Overview: Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Montour, Iowa. The city does not publish city-specific STR ordinances or permit caps. Existing listings (e.g., a cabin on VRBO in Montour) confirm the market is active. STRs are treated like any other rental or lodging use and are governed by county and state rules (Tama County; Iowa), not by a separate Montour STR code. County zoning may affect what structures can be used as an STR (e.g., cabins versus dwelling units). Operators should verify zoning compatibility for the specific parcel and intended use.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Montour

• Confirm zoning and use type: Identify whether the property is in a residential, commercial, or recreational zoning district and whether STR/lodging use is permitted or requires a conditional/special use. Contact Tama County Zoning for parcel-specific guidance and any setback or lot coverage limits.
• Verify structure eligibility: Confirm that the building qualifies as an allowable lodging structure (e.g., single-family home, cabin, accessory structure). For any construction, additions, or significant exterior changes, obtain necessary county building permits and comply with state building codes.
• Decide the operating model: Choose between owner-hosted (e.g., a bedroom within a principal dwelling) and whole-unit rental. Consider insurance, safety, and amenities.
• Align with health and safety: Although no health permit was found for Montour lodging, the Tama County Sanitarian can advise on nuisance, waste disposal, and any requirements tied to food service or unusually high occupancy.
• Register for taxes: If renting for fewer than 31 consecutive days, the property likely qualifies as lodging. Register for Iowa sales tax and any lodging tax with the Iowa Department of Revenue. Platforms like VRBO/Airbnb commonly collect and remit state sales tax for their bookings.
• Establish guest rules and safety: Draft house rules and provide smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, posted egress/evacuation information, and emergency contacts.
• Launch and comply: List the property (VRBO/Airbnb). Keep records for taxes, guest logs, maintenance, and any inspections. Comply with nuisance, noise, and waste rules to avoid enforcement.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Zoning confirmation: Letter/email from Tama County Zoning confirming STR/lodging is an allowed use on the parcel (or obtain conditional/special use approval if required).
• Building permits (if applicable): For new construction, additions, decks, significant electrical/plumbing work, or changes that trigger code review. Comply with Iowa state building codes.
• Sales and lodging tax registration: Iowa Department of Revenue sales tax account; lodging tax if applicable.
• Business license (if city-level license exists): Contact Montour City Clerk to confirm whether a local business license is required (none found in provided sources).
• Insurance: Property and liability insurance appropriate for short-term rental operations.
• Nuisance/waste compliance: Follow county and state rules for waste collection, snow removal, and property maintenance; align with any posted rules for public lands/waterways if your STR borders or provides access to them.
• Optional voluntary standards: Smoke/CO alarms, posted emergency egress maps, first-aid kit, and a local contact person are best practices.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

• Montour (city): No city-specific STR ordinance or rental permit cap was found. If you plan structural changes, verify whether any city permits or inspections apply; confirm the need for a business license with the City Clerk. Treat the property as a standard lodging/rental use unless instructed otherwise.
• Tama County (county): STRs are reviewed via zoning and building processes. Your STR must comply with the underlying zoning district and any conditions of approval. Construction requires county building permits and compliance with state codes. Health/sanitarian requirements typically apply when lodging becomes more institutional or if food service is offered, or where public health concerns arise; confirm with the Sanitarian if planning higher occupancy or frequent turnover.
• State of Iowa (Iowa Code): There is no statewide STR license. Iowa sales tax generally applies to lodging. The Department of Revenue administers sales and lodging tax registrations and rules. Iowa building codes apply to construction work.

Local Authority Contact Information

• Tama County Zoning
  • Phone: 641-484-3058
  • Website: www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/zoning/
• Tama County Sanitarian
  • Phone: 641-484-3058 (general switchboard; ask for Sanitarian)
  • Website: www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/sanitarian/
• Montour City Clerk (for any city-level license/permit needs)
  • Phone: 641-492-6112
• Iowa Department of Revenue (sales and lodging tax)
  • Phone: 515-281-3114
  • Website: revenue.iowa.gov/
• Otter Creek Lake & Park (Tama County Conservation; visitor info)
  • Phone: 641-484-2231
  • Website: www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/conservation/
• Example STR listing (market presence)
  • Butternut Cabin – Montour (VRBO #3584691): www.vrbo.com/3584691

Links to Source Pages

• Butternut Cabin – Montour listing: www.vrbo.com/3584691
• Iowa City rental permit requirements (context for regional differences; not Montour): lepickroeger.com/city-establishes-new-rental-permit-requirements/ (original: www.icgov.org/news/city-establishes-new-rental-permit-requirements)
• Iowa City rental permit requirements (direct city page): www.icgov.org/rental-permit-requirements
• Tama County Zoning department: www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/zoning/
• Tama County Sanitarian: www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/sanitarian/
• Tama County Conservation and parks info (useful for land/waterway rules near STRs): www.tamacounty.iowa.gov/conservation/

Notes and Investor Checklist

• Market presence: Active STRs exist in Montour (VRBO listing). Confirm zoning and building compliance before purchase or conversion.
• Taxes: Register for Iowa sales tax and any lodging tax; platforms may collect on your behalf, but you remain responsible for compliance and returns.
• Safety and guest experience: Provide clear rules, emergency info, and maintain the property to avoid nuisance complaints.
• Construction: Any new cabins, decks, or conversions require permits and adherence to state codes; contact the Zoning and building departments early in your planning.