Overview: STR Status in Johnston, IA

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Johnston, Iowa. The city explicitly recognizes and regulates short-term vacation rentals (STVRs) through its Residential Rental Code and zoning ordinances. STVRs are defined as "a dwelling, or portion thereof, that is used for accommodations or lodging of guests paying a fee or other compensation for a period of less than 30 consecutive days." All STR operators must comply with the city's Residential Rental Code requirements, including obtaining a Rental Certificate and passing inspections.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Johnston

Step-by-Step Process

1. Property Registration

   • Register your residential rental property with the Johnston Building Department
   • Complete the residential rental property registration application
   • Provide all required owner and property information

2. Obtain Rental Certificate

   • Apply for a Rental Certificate from the Johnston Building Department
   • Pay initial inspection fees based on property type
   • Schedule and complete required property inspection
   • Correct any violations identified during inspection
   • Receive Rental Certificate upon compliance

3. Ongoing Compliance

   • Renew registration annually between November 15th and January 15th
   • Maintain valid Rental Certificate (valid for 2-3 years depending on compliance history)
   • Comply with all applicable codes including Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Codes

Registration Requirements

Application Information Required:

• Property address of the residential rental property
• Number and type of dwelling units in the structure
• Property owner's name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number
• Owner's designee (if applicable) information including name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements

1. Rental Certificate - Required for all rental properties including STVRs

   • Must be obtained before any dwelling unit can be rented, leased, or occupied
   • Certificate must be available for examination by parties involved in leasing
   • Must be displayed or made available upon city request

2. Residential Rental Property Registration

   • Required for all residential rental properties
   • Must be renewed annually
   • Registration is not transferable between property owners

3. Property Inspection

   • Required for new rental properties and certificate renewals
   • Inspection covers all common areas and rental units
   • Must be conducted with building owner or designee present
   • Tenants must be notified per Iowa law requirements

Compliance with Additional Codes

• Johnston Building Code (Chapter 155)
• Johnston Plumbing Code (Chapter 156)
• Johnston Electrical Code (Chapter 157)
• Johnston Mechanical Code (Chapter 158)
• Johnston Fire Code (Chapter 159)
• Johnston Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 161)

Safety Requirements

• Fire Extinguishers: Required in all apartment houses and congregate residences per Fire Code. Residential dwelling units in one- and two-family structures require minimum one 2-A:10-B:C portable fire extinguisher in conspicuous location
• Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detection: Must be installed and maintained per Building Code
• Handrails and Guardrails: Required per International Property Maintenance Code standards
• Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs: Required in common halls and stairways per Fire Code

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Johnston Regulations

Short-Term Vacation Rental Definition: "A dwelling, or portion thereof, that is used for accommodations or lodging of guests paying a fee or other compensation for a period of less than 30 consecutive days."

Zoning Compliance: STVRs are treated as an accessory use (Chapter 177.15) and must comply with applicable zoning district requirements.

Rental Certificate Requirements:

• Valid for 2-3 years depending on compliance history
• New residential rental properties may receive 3-year certificates at Building Official's discretion
• Properties with noncompliance history may receive 1-year certificates
• Certificate must be renewed within 10 business days of expiration or property cannot be occupied

Registration Renewal:

• Annual renewal required between November 15th and January 15th
• Late renewals (after January 15th + 10 business days) result in certificate revocation
• Failure to register or renew results in doubled registration fees and possible municipal infractions

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Three or more nuisance violations within 12 months may cause certificate denial or revocation
• Violations may result in municipal infractions per Chapter 3 of Johnston Code
• Rent is not recoverable for periods of noncompliance
• Properties may be ordered vacated for safety violations

County-Level Regulations

Polk County Department of Health governs nuisances and public health conditions not addressed by other city code chapters.

State of Iowa Regulations

Iowa Code Chapter 364.17 provides the statutory authority for the city's Residential Rental Code requirements.

Fee Structure

Annual Registration Fees

• Single Family Home: $40.00 per dwelling
• Apartment House: $40.00 per structure plus $17.50 per dwelling unit
• Duplex: $40.00 per structure plus $17.50 per dwelling unit
• Townhouse: $40.00 per dwelling unit
• Condos Individual Owner: $50.00 per dwelling unit
• Congregate Residential: $50.00 per structure plus $4.00 per sleeping room

Additional Fees

• Initial Inspection Fee (for new rentals registered Nov 15 - June 1): $40.00 per structure plus $17.50 per dwelling unit
• Initial Inspection Fee (for new rentals registered June 2 - Nov 14): $20.00 per structure plus $8.75 per dwelling unit
• Landlord Initiated Complaint Inspection: $50.00
• Third Party Initiated Complaint Inspection: $100.00
• Re-inspection Fees: 1st no charge, 2nd $75.00, 3rd $200.00
• Failure to Complete Repair Fines: 1st notice $75.00, 2nd notice $200.00, 3rd notice municipal infraction

All additional fees must be paid prior to commencing inspections. Complaint-based inspection fees may be refunded to complainant and assessed to property owner if violations are confirmed.

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Johnston Building Department

• Address: 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
• Phone: (515) 727-7778
• Email: building@cityofjohnston.com
• Website: www.cityofjohnston.com

Additional Contacts

Johnston Planning and Zoning Department

• Phone: (515) 727-7778
• Email: planning@cityofjohnston.com

Johnston Fire Department

• Phone: (515) 727-7778 (main line)

Polk County Health Department

• Phone: (515) 286-3798
• Website: www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health

Building Official/Code Official

• Handles enforcement of Residential Rental Code
• Authorized to issue, suspend, or revoke Rental Certificates
• Contact through Building Department

Board of Appeals

• Handles appeals of Building Official decisions
• Appeals must be filed within 30 calendar days
• Contact through Building Department for procedures

Important Source Links

• Johnston Residential Rental Code - Ordinance 962
• Johnston Development Code Update - January 2023 Public Draft

Compliance Timeline

• New STRs: Complete registration and obtain Rental Certificate before any occupancy
• Annual Renewal: November 15th - January 15th
• Certificate Expiration: Must renew within 10 business days or cease operations
• Inspection Scheduling: Coordinate with Building Department and provide tenant notice per Iowa law
• Violation Correction: Timeframes set by Building Official in violation notices

Key Compliance Reminders

1. Pre-Operation: Obtain Rental Certificate and complete all required inspections before hosting guests
2. Annual Compliance: Renew registration and maintain valid certificate
3. Ongoing Operations: Maintain property in compliance with all applicable codes
4. Tenant Relations: Provide proper notice for inspections and address complaints promptly
5. Documentation: Keep Rental Certificate available and maintain records of compliance

This guide provides the essential framework for operating a compliant short-term rental business in Johnston, Iowa. Regular consultation with the Building Department and ongoing monitoring of code updates will ensure continued compliance.