7)
  • Use is subject to the zoning district’s permitted, conditional, or prohibited uses. Nonconforming uses and variance processes are defined in the zoning code. Floodplain overlays may restrict development (Chapter 10).
• Rental Dwelling Inspection Code (Title VI, Chapter 12)
  • Licensing, permits, inspections, technical standards, and enforcement procedures are in this chapter. You must verify whether STR‑use dwellings are included or exempt.
• Transient merchants (Title VII, Chapter 1, Article 1)
  • Establishes registration requirements for certain transient business activities. Confirm whether operating an STR requires registration through the City Clerk.
• Fire safety and public safety
  • The city code references fire prevention and safety standards. Comply with applicable fire safety and life-safety codes for lodging.
• Address posting and utilities
  • Clear address posting, water/wastewater connections, and stormwater/erosion controls may be required depending on the site and scope of improvements.
• Nuisances (Title III, Chapter 1)
  • The city can abate nuisances affecting health, safety, and welfare. Maintain the property to avoid nuisance issues (e.g., noise, waste, parking).

County (Scott County)

• Confirm any county-level lodging permits, inspections, or taxes with Scott County. If Buffalo Center is in Wright County (this point requires confirmation), treat this as a verification step rather than an assertion. The provided sources do not specify county STR rules for Buffalo.

State of Iowa

• Short‑term rental operations are generally permitted under Iowa law, subject to local zoning and safety rules.
• Sales and lodging tax obligations commonly apply to transient lodging. Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue and remit applicable taxes.
• Smoke alarm standards are set by state law and updates; verify current Iowa Code 103.6 requirements (current code commonly requires 10‑year sealed battery and hardwired or interconnected units, subject to specific exclusions and implementation dates).

Contact Information

• City of Buffalo (Iowa)
  • Website: www.proper.insure/regulations/ (not a local contact) and the provided city code location (buffaloiowa.org/data/files/completecodeupdatedoctober312021.pdf) for full municipal code.
  • City Clerk (Licensing/Permits)
    • Address: 219 Main Street, Buffalo, IA 52728
    • Phone: (563) 538‑4788
    • Fax: (563) 538‑4454
  • City Hall Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
  • City Council: First Monday of each month, 6:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers
• State of Iowa
  • Iowa Department of Revenue (Tax Registration/Reporting)
    • Website: tax.iowa.gov/
  • Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office
    • Website: https:// dfs.iowa.gov/
• County
  • The provided sources do not include a county contact. Confirm whether the property is in Scott County or Wright County and contact the appropriate county recorder/treasurer or health department for lodging tax and permit requirements.

Links to Source Pages

• Buffalo, IA – Complete City Code (Updated October 2021): buffaloiowa.org/data/files/completecodeupdatedoctober312021.pdf
• Proper Insurance – Short-Term Rental Regulations Map (state-level overview): www.proper.insure/regulations/

Notes and Disclaimers

• Because Buffalo’s provided code does not include a dedicated STR ordinance, investors must verify zoning and licensing with the City Clerk, including whether transient lodging requires registration under the city’s general business provisions or the Rental Dwelling Inspection Code.
• State requirements (e.g., sales/lodging tax and smoke alarm standards) may change. Confirm the latest obligations with the Iowa Department of Revenue and the Iowa State Fire Marshal.