Clear Lake, Iowa

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Cerro Gordo County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredFee: $150.00
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/9/2026
$150.00License Cost

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$150.00
Renewalannual
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

Zoning Restrictions

  • residential districts only

Official Sources

Data confidence: 92%Last updated: June 9, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Clear Lake, Iowa

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Clear Lake, Iowa are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $150.00).

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Clear Lake, Iowa?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Clear Lake?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $150.00.

Where do these Clear Lake short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Clear Lake'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 Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County, or Iowa authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.