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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Urbandale, IA

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are classified as residential land use and must comply with the City's Housing Code and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code. Requirements include obtaining a Housing Certificate, passing city inspections for health and safety, and paying associated fees. Multi-family units additionally require Fire Marshal approval.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register and apply for a Housing Certificate via the CitizenServe online portal. 2. Schedule and pass a safety inspection conducted by City Staff (and Fire Marshal for multi-family). 3. Pay the required fees and download the approved Housing Certificate (valid for 2 years for single-family/duplex, 1 year for multi-family).

Official Resources

Official Urbandale STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Urbandale, IA?
Short-term rentals are classified as residential land use and must comply with the City's Housing Code and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code. Requirements include obtaining a Housing Certificate, passing city inspections for health and safety, and paying associated fees. Multi-family units additionally require Fire Marshal approval.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Urbandale?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Urbandale. 1. Register and apply for a Housing Certificate via the CitizenServe online portal. 2. Schedule and pass a safety inspection conducted by City Staff (and Fire Marshal for multi-family). 3. Pay the required fees and download the approved Housing Certificate (valid for 2 years for single-family/duplex, 1 year for multi-family).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Urbandale?
1. Register and apply for a Housing Certificate via the CitizenServe online portal. 2. Schedule and pass a safety inspection conducted by City Staff (and Fire Marshal for multi-family). 3. Pay the required fees and download the approved Housing Certificate (valid for 2 years for single-family/duplex, 1 year for multi-family).

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction