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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Dakota County, MN

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Regulation is set by individual cities within Dakota County: some cities prohibit STRs (e.g., Apple Valley), while others allow STRs with licensing and performance standards (e.g., Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Burnsville). Common constraints across municipal ordinances include occupancy limits (typically based on bedrooms, e.g., two adults per bedroom or a maximum of 12 guests), primary-residence or owner-occupancy requirements in some cities, minimum-stay requirements (e.g., two-night minimum in Mendota Heights), required posting of owner/manager 24/7 contact information, compliance with local parking and nuisance standards, and collection of applicable local and state lodging/sales taxes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) File the municipal short-term rental application with the city (community development/zoning or licensing portal) and pay the application fee (example: Lakeville lists $100 initial fee; $50 annual renewal). 2) Provide required documentation on the application form (examples in municipal forms: proof of ownership or management, listing will display issued permit number, declaration of compliance with city code, occupancy/parking information). 3) Permit issuance often requires compliance with code standards and may include inspection(s); permits are typically annual and non-transferable; renew per municipal schedule.

Official Resources

Official Dakota County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Dakota County, MN?
Regulation is set by individual cities within Dakota County: some cities prohibit STRs (e.g., Apple Valley), while others allow STRs with licensing and performance standards (e.g., Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Burnsville). Common constraints across municipal ordinances include occupancy limits (typically based on bedrooms, e.g., two adults per bedroom or a maximum of 12 guests), primary-residence or owner-occupancy requirements in some cities, minimum-stay requirements (e.g., two-night minimum in Mendota Heights), required posting of owner/manager 24/7 contact information, compliance with local parking and nuisance standards, and collection of applicable local and state lodging/sales taxes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Dakota County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Dakota County. 1) File the municipal short-term rental application with the city (community development/zoning or licensing portal) and pay the application fee (example: Lakeville lists $100 initial fee; $50 annual renewal). 2) Provide required documentation on the application form (examples in municipal forms: proof of ownership or management, listing will display issued permit number, declaration of compliance with city code, occupancy/parking information). 3) Permit issuance often requires compliance with code standards and may include inspection(s); permits are typically annual and non-transferable; renew per municipal schedule.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Dakota County?
1) File the municipal short-term rental application with the city (community development/zoning or licensing portal) and pay the application fee (example: Lakeville lists $100 initial fee; $50 annual renewal). 2) Provide required documentation on the application form (examples in municipal forms: proof of ownership or management, listing will display issued permit number, declaration of compliance with city code, occupancy/parking information). 3) Permit issuance often requires compliance with code standards and may include inspection(s); permits are typically annual and non-transferable; renew per municipal schedule.

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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction