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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Carlton County, MN

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Vacation rentals are allowed with a permit in R-1, A-1, A-2, and C-1 zoning districts. Occupancy is limited to three persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, or one person per 75 gallons of septic capacity (whichever is less). Operators must provide a 24/7 local contact, adhere to quiet hours, and manage waste via a licensed hauler; five or more units under one owner require a resort permit.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a completed Vacation Rental Permit Application to Zoning & Environmental Services with the $150 fee. 2) Provide required documentation including a site plan, floor plan, septic compliance certificate, and a water test result from within the last 30 days. 3) Obtain approval from the Zoning Administrator; permits must be renewed every three years for a $50 fee.

Official Resources

Official Carlton County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Carlton County, MN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Carlton County, MN, but with restrictions. Vacation rentals are allowed with a permit in R-1, A-1, A-2, and C-1 zoning districts. Occupancy is limited to three persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, or one person per 75 gallons of septic capacity (whichever is less). Operators must provide a 24/7 local contact, adhere to quiet hours, and manage waste via a licensed hauler; five or more units under one owner require a resort permit. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Carlton County, MN?
Vacation rentals are allowed with a permit in R-1, A-1, A-2, and C-1 zoning districts. Occupancy is limited to three persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, or one person per 75 gallons of septic capacity (whichever is less). Operators must provide a 24/7 local contact, adhere to quiet hours, and manage waste via a licensed hauler; five or more units under one owner require a resort permit.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Carlton County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Carlton County. 1) Submit a completed Vacation Rental Permit Application to Zoning & Environmental Services with the $150 fee. 2) Provide required documentation including a site plan, floor plan, septic compliance certificate, and a water test result from within the last 30 days. 3) Obtain approval from the Zoning Administrator; permits must be renewed every three years for a $50 fee.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Carlton County?
1) Submit a completed Vacation Rental Permit Application to Zoning & Environmental Services with the $150 fee. 2) Provide required documentation including a site plan, floor plan, septic compliance certificate, and a water test result from within the last 30 days. 3) Obtain approval from the Zoning Administrator; permits must be renewed every three years for a $50 fee.
Is Vrbo legal in Carlton County, MN?
Vrbo is permitted in Carlton County, MN under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Carlton County?
Short-term rental hosts in Carlton County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Carlton County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Carlton County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction