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

Short-term rentals are permitted in Clinton, IA, but operate within the framework of existing rental housing regulations. Clinton does not have separate, dedicated short-term rental ordinances, which means STRs must comply with the same fundamental requirements as traditional rental housing while also adhering to applicable zoning and state regulations.

Key Point: While Clinton allows STR operations, the city treats them primarily under existing rental property regulations. This means investors must navigate both rental licensing requirements and zoning compliance to operate legally.

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

Phase 1: Zoning Compliance Verification

1. Confirm Permitted Use Status: Verify that STRs are allowed in your property's zoning district under Clinton County zoning regulations
2. Check Overlay Districts: Review any special overlay zones or special use permits that might apply
3. Assess Parking Requirements: Ensure adequate off-street parking per zoning standards

Phase 2: Rental Property Licensing

1. Initial Inspection: Schedule and complete required rental housing inspection with the Clinton Fire Department Building Safety Division
2. License Application: Obtain rental property license (valid for 2 calendar years from inspection date)
3. Permit Renewal: Set calendar reminders for biennial renewal requirements

Phase 3: Operational Setup

1. Safety Compliance: Ensure all fire safety, building code, and health standards are met
2. Insurance: Secure appropriate liability and property insurance coverage
3. Property Management: Establish local management arrangements if you don't live nearby

Phase 4: Ongoing Compliance

1. Regular Inspections: Maintain inspection schedule every 2 years
2. Code Enforcement: Monitor and address any violations promptly
3. Tax Obligations: Register for and remit applicable state and local taxes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

Rental Occupancy Permit

• Primary Requirement: All STR properties must obtain a Rental Occupancy Permit
• Validity: Permit renews every 2 calendar years from inspection date
• Documentation Required:
  • Completed rental license application
  • Proof of property ownership
  • Current property insurance
  • Emergency contact information
• Renewal Process: City will notify owners when permits expire; re-inspection required

Rental Inspection Requirements

• Frequency: All rental properties inspected on 2-year cycle
• Inspector: Clinton Fire Department Building Safety Division
• Preparation: Complete self-inspection using provided checklist before official inspection
• Re-inspection: Additional fees apply for failed inspections requiring follow-up visits

Building and Safety Permits

• Required for: Any construction, remodeling, or major system work
• Covered Work: Roofing, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural alterations
• Contractor Requirements: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work must be performed by licensed contractors
• Permit Contact: Clinton Fire Department Building Safety Division (563-244-3360, ext. 2)

State of Iowa Requirements

• Business Registration: Register STR business with Iowa Department of Revenue
• Sales Tax: Collect and remit Iowa sales tax (6%) on lodging
• Hotel/Motel Tax: Collect and remit Clinton County hotel/motel tax (5%)
• Workers' Compensation: Required if employing staff

Safety and Health Compliance

• Smoke Detectors: Install and maintain in all sleeping areas
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Required in properties with fuel-burning appliances
• Fire Extinguishers:
  • Type 2A required in buildings with 3+ units
  • Located in common corridors on each floor
  • Maximum 75 feet apart
  • Annual inspection and tagging required
• Fire Alarm Systems: Required in buildings with 16+ units
• Exit Signs: Required in common areas when multiple exits required

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Clinton Requirements

Housing Code Compliance (Chapter 155)

• Standards: Must comply with Minimum Health and Housing Standards
• HUD Standards: Housing Quality Standards also apply
• Maintenance: Ongoing obligation to maintain safe, sanitary living conditions
• Enforcement: City can order non-compliant properties vacated

Rental Inspection Program

• Scope: All properties occupied by anyone other than the legal owner require inspection
• Frequency: 2-year inspection cycle
• Presence Requirements: Owner or designated agent must be present during inspection
• Rescheduling: 48-hour notice required; discretionary with inspector
• No-Show Fees: Charged for missed appointments without adequate notice

Violations and Penalties

• Notice Period: Property owners receive correction notices for deficiencies
• Daily Offenses: Each day of non-compliance constitutes separate offense
• Enforcement Actions:
  • Municipal citations with court appearances
  • Property vacancy orders
  • Monetary penalties
• Appeal Process: Right to appeal to Board of Housing Standards and Appeals

Clinton County Zoning Requirements

Permitted Use Analysis

• Zoning Review: STRs must conform to underlying zoning district requirements
• Bed & Breakfast Provision: County ordinance specifically addresses bed and breakfast establishments
• Residential Districts: R-1 and R-2 districts may have restrictions on transient accommodations
• Commercial Districts: C-1 and C-2 districts may be more permissive of commercial lodging

Parking and Access Standards

• Parking Ratios: Must meet minimum parking requirements for lodging establishments
• Access Standards: Driveway and access requirements per zoning ordinance
• Bufferyard Requirements: May apply if adjacent to residential uses

State of Iowa Requirements

Hotel/Motel Classification

• Legal Framework: Iowa Code Chapter 562A (Residential Landlord/Tenant Law)
• Exemption: Short-term hotel/motel stays may be exempt from residential tenant protections
• Primary Residence: If guest uses STR as primary residence, residential landlord-tenant law may apply
• Discrimination Laws: Fair housing protections still apply to STR operations

Tax Obligations

• Sales Tax: 6% state sales tax on lodging charges
• Local Hotel/Motel Tax: 5% Clinton County tax
• Registration: Must register with Iowa Department of Revenue
• Remittance: Monthly or quarterly filing requirements

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary Contacts

Clinton Fire Department Building Safety Division

• Primary Contact: Building and rental inspections, permits, licensing
• Phone: 563-244-3360, Extension 2
• Physical Address: 344 3rd Avenue South, Clinton, IA 52732
• General Email: bns@cityofclintoniowa.gov
• Fax: 563-242-0265
• Services:
  • Rental inspections and licensing
  • Building permits
  • Code enforcement
  • Fire safety compliance

Key Personnel

• Rich Foley, Deputy Code Official

  • Email: richfoley@cityofclintoniowa.gov
  • Responsibilities: Code enforcement, rental property matters

• Ginger Feller, Administrative Specialist

  • Email: gingerfeller@cityofclintoniowa.gov
  • Responsibilities: Inspection scheduling, permit processing

Secondary Contacts

Clinton County Planning & Zoning

• Services: Zoning compliance, special use permits, variances
• Physical Address: 1900 North 2nd Street, Clinton, IA 52732
• Phone: 563-243-6213

Iowa Department of Revenue

• Services: Business registration, sales tax, hotel/motel tax
• Phone: 515-281-3114
• Website: tax.iowa.gov

City of Clinton General Information

• Main Phone: 563-242-2144
• Address: 611 S 3rd Street, P.O. Box 2958, Clinton, IA 52733-2958

Important Source Links

City of Clinton Official Resources

• Rental Inspections Program: www.cityofclintoniowa.gov/183/Rentals
• Building Permits: www.cityofclintoniowa.gov/182/Permits
• City Ordinances: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/clintonia/latest/clinton_ia/0-0-0-1
• Building Code Summary: www.cityofclintoniowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/964
• Rental Inspection Checklist (2025): www.cityofclintoniowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1543

Zoning and Planning Resources

• Clinton County Zoning Ordinance: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/files/county_ordinances/chapter0_zoning_ordinance.pdf
• Special Use Permits: www.cityofclintoniowa.gov/338/Special-Use-Permit-and-Variance-Requests
• Zoning Board Information: cityofclintoniowa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=3248

State and Federal Resources

• Iowa Legal Aid - Landlord/Tenant Law: iowalegalaid.org/resource/landlord-and-tenant-law-questions-and-answers/
• Iowa Department of Revenue: tax.iowa.gov

Summary and Strategic Recommendations

Investment Outlook: Clinton, IA presents moderate opportunities for STR investment within a compliance-heavy regulatory environment. The absence of STR-specific ordinances means investors must carefully navigate traditional rental housing regulations while ensuring zoning compliance.

Key Success Factors:

1. Early Zoning Verification: Confirm STR use is permitted before acquisition
2. Compliance-First Approach: Prioritize meeting all rental housing standards
3. Local Partnership: Develop relationships with local building officials
4. Proactive Inspection Management: Maintain properties to inspection standards
5. Tax Compliance: Establish robust tax collection and remittance systems

Risk Mitigation: The primary risks involve zoning uncertainty and inspection compliance. Investors should budget for potential legal consultation on zoning interpretations and maintain properties to exceed minimum housing standards to avoid inspection failures.

Market Positioning: Focus on properties in commercially zoned areas or areas with proven tolerance for hospitality uses to minimize regulatory conflicts while maximizing operational flexibility.