What are the key requirements for Cedar Falls hosts?

Out-of-county owners MUST have a local agent living in Black Hawk County.

What are the key requirements for Cedar Falls hosts?

Gravel driveways are prohibited; all rental parking must be a hard surface (asphalt, concrete, or brick).

Are there rental limits in Cedar Falls?

Occupancy is strictly limited to 4 unrelated persons regardless of bedroom count.

What should Cedar Falls hosts know about permits are not transferable to?

Permits are NOT transferable to new owners upon sale of the property.

Cedar Falls, IA Short-Term Rental Regulation Guide

Summary

Cedar Falls regulates short-term rentals through its general Minimum Rental-Housing Code, requiring a permit, triennial inspections, and local agent representation for non-resident owners.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 11 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $250
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

If you rent out your property for any length of time in Cedar Falls, you must obtain a standard rental permit from the Fire Division and pass a safety inspection every three years. Owners who live outside of Black Hawk County must designate a local agent who resides within the county to handle emergencies and compliance. Properties must also meet specific standards, such as having a hard-surfaced driveway and limiting occupancy to four unrelated individuals.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$250

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

•Cedar Falls: Gravel driveways are prohibited; all rental parking must be a hard surface (asphalt, concrete, or brick).
•Cedar Falls allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written owner consent and compliance with general rental code.
•Cedar Falls allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family detached, Duplex, Condominium, Townhouse, Apartment.

Requirements(12)

•Cedar Falls: Out-of-county owners MUST have a local agent living in Black Hawk County.
•Cedar Falls STR warning: Occupancy is strictly limited to 4 unrelated persons regardless of bedroom count.
•Cedar Falls: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Cedar Falls: Step 1: Designate Local Agent - If you reside outside of Black Hawk County, you must appoint a local agent who lives in the county to be the primary contact for the city. Documents needed: Local Agent Designation Form. Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.cedarfalls.com/152/Rental-Code-and-Permit-Information Step 2: Submit Rental Property Application - Complete the New Rental/Change in Ownership Application and submit it to the Fire Division with the initial fee. Documents needed: Rental Property Application. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.cedarfalls.com/152/Rental-Code-and-Permit-Information Step 3: Schedule and Pass Fire Inspection - A fire inspector will visit the property to ensure compliance with the Minimum Rental-Housing Code, including egress, smoke detectors, and parking. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Step 4: Receive and Post Permit - Upon passing inspection, the city issues an occupancy permit which must be displayed or readily available within the rental unit. Estimated time: 3 days.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Cedar Falls charges a registration fee of $250 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $175 (Initial base fee is $250; renewal every three years is $175 ($125 registration + $50 inspection fee).).

Taxes(2)

•Cedar Falls charges a Transient Lodgings Occupancy Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 90 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Platforms like Airbnb/Vrbo typically collect and remit the 5% state and 7% local hotel tax.
•Iowa has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Cedar Falls occupancy calculation: Maximum of 4 unrelated persons per dwelling unit per Municipal Code § 14-74. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Cedar Falls limits STRs to a maximum of 4 guests. Formula: Maximum of 4 unrelated persons per dwelling unit per Municipal Code § 14-74
•Cedar Falls: Occupancy is strictly limited to 4 unrelated persons regardless of bedroom count.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Cedar Falls requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress window in every bedroom, Two points of egress for basement units, Hard-surface driveway/parking area.

Penalties(2)

•Cedar Falls enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $750 fine and 3-month permit revocation. Third offense: $900 fine and 6-month permit revocation. Daily fine: $500 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Cedar Falls: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Cedar Falls exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.
•Cedar Falls: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Cedar Falls

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(6)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cedar Falls

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Cedar Falls?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Cedar Falls?

3Are there residency requirements for owners in Cedar Falls?

4What property standards must Cedar Falls rentals meet?

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