Duluth
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STR Regulations for Duluth
Short-Term Rental Regulations in Duluth, Minnesota
Overview of Short-Term Rental Allowance
Short-term rentals ARE allowed in Duluth, with specific regulations and three distinct rental categories:
- Accessory Home Share (AHS)
- Owner must live in the property and be present during rental
- Maximum of 4 guests
- Maximum of 2 bedrooms can be rented
- Only one rental listing per night allowed
- No cap on number of permits
- Accessory Vacation Dwelling Unit, Limited (AVDUL)
- Owner must permanently reside at the property
- Owner does NOT need to be present during rental
- Maximum of 9 guests
- 2-7 consecutive nights rental
- Maximum 21 rental nights per calendar year
- Maximum 4 bedrooms can be rented
- No cap on number of permits
- Vacation Dwelling Unit (VDU)
- Entire unit can be rented without owner present
- Maximum of 9 guests
- 2-29 consecutive nights rental
- Maximum 4 bedrooms can be rented
- Guest total and parking determined by number of bedrooms
- Permit cap applies (except in Form districts)
Permit and Licensing Requirements
Documents Needed
- Short-term rental permit
- Operational permit from Life Safety Division
- Potential lodging license from MN State Department of Health
- State tax identification number
- Tourism tax registration
Permitting Process
- Review official guidelines at City of Duluth website
- Complete appropriate application on ePlace online system
- Schedule Life Safety inspection
- Obtain necessary permits
Key Regulations
- Properties must meet Minnesota Building Code requirements
- Fire safety inspections required
- Parking requirements based on number of bedrooms
- Must provide guests with city ordinance information
- Permits typically valid for 3 years
- Non-transferable between property owners
Contact Information
City of Duluth Departments
-
Planning Division
- Phone: 218-730-5580
- Email: planning@duluthmn.gov
-
Construction Services & Inspections
- Phone: 218-730-5240
- Email: permittingservices@duluthmn.gov
-
Life Safety Division
- Phone: 218-730-4380
State Agencies
-
MN Department of Health
- Phone: 651-201-5000
- Website: health.state.mn.us
-
MN Department of Revenue
- Phone: 651-282-5225
- Website: revenue.state.mn.us
Additional Considerations
- Properties in Form Districts have different rental duration rules
- Zoning restrictions may apply
- Potential neighborhood impact considerations
- Recommended to review full city ordinances for comprehensive details
Recommended Next Steps
- Review official Duluth STR guidelines
- Watch city's STR informational video
- Attend pre-application meeting
- Prepare required documentation
- Complete online application
- Schedule necessary inspections
Disclaimer: Regulations can change. Always confirm current requirements directly with Duluth city authorities.
Photos of Duluth
Overview of Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota, is a vibrant city located on the north shore of Lake Superior. As of the most recent census, the population of Duluth is approximately 86,000 residents. The city is positioned about 150 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the nearest major metropolitan area, making it a serene yet accessible destination for tourists seeking a getaway from urban life.
Duluth is well-known for its picturesque landscapes and unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Among the city's most iconic landmarks is the Aerial Lift Bridge, an engineering marvel and a focal point of Duluth's Canal Park. Visitors can learn more about this landmark at Aerial Lift Bridge.
Additionally, Duluth hosts the historic Glensheen Mansion, a 39-room mansion sitting on a 12-acre estate along the Lake Superior shoreline. This site offers guided tours and a glimpse into early 20th-century opulence (Glensheen Mansion).
Furthermore, the city's Lakewalk is a popular attraction for both residents and visitors—it offers stunning views of the lake and connects several parks, beaches, and the landmark Fitger's Brewery Complex (Lakewalk).
For outdoor enthusiasts, Duluth provides easy access to the Superior Hiking Trail and Spirit Mountain, a hub for skiing and mountain biking (Spirit Mountain).
These attributes make Duluth an appealing destination for short-term rentals, catering to a variety of interests including historical exploration, outdoor adventures, and serene vacationing along the largest of the Great Lakes.