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

• Explicit answer: Yes—short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO whole-home or room rentals) are allowed in Guttenberg, IA.
• Regulatory level: Low. The market analysis for 2025 notes a “Low” regulation environment in Guttenberg. In the dataset used (Oct 2024–Sep 2025), 0 of 19 active listings were licensed, and no mandatory STR-specific permitting was identified (AirROI). The City Code Ordinances index is public but does not present any STR-specific bans or caps on first review. This situation should be verified with the City at the time of listing due to the potential for ordinance updates.
• Context: Guttenberg is a small Mississippi River town with a tourism-driven economy, a tight STR inventory, and seasonal demand peaks.

Data note: The conclusion that STRs are allowed is based on market activity and absence of published restrictions in the provided materials. If you encounter licensing requirements or other rules not listed here, follow the local authority guidance provided below.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

• Confirm zoning and land use
  • Contact Administration/City Office to confirm that transient rentals are a permitted use in the property’s zoning district and that no conditional use or special exception is required.
• Align with city processes
  • Ask whether a general business license, sales tax permit, or transient merchant permit applies. Clarify whether an STR registration (if available) is required or advisable.
• Align with county and state requirements
  • Confirm health and safety minimums (state of Iowa) and any county-level rules for lodging. If a pool or shared amenities exist, discuss additional compliance needs (swimming pool, etc.).
• Set up legal/tax structure
  • Obtain any applicable sales tax and hotel/motel tax registrations from the Iowa Department of Revenue. If you plan to operate as a lodging provider, ensure an Iowa sales tax permit and local hotel/motel tax registration (if applicable) are obtained.
• Insurance and risk management
  • Secure general liability coverage adequate for short-term lodging (common for Iowa landlords). Discuss Dwelling Fire (DP-3) or similar coverage with your insurer. Consider an umbrella policy.
• Safety and accessibility
  • Install/maintain working smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas; ensure carbon monoxide detectors near fuel-burning appliances. Provide fire extinguishers, posted emergency egress, house rules, and guest emergency contact information. Confirm address signage and 911 visibility at night.
• Utilities and infrastructure
  • Verify adequate water pressure for guest turnover, heating/cooling capacity, and internet speed appropriate for the listing (guests expect reliable Wi-Fi).
• Listing and operations
  • Create listings (Airbnb/VRBO/other) using a clear, accurate description and local amenities. Implement a pricing strategy calibrated to Guttenberg’s seasonality and demand:
    • Average Daily Rate (ADR): $143; Median annual revenue: $12,066; Occupancy: ~32%; Peak month: August; Lowest month: January.
  • Set minimum stay rules consistent with local norms (two nights is common), and choose cancellation policies that balance guest acquisition with revenue protection (Flexible is widely used).
• Guest experience and compliance
  • Standardize check-in instructions and local rules (noise, parking, trash/recycling days, use of amenities). Respond quickly to neighbor concerns to avoid nuisance violations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City (Guttenberg)

• Business license/registration (if required for lodging). Contact City Office; the City’s public ordinances index did not surface an STR-specific registration in the provided materials, but verification is required.
• Zoning compliance confirmation letter (recommended).
• Transient merchant/home occupation permit (if applicable). Note: transient merchant rules can vary; clarify scope.
• Municipal permits for health/safety items if required (e.g., pool, signage).
• Evidence of compliance with fire and life-safety standards to the satisfaction of the Fire Department.

County (Clayton County)

• County lodging permits, food service rules, or public health authorizations (if applicable). Verify with County Health.
• If a pool, hot tub, or shared recreational facility is part of the STR, additional inspections or permits may apply.

State (Iowa)

• Iowa sales tax permit (if selling taxable lodging).
• Hotel/motel tax registration (if imposed locally).
• Compliance with Iowa minimum housing standards and landlord-tenant obligations relevant to transient stays.
• Code of Iowa requirements related to safety (e.g., smoke/CO detectors), landlord/tenant notices, and abandonment procedures as applicable.
• Accessibility and fair housing: Adhere to federal accessibility guidance (e.g., ADA), Iowa civil rights law, and reasonable accommodation standards.

STR-specific code references

• The City’s public ordinances index page is accessible via City Code → Ordinances. No STR ban or cap was identified in the provided materials; however, hosts should verify against current code.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City (Guttenberg)

• STRs allowed: No published ban or cap identified in the provided materials. Regulatory level is described as “Low.”
• Verify: Whether a general business license/registration is required for lodging.
• Local nuisance controls: The City’s Code of Ordinances governs nuisance, noise, and parking; comply fully to avoid enforcement. If an HOA, CCRs, or restrictive covenants apply, ensure alignment before listing.

County (Clayton County)

• County-level lodging and health rules may apply (particularly for non-traditional lodging). Verify any county inspections or permits for STRs with shared amenities.

State (Iowa)

• Lodging taxes: Sales tax applies to lodging; local hotel/motel tax may apply. Register as required.
• Fire/life safety: Minimum standards for smoke/CO detectors, heating, egress, and structural safety apply.
• Zoning and land use: Iowa law delegates local zoning and land use control to cities. Confirm zoning use with the City.
• Civil rights and fair housing: Comply with federal and Iowa civil rights laws.

State-level highlights (Iowa)

• Short-term rentals are not categorically banned statewide; cities and counties regulate land use and lodging.
• Iowa has “low” statewide STR regulation; most direct requirements are local or state-level landlord/health/safety statutes.
• Health and safety compliance is essential; if hosting longer stays (≥30 nights), state landlord-tenant laws may apply.

AirROI market benchmarks (2025)

• STR regulation level: Low.
• 19 active listings; Average ADR: $143; Occupancy: ~32%; Median annual revenue: $12,066; Peak month: August; Lowest: January.

Contact Information (Local Authority)

• City of Guttenberg – Administration/City Office

  • Phone: (563) 252-1161
  • Address: 502 S 1st St., PO Box 580, Guttenberg, IA 52052
  • Hours: 8:30 am–5:00 pm (Mon); 7:30 am–4:00 pm (Tue–Fri); closed weekends/holidays
  • Website: www.cityofguttenbergia.gov/
  • Primary email: Not listed in the provided materials. Call the City Office or visit the site’s contact page.

• City of Guttenberg – Public Safety (Fire/Police)

  • Phone: See City departments page or contact via City Office.

• City of Guttenberg – Tourism/Development

  • Website: cityofguttenbergia.gov/tourism
  • Chamber of Commerce (tourism/business resource): www.guttenbergiowa.net

• Clayton County – Health Department and County Administration

  • Phone/email: Not listed in the provided materials. Contact through the City Office if needed for routing.

• Iowa Department of Revenue (for sales tax and hotel/motel tax)

  • Phone/email: Not listed in the provided materials. Visit Iowa Department of Revenue’s site and search “lodging tax” for current guidance and filings.

Source Links (for verification and updates)

• AirROI Market Analysis (Guttenberg 2025): www.airroi.com/report/world/united-states/iowa/guttenberg
• City of Guttenberg – Official Website: cityofguttenbergia.gov/
• City of Guttenberg – City Code Ordinances (index): cityofguttenbergia.gov/?SEC=707EBB60-06CE-4C04-8847-E52CD843E28D
• City of Guttenberg – Tourism/Development: cityofguttenbergia.gov/tourism
• Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce: www.guttenbergiowa.net

Notes and best practices

• Keep this guide as a baseline. Regulations can change; confirm current requirements directly with the City Office, the County Health Department, and the Iowa Department of Revenue before listing.
• Treat “Low regulation” as “Compliance still required.” Maintain high safety and customer service standards to protect your operating status and neighbor relations.
• Use AirROI’s benchmarks to set realistic pricing expectations and adjust minimum stay and cancellation policies to match seasonal demand.