Overview: Are STRs allowed in Delhi, Iowa?

Short‑term rentals are allowed in the Delhi area (which lies within Delaware County, Iowa), subject to:

• Delaware County zoning approvals (Zoning Permit, Certificate of Compliance, and, if applicable, Sign Permit), including any Special Exception review in some districts.
• State of Iowa requirements for transient accommodation operators (Iowa sales tax permit; possible county “lodger’s” tax registration).
• Iowa Fire Marshal guidance for one‑ and two‑family dwellings used as STRs.

No city‑level STR ban or licensing scheme applies because Delhi is an unincorporated community; the county zoning ordinance governs land use and approvals.

How to start a STR business in Delhi, IA

1. Confirm zoning eligibility at your property:
   • Verify the property’s zoning district and whether lodging houses, boarding houses, and/or transient accommodation are permitted by right, by special exception, or are not listed.
2. Obtain a state sales tax permit:
   • Register for an Iowa sales tax permit if you will provide lodging for fewer than 90 days (statutory “transient accommodation” threshold).
3. Secure county approvals:
   • Zoning Permit (Section 5.03).
   • Certificate of Compliance (Section 5.04).
   • Sign Permit, if any exterior signage is proposed (Section 3.01–3.04; Section 5.05).
   • If the district requires, apply for Special Exception review for lodging/boarding houses.
4. Prepare for occupancy and fire/life safety:
   • Post occupancy limits and provide compliant smoke alarms/CO detectors as required by the Iowa Fire Marshal for one‑ and two‑family dwellings used as STRs (adopt by reference to state guidance).
5. Register for local taxes, if applicable:
   • If Delaware County or the local entity applies a lodging tax, register and comply.
6. Maintain compliance:
   • Renew permits as required; maintain insurance; keep guest records and receipts consistent with Iowa sales tax law.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Delaware County Zoning Permit (Section 5.03).
• Delaware County Certificate of Compliance (Section 5.04).
• Delaware County Sign Permit (if applicable; Sections 3.01–3.04; Section 5.05).
• Iowa Department of Revenue sales tax permit for transient accommodations (rentals under 90 days).
• Local lodging tax registration, if applicable.
• Safety postings (occupancy, emergency exits), and life‑safety equipment per Iowa Fire Marshal guidance for STRs in one‑ and two‑family dwellings.
• Property insurance (recommendation).
• Guest agreements/records to support tax compliance and local regulation.

Specific regulations by jurisdiction

Delaware County (applies to Delhi)

• Zoning Ordinance governs permissible uses, bulk, parking, signage, and approvals:
  • Zoning Permit (Section 5.03).
  • Certificate of Compliance (Section 5.04).
  • Sign Permits and Sign Regulations (Sections 3.01–3.04; Section 5.05).
  • Off‑Street Parking Requirements (Section 4).
  • Uses such as lodging houses, boarding houses, or transient accommodation may be:
    • Permitted by right,
    • Permitted only as a Special Exception, or
    • Not listed in the district.
  • Special Exceptions are processed under Section 6 (Board of Adjustment) per zoning.
• STRs in one‑ and two‑family dwellings must follow Iowa Fire Marshal guidance for occupancy, alarms, and life‑safety.

State of Iowa

• STRs are typically “transient accommodations” when rented for fewer than 90 days and must obtain a sales tax permit and collect/remit applicable state sales tax.
• Lodging taxes may be collected by the state and distributed to local entities; registration may be required for the local lodging tax if applicable.
• STRs in one‑ and two‑family dwellings are subject to Iowa Fire Marshal administrative rules for life‑safety compliance and must follow those requirements.

City of Delhi

• Delhi is not an incorporated city; there is no city‑specific STR ordinance, license, or tax. County zoning and state rules apply.

Note on “Delhi” vs “Delhi, IA”

• This guide is for Delhi, Iowa (Delaware County). The Delhi Rent Control Act (1958) provided is a statute for Delhi, India, and has no applicability to Iowa.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs in Delhi)

• Zoning and permits (Delaware County, Iowa):
  • Zoning/Permitting Office
  • Phone: (563) 927‑3720
  • Email: zma@co.delaware.ia.us
  • Website: delawarecountyiowa.gov
  • Address: Delaware County Courthouse, 301 E. Main St., Manchester, IA 52057
• Iowa Department of Revenue (sales tax for transient accommodations):
  • Phone: (515) 281‑3114 or (800) 367‑3388
  • Website: tax.iowa.gov
• Iowa State Fire Marshal (STR safety guidance for one‑ and two‑family dwellings):
  • Phone: (515) 281‑5821
  • Website: dps.iowa.gov/isfm

Source documents and links

• Delaware County Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance #46, effective Jan 1, 2023): delawarecountyzoning.iowa.gov/files/zoning_ordinance_90848.pdf
• Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958 (India; not applicable to Delhi, IA, but provided in your materials): mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/drc_1958.pdf

If you share the property’s exact address or parcel ID, I can confirm the zoning district and whether any special approvals are required in Delaware County.