Overview: Short-Term Rentals in Grimes, IA

Short-term rentals (STRs) are explicitly permitted in Grimes, Iowa, subject to the city's established Rental Program regulations. The Grimes Rental Program, adopted in June 2023, applies to all rental units within the city, including properties rented for fewer than 30 days (i.e., STRs). Grimes is mandated by Iowa state law (population > 15,000) to regulate rental units.

Key Takeaway for Investors: Operating an STR in Grimes is legal. However, you must comply with the city's Rental Program requirements, which include registration, inspections, and adherence to life safety standards. There are no separate, city-specific "STR" rules; all rentals fall under the same program.

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Grimes, IA

Operating an STR in Grimes involves participation in the city's mandatory Rental Program. Follow these steps:

1. Understand the Program: Familiarize yourself with the Grimes Rental Program and its requirements. This program is administered by the Development Services Department.
2. Prepare Your Property: Ensure your STR unit meets all the city's life safety standards as outlined in the Rental Owner Checklist and Rental Inspection Guide.
3. Register Your Rental: Complete the Rental Registration form for each rental unit. Registration must be renewed every two years.
4. Submit Acknowledgment: File the completed Rental Owner Acknowledgment Form. This form confirms you have conducted a self-inspection using the official checklist and that the unit conforms to the required standards.
5. Pay Fees: After submitting your registration and forms, you will receive an invoice for the rental fees. Payment is required to complete the registration process. Fees are based on the type of structure (see Fees section below).
6. Prepare for Audits: Be aware that the city will schedule and conduct an audit inspection of your unit approximately every four years, using the same checklist as your self-inspection. Contact the city if you need prioritizing for this inspection.
7. Handle Complaints: Establish a clear process with guests to address issues directly. The city will only intervene after a written complaint to the tenant has gone unaddressed for 10 days, or if life safety is a concern.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

To legally operate an STR in Grimes, you must have the following:

• Rental Registration Form: Rental Registration (Must be filed with the city every 2 years).
• Rental Owner Acknowledgment Form: Rental Owner Acknowledgment (Must accompany registration, confirms self-inspection compliance).
• Rental Fee Invoice: Issued by the city after form submission (Payment required for registration).
• Recycling Plan (Multi-Family Owners): For owners of apartment complexes or duplexes, you must provide accommodations for recycling. If not currently available, provide a plan and schedule with your registration. Enforcement begins with the second registration cycle.

Key Guidelines:

• Rental Owner Checklist: Rental Owner Checklist - Your guide for self-inspection. Critical for compliance.
• Rental Inspection Guide: Rental Inspection Guide - Provides context for the audit inspection process.
• Rental Program Code: Review the relevant sections of the City's Municipal Code (Rentals' Section) for the official legal language.

3. Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Grimes, IA

Grimes' regulations for STRs are not distinct from its general rental regulations. All rental properties, including STRs, must adhere to the following:

• Mandatory Registration: All rental units (including STRs) must be registered with the Development Services Department every two years.
• Self-Inspection & Compliance: Owners must use the official checklist to ensure their STR meets all life safety requirements.
• Audit Inspections: The city will inspect each unit approximately every four years using the same checklist. These are scheduled geographically or by property type.
• Recycling Accommodation (Multi-Family): Required for all multi-family rental properties (applies to many STR buildings).
• Complaint Resolution: The city expects owners to handle tenant/guest complaints. City intervention is a last resort for unresolved written complaints (after 10 days) or immediate life safety issues.
• Fee Structure: See section below.

State-Level Context (Iowa): The state requires Grimes to regulate rentals because its population exceeds 15,000. However, the provided content does not detail specific state-level laws for STRs beyond this mandate. Local rules, as detailed above, are the primary governing regulations.

4. Fees

The city charges a registration fee per unit. The fee amount depends on the property type:

| Property Type | Fee | | :----------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Single-family, Townhomes, Condos | $70 per unit | | Apartments & Duplexes | $70 for the first unit + $30 for each additional unit in the structure |

Payment is made upon receipt of an invoice from the city after submitting your registration forms.

5. Contact Information for Local Authority

For questions, form submissions, or concerns related to short-term rentals in Grimes, contact the governing department:

• Department: Development Services Department
• Email: DevServ@grimesiowa.gov
• Phone: (515) 986-3036
• Physical Address: Grimes City Hall, 101 NE Harvey Street, Grimes, Iowa 50111
• Website: Grimes Rental Program | Report a Concern
• Code of Ordinances: Rentals' Section

6. Links to Source Pages

• Grimes Rental Program Homepage: https://www.grimesiowa.gov/385/Rental-Program
• Rental Registration Form: https://www.grimesiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1740
• Rental Owner Acknowledgment Form: https://www.grimesiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1741
• Rental Owner Checklist: https://www.grimesiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1739
• Rental Inspection Guide: https://www.grimesiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1738
• Grimes Code of Ordinances (Rentals' Section): http://online.encodeplus.com/regs/grimes-ia/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=3759&keywords=residential%2Crental%27s%2Crentals%2Crentals%27%2Crental#secid-2986
• Report a Rental Complaint: https://www.grimesiowa.gov/RequestTracker.aspx

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the information provided in the sources. Always consult the city directly or review the official municipal code for the most current and complete regulations.