Ames, Iowa
Short-Term Rental Regulations — Story County
Allowed (Permit Required)
STR Status
Permit & Licensing
Permit RequiredNot specified
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified
Owner Requirements
Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified
Limits & Restrictions
Parking RequiredNot specified
Taxes & Fees
Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates
Official Sources
Data confidence: 82%Last updated: June 8, 2026
Short-term rental rules in Ames, Iowa
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Ames, Iowa are allowed with a permit.
Frequently asked questions
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ames, Iowa?
Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Ames, Iowa.
Where do these Ames short-term rental rules come from?
These details are verified against Ames's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.
Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Ames, Story County, or Iowa authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.