The information below provides a summary of key requirements related to short-term rentals in Des Moines. Short term rental regulations are intended to maintain neighborhood character and ensure safety for guests and residents. Before submitting a permit application, please review the complete short term rental standards outlined in Ordinance 1829 to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Short Term Rentals
A short term rental is defined as a lodging use, excluding hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts, in which a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, is offered or provided by a Property Owner to a guest for a fee for a period of not less than one night but not more than thirty consecutive nights.
License and Permit Required
Before operating a short term rental, the owner must first obtain both a business license and a short term rental permit. To obtain a short term rental permit, the property owner must provide Notification Letter and a signed Good Neighbor Agreement. Contact the Community Development Department at [email protected]v for more information on applications and fees.
Apply online here
Sample Notification Letter
Good Neighbor Agreement
Local Property Representative
Short term rental owners must designate a Local Property Representative who must be available 24/7 respond to any complaints within 30 minutes and take remedial action to resolve any such complaints.
Occupancy Limit Table
Occupancy of a short term rental is limited according to the following Table of Occupancy. No more than one booking at a time for any individual dwelling unit is allowed.
Parking
No overnight street parking is allowed for short term rentals.
Garbage
Short term rental owners must provide trash bins for proper removal of trash and must have contracted for waste/garbage removal services.
Conduct of Renters
Renters of a short term rental shall not create unreasonable noise or disturbance, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate any local, state, or federal laws.
Violations – Permit Denial/Revocation
The property owner shall be reasonable for violations of the Chapter. Violations may result in denial or revocation of a short term rental permit, and subject the owner to infractions.
The process to appeal a permit denial or revocation is contained in [DMMC 18.20.160].
The process to appeal an infraction is contained in [DMMC 1.24.170].
Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact the Planning Division at [email protected] or visit the Community Development Office during counter hours held Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am - 4pm at 21630 11th Ave S, Suite D, Des Moines, WA 98198.