What are the key requirements for Grinnell hosts?

30-minute response time requirement for the local emergency contact is strictly enforced.

What should Grinnell hosts know about off-street parking is mandatory; guests?

Off-street parking is mandatory; guests cannot rely solely on street parking.

What should Grinnell hosts know about total tax is 14%, comprising?

Total tax is 14%, comprising state sales tax (6%), local option sales tax (1%), and city hotel/motel tax (7%).

Grinnell, IA Short-Term Rental Regulations & Permit Guide

Summary

Grinnell requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit, pass a safety inspection, and maintain local contact availability.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 18 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

Property owners in Grinnell must register their short-term rentals with the city and pay a $50 annual fee. You are required to have a local contact person who can respond to issues within 30 minutes and the property must pass an inspection to ensure it meets safety codes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$50

Processing Time

2-3 weeks

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•Grinnell: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Grinnell does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Grinnell prohibits STRs in the following property types: Recreational vehicles, Tents, Garages, Temporary structures.

Requirements(10)

•Grinnell requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Minimum coverage: $500,000. Proof of liability insurance specifically covering short-term rental activity.
•Grinnell requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Building and Zoning Department. Processing time: 2-3 weeks. Renewal is required.

Application Process(7)

•Grinnell STR permit - Step 3: Submit Permit Application. Submit the Short-Term Rental Application and the $50 fee to the Grinnell Building and Zoning Department. Required documents: Application form, Fee payment. Time: 1 week. Cost: 50.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Grinnell charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Iowa has a state sales tax of 0.07% that applies to STR rentals.
•Grinnell charges a Hotel and Motel Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 31 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit state and local hotel taxes in Iowa.
•Grinnell: Total tax is 14%, comprising state sales tax (6%), local option sales tax (1%), and city hotel/motel tax (7%).

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Grinnell occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Grinnell enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Grinnell limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Grinnell limits STRs to a maximum of 12 guests. Formula: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total

Safety Requirements(1)

•Grinnell requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Off-street parking must be provided, Working house numbers visible from street.

Penalties(2)

•Grinnell enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $250 fine. Second offense: $500 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $250 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Grinnell: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Grinnell

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

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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Grinnell

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 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 Grinnell?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Grinnell?

3What are the inspection requirements for Grinnell rentals?

4Are there local contact requirements for Grinnell hosts?

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