This guide is tailored to Urbandale (Polk County), Iowa. It synthesizes Urbandale’s Housing Code, Iowa Code Chapter 414.1 (state zoning/preemption), and statewide tax obligations. Where Urbandale lacks STR-specific rules, it defaults to state-level requirements.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Urbandale?

• Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Urbandale. Iowa Code §414.1 prohibits cities from prohibiting or specifically licensing/permitting STRs. Urbandale may only regulate STRs to the same extent it regulates similar non-STR residential properties (e.g., general housing code, safety, nuisance).
• Urbandale has not adopted a standalone STR ordinance. STRs must comply with general rental housing requirements and applicable state/county laws.
• State law bars cities from requiring a license/permit fee targeted solely at STRs. However, general rental registration and inspection programs that apply equally to all rental properties (including STRs) are permissible.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental in Urbandale

1. Confirm zoning and land use

• Confirm the property is in a zoning district that allows residential use and STRs as a residential land use under Iowa Code §414.1(e)(2).
• Verify no HOA/Condo restrictions prohibit transient rentals.

2. Align with Urbandale’s Housing Code

• Register as a property owner/manager on Urbandale’s online portal (CitizenServe).
• Apply for a Housing Certificate (license), schedule inspections, complete corrections, and download the certificate when approved.
• Ensure compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code 2012 Edition as adopted via Urbandale Ordinance No. 2015-05 (Chapter 151).

3. Complete safety and building checks

• Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms (where applicable), fire extinguishers, egress/emergency exits, and building code compliance.
• For multi-family buildings, Fire Marshal approval is required prior to certificate issuance. Contact Fire Prevention (Jon Rech, 515-331-6733, jrech@urbandale.org).
• If work triggers building permit thresholds (IRC/IBC 105.1), obtain required permits. A Housing Certificate will not be issued with outstanding building violations.

4. Taxes and insurance

• Register for Iowa sales tax and hotel/motel tax with the Iowa Department of Revenue if hosting is your business activity and platforms do not collect/remit for you.
• Carry adequate liability and property coverage. While Urbandale does not mandate STR-specific insurance, standard homeowners policies typically exclude short-term rental activity; obtain a commercial STR policy or appropriate endorsement.

5. Management and local contacts

• While Urbandale does not require a dedicated local contact for STRs, identify a responsible person/manager who can respond rapidly to issues, especially for out-of-state owners.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required by Urbandale (general rental housing)

• Online portal registration (owner/manager account).
• Housing Certificate application (license).
• Inspection scheduling and completion with any required corrections.
• For multi-family properties: Fire Marshal approval prior to certificate issuance.
• If applicable: building permits for construction, alterations, or system work per IRC/IBC 105.1.
• Pre- and post-inspection records (e.g., smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher receipts, egress plans).

State-level (if hosting qualifies as lodging business)

• Iowa sales tax permit and registration for hotel/motel tax.
• Tax ID (EIN or SSN) for reporting.
• Income tax compliance records and expense documentation for deductions.

Recommended

• STR-specific insurance policy or endorsement.
• House rules and guest agreements.
• Cleaning/maintenance logs; occupancy and revenue records.

Regulations: Urbandale, Polk County, and Iowa

Urbandale

• Housing Code (International Property Maintenance Code 2012 Edition, adopted via Ord. 2015-05, Ch. 151).
• Rental licensing and inspections:
  • Single-family/duplex certificates valid for 2 years.
  • Multi-family certificates valid for 1 year; complexes determine city vs. self-inspection on an annual basis.
  • City inspections: apply before March 31; complete by June 30. Self-inspections: submit forms before June 30.
• Building/fire: multi-family Fire Marshal approval required; building permits required where IRC/IBC thresholds apply.
• No STR-specific permit or fee under state preemption.

Polk County

• No county-level STR regulations identified in the provided materials. County-level hotel/motel tax: the applicable rate for Urbandale/Pola County guests should be confirmed with the Iowa Department of Revenue and/or the county treasurer (source not provided in the links; verify current rates directly).

Iowa (statewide)

• Preemption under Iowa Code §414.1:
  • STRs must be classified as a residential land use for zoning purposes; cities may not prohibit STRs.
  • Cities cannot adopt or enforce regulations, restrictions, or ordinances targeted specifically at STRs (e.g., a separate STR permit or fee).
  • Allowed municipal controls (applied equally to similar non-STR properties): public health and safety (fire/building safety, sanitation, traffic), residential use/zoning (noise, property maintenance, nuisance), emergency contact requirements, and limitations on illegal uses (e.g., sex offender housing, drug manufacturing/sales, adult entertainment).
  • Ban on municipal permit caps for single-family and duplex rentals.
• Tax obligations:
  • Iowa hotel/motel tax (state) is 5% on accommodations of 90 consecutive days or less. Many local governments add local option hotel/motel taxes.
  • Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue, collect from guests, and remit on the applicable schedule. Platforms may collect and remit in certain jurisdictions; verify obligations and coverage.

Major Iowa cities (for comparison; not Urbandale-specific)

• Des Moines requires an STR permit, $500,000 liability insurance minimum, and maintenance standards; enforcement includes inspections and penalties.
• Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Iowa City require permits for rental properties (including STRs) with varying application and fee structures. Confirm specifics with each city.

Local Authority Contacts (Urbandale)

• Building Services (general): 515-278-3935; building@urbandale.org
• Building Official (Roger Schemmel): rschemmel@urbandale.org
• Community Development Director (Steve Franklin): sfranklin@urbandale.org
• Community Development Assistant Director (Kristi Bales): kbales@urbandale.org
• Fire Marshal (multi-family approvals): Jon Rech, 515-331-6733; jrech@urbandale.org
• City Hall (main): 515-278-3900
• Physical Address: 3600 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (excluding holidays)

Links to Source Pages

• Urbandale Housing Code portal and ordinances: www.urbandale.org/481/Housing-Code
• Urbandale Online Portal (registration, Housing Certificate): www.citizenserve.com/urbandale
• Urbandale Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 2015-05, Chapter 151): codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/urbandale/latest/urbandale_ia/0-0-0-6281
• Iowa Code §414.1 (state preemption and STR provisions): www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/414.1.pdf
• Iowa STR overview (state context; Checkmate Rentals): www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/iowa-short-term-rental-laws
• STR laws overview (Steadily): www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-iowa
• STR laws overview (RedAwning): www.redawning.com/pm/post/iowa-short-term-rental-laws

Notes and caveats

• Urbandale does not publish a separate STR-specific ordinance or fee. General rental housing rules apply equally to STRs. If Urbandale or Polk County later adopts an STR-specific rule or local lodging tax, it must comply with Iowa Code §414.1 and apply equally to similar non-STR properties.
• Verify any local hotel/motel tax rates for your booking location (city/county) with the Iowa Department of Revenue and/or local authorities. Rates may change over time.