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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Waukee, Iowa. The city operates under a framework that permits rental properties, including short-term rentals, while requiring compliance with rental inspection certificates and safety standards. However, Iowa state law (House File 2641) significantly limits local municipal authority over short-term rentals, meaning Waukee cannot outright prohibit or impose specific licensing requirements exclusively for short-term rental properties.

The city is required to treat short-term rental properties as residential land use for zoning purposes. However, Waukee maintains its general rental inspection program, which applies to all rental properties regardless of rental duration, as this falls under permissible municipal authority for health, safety, and welfare regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Waukee

Starting a short-term rental business in Waukee requires navigating both state-level protections and local compliance requirements. Follow this systematic approach:

1. Research Zoning Compliance

Before purchasing or converting a property, verify that short-term rental operations are permitted in your intended zone. While state law prohibits zoning restrictions specifically targeting short-term rentals, general zoning classifications still apply. Contact the Waukee Planning Department to confirm your property's zoning allows residential rental use.

2. Obtain Required Rental Inspection Certificate

Waukee requires all rental properties to obtain a valid Rental Inspection Certificate regardless of rental duration. This certificate is valid for two years from issuance. Properties with Certificates of Occupancy issued within the previous two years may be exempt from inspection requirements.

3. Prepare for Safety Compliance

Ensure your property meets all safety standards including working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms (for properties with gas appliances), proper egress, and structural soundness. Review the city's inspection checklists for your property type.

4. Register for State Tax Obligations

Register with the Iowa Department of Revenue to collect and remit the 5% state hotel/motel tax on accommodations rented for 90 consecutive days or less. Research local option hotel/motel taxes that may apply in Waukee or Dallas County.

5. Secure Appropriate Insurance

While not explicitly mandated by Waukee, obtain comprehensive short-term rental insurance that exceeds standard homeowner policies. Consider requirements in nearby cities like Des Moines, which mandate $500,000 minimum liability coverage.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements (Waukee-Specific)

Rental Inspection Certificate

• Validity: Two years from issuance
• Requirement: Mandatory for all rental properties including short-term rentals
• Exemptions: Properties with Certificates of Occupancy from the previous two years

Required Documentation for Application:

• Property deed or proof of ownership
• Completed Rental Housing Inspection Certificate Application
• Property information and floor plans
• Owner identification and contact information
• Payment of applicable fees

Safety Inspection Requirements:

• Working smoke detectors on each level and in sleeping areas
• Carbon monoxide detectors in properties with gas appliances
• Fire extinguishers (recommendation)
• Proper electrical and plumbing systems
• Adequate egress and emergency exits
• Structural soundness

State-Level Requirements (Iowa)

Tax Registration:

• Iowa Department of Revenue registration for hotel/motel tax collection
• Sales tax permit for remitting state and local lodging taxes
• EIN or SSN for tax reporting purposes

Definition Compliance:

• Short-term rental defined as lodging for 30 consecutive days or less
• Hotel/motel tax applies to rentals of 90 consecutive days or less

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Waukee Regulations

Rental Inspection Program:

• Applies to all residential rental properties regardless of rental duration
• Inspection required before certificate issuance (unless exempt)
• Certificate must be displayed or available for inspection
• Properties must meet municipal housing code standards

Fee Structure:

• Single-Family Home: $65
• Duplex Building: $65 plus $15 per unit
• Single Owner Multi-Family Building: $65 plus $15 per unit

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Failure to Register: $150 penalty
• Complaint Inspection: $150 fee
• Board of Appeals Application: $100 fee

Maintenance Standards:

• Properties must comply with city property maintenance codes
• No inoperative or unlicensed vehicles permitted on premises
• Structural soundness required for all buildings and accessory structures
• Rodent control and infestation prevention required

Dallas County Regulations

No specific short-term rental regulations identified at the county level. County regulations generally follow state guidelines with enforcement focused on health, safety, and welfare concerns.

State of Iowa Regulations

Municipal Authority Restrictions (Iowa Code 414.1):

• Cities cannot prohibit short-term rentals outright
• Cannot require specific licenses or permits exclusively for short-term rentals
• Must classify short-term rental properties as residential land use for zoning purposes
• Can enforce general regulations for health, safety, welfare, noise, property maintenance, and nuisance issues

Permitted Municipal Regulations:

• Fire and building safety standards
• Sanitation requirements
• Traffic control measures
• Noise, property maintenance, and nuisance regulations
• Emergency contact requirements

Tax Obligations:

• 5% state hotel/motel tax on accommodations 90 days or less
• Local option taxes where applicable
• Quarterly or monthly filing requirements based on volume

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Waukee Development Services Department

• Primary Contact: Paul Carpenter, Code Compliance Officer
• Email: pcarpenter@waukee.org
• Inspection/Permit Hotline: 515-978-9533
• Address: Waukee City Hall, 230 W. Hickman Road, Waukee, Iowa 50263
• General Phone: 515-978-7900

Department Hours: Standard business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)

Additional City Contacts:

• Parks & Recreation: 515-978-0007
• Public Works: 515-978-7920
• Library: 515-978-7944
• Police: 515-978-7979
• Fire: 515-978-7998

Links to Source Pages

1. Waukee Rental Code Enforcement - City Website
2. Waukee Municipal Code Chapter 156 - Residential Rental Code
3. Rental Housing Inspection Certificate Application
4. Iowa Short-Term Rental Laws - Checkmate Rentals Guide
5. Iowa Airbnb Regulations - Steadily Insurance
6. Iowa STR Regulations - Proper Insurance
7. Iowa Code Chapter 414.1 - City Zoning Authority

Important Notes for Investors:

• Iowa state law provides significant protections for short-term rental operators
• Waukee's rental inspection program applies to all rental properties, creating a uniform compliance standard
• The city cannot impose restrictions exclusively targeting short-term rentals
• Regular monitoring of municipal communications is essential as regulations continue evolving
• Consider consulting with local legal counsel familiar with Iowa short-term rental law for investment decisions

This regulatory framework creates a relatively favorable environment for short-term rental investment in Waukee, with state-level protections against overregulation balanced by reasonable local safety and maintenance standards.