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

YES - Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Fairfield, Iowa, but they are subject to comprehensive regulations under the city's Lodging House Ordinance (Chapter 20.58). Short-term rentals are defined as accommodations offered for less than 28 consecutive days for compensation. These operations require authorization from the Board of Adjustment and are permitted in R-2, R-3 residential districts and B-1 General Business district (not on the main floor).

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

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is located in an R-2, R-3, or B-1 zoning district (R-1 districts are specifically prohibited)

2. Board of Adjustment Application: Submit an application for authorization to operate a lodging house (includes short-term rentals)

3. Permit Application: Once approved by the Board of Adjustment, file a formal lodging house permit application

4. Inspections: Complete required fire and safety inspections

5. Compliance Setup: Implement all operational requirements (parking, contact person, signage restrictions, etc.)

6. Annual Renewal: Obtain permit renewal each year before December 31st

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Permits and Applications:

• Lodging House Permit Application ($80.00 for first unit + $30.00 for each additional unit annually)
• Board of Adjustment Application for establishment authorization
• Fire and Safety Inspection (initial and annual)
• Iowa Health Department License (required for establishments with 3+ units)

Key Supporting Documents:

• Building/Zoning compliance verification
• Proof of property ownership or authorization
• Contact person information and 24/7 availability confirmation
• Parking plan demonstrating compliance (one space per unit)
• Written notification to neighbors within 200 feet

Operational Guidelines:

• Compliance with Iowa Health Department codes (Chapter 137C.35)
• Fire safety standards per Iowa Administrative Code
• Local housing codes and maintenance standards
• Weekly garbage disposal in closed containers
• No external signage advertising the rental (except bed & breakfast inns)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Fairfield, IA

Zoning and Location Requirements:

• Permitted Districts: R-2, R-3 residential districts and B-1 General Business district
• Prohibited Districts: R-1 residential districts
• Main Floor Restriction: In B-1 districts, lodging houses cannot be on the main floor

Operational Limitations:

• Maximum Units: 4 units available for rent per property
• Occupancy Limit: No guest unit shall be occupied by more than 4 persons at one time
• Stay Duration: Maximum 28 consecutive days (4 consecutive 7-day periods)
• Single Structure Limit: Only one short-term rental per single-household detached structure

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum: One off-street parking space per rental unit
• Historic Exception: Board of Adjustment may waive/modify requirements for Historic Preservation Sites
• Multiple Bedrooms: For units with multiple bedrooms, provide parking spaces for each bedroom

Contact and Emergency Requirements:

• 24/7 Contact: Maintain current contact person information with City Planning and Zoning
• Response Time: Contact person must respond to issues within 60 minutes or arrange appropriate representation
• Notification: Post contact information conspicuously within the dwelling unit
• Neighbor Notification: Written notice to all residential units within 200 feet

Fire and Safety Standards:

• Initial Inspection: Required before permit issuance
• Annual Inspection: Fire and safety inspection required each year
• Compliance: Must maintain statutory minimum fire safety standards (Iowa Administrative Code 137C.35)
• Equipment: Proper fire extinguishers and smoke detectors required

Property Standards:

• Maintenance: Structure must be properly maintained and kept in good repair
• Garbage: Weekly disposal in closed containers required
• Appearance: Use must not detract from neighborhood appearance

Signage Restrictions:

• Prohibition: No signs, symbols, devices, or advertisements may be posted to advertise the lodging house to the public
• Exception: Bed and breakfast inns are exempt from this restriction

Guest Information Requirements:

Operators must provide and post the following information for tenants:

1. 24/7 contact person name and phone number
2. Maximum overnight occupancy limits
3. Parking standards
4. Copy of the ordinance
5. Notice of potential citations and fines
6. Recreation activity restrictions
7. Nuisance regulations

Nuisance and Noise Regulations:

• No excessive noise from electronic devices, yelling, or other disturbances
• Quiet hours must be observed
• All recreational activities limited to rental premises
• No encroachment on neighboring properties

Enforcement and Penalties:

• First Violation: Up to 30-day permit suspension
• Second Violation: 30-day permit suspension
• Third Violation: Permit revocation with 24-month prohibition from reapplication
• Appeal Process: Available through Board of Adjustment within 10 days

Tax Obligations:

• State Hotel Tax: 5% (Iowa Code 423A)
• Local Hotel-Motel Tax: 7% (effective April 2002)
• Sales Tax: May also be subject to city and county sales taxes

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Fairfield - Planning & Zoning Department:

• Address: City Hall, 118 S Main Street, Fairfield, IA 52556
• Phone: (641) 472-6193
• Website: cityoffairfieldiowa.com
• Department: Planning and Zoning Administrator (contact for permit applications)

Board of Adjustment:

• Contact: Through Planning & Zoning Department
• Function: Authorizes establishment of lodging houses and hears appeals
• Meeting Schedule: Contact Planning Department for current schedule

Building & Zoning Department:

• Address: City Hall, 118 S Main Street, Fairfield, IA 52556
• Phone: (641) 472-6193
• Function: Permit processing, inspections, and compliance

Links to Source Pages

Official City Documents:

• City Forms & Info Sheets
• Permits & Fees
• Lodging House Ordinance No. 1146
• Lodging House Permit Application
• Lodging House Information

Additional Resources:

• Board of Adjustment Appeal Form
• Board of Adjustment Instructions
• City Fee Information
• Municipal Code

Market Information:

• Fairfield STR Market Overview

City Hall Contact:

• Phone: (641) 472-6193
• Address: 118 S Main Street, Fairfield, IA 52556
• Website: City of Fairfield

This comprehensive regulatory framework provides clear guidelines for operating short-term rentals in Fairfield, IA, ensuring both investor opportunities and community protection through well-defined operational standards and enforcement mechanisms.