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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Douglas County, MN

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Private/vacation home rentals are permitted in multiple Douglas County zoning districts (A, RR, R, RS, C) but are subject to performance standards and conditional use permit requirements for higher occupancy or multiple units; overnight guest occupancy is limited to 3 guests per bedroom, not more than 12 guests without a conditional use permit, and property capacity is capped at 2x or 3x the overnight-guest occupancy depending on neighbor distance and lot size. Operators must designate a 24/7 local contact (phone response within 60 minutes and in-person within 120 minutes), post the license and property information inside the unit and on all advertisements, comply with parking, noise, and septic/ sanitation requirements (including current septic compliance and annual pumping if on an ISTS), and temporary/detached sleeping accommodations are prohibited.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Contact Horizon Environmental Health for an on-site consultation/inspection prior to submitting an application (inspectors will verify bedrooms, septic info, etc.). 2) Submit the annual Private/Vacation Home Rental license application and payment to Horizon with required attachments (name/contact of local 24/7 local contact, aerial image of property with features marked, current county/state septic compliance inspection if applicable, water test if on private well). 3) Receive and post the issued license in the rental unit and include the license number on all advertisements/web-based reservation pages; obtain an ISTS operating permit from the Land & Resource Department if required.

Official Resources

Official Douglas County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Douglas County, MN?
Private/vacation home rentals are permitted in multiple Douglas County zoning districts (A, RR, R, RS, C) but are subject to performance standards and conditional use permit requirements for higher occupancy or multiple units; overnight guest occupancy is limited to 3 guests per bedroom, not more than 12 guests without a conditional use permit, and property capacity is capped at 2x or 3x the overnight-guest occupancy depending on neighbor distance and lot size. Operators must designate a 24/7 local contact (phone response within 60 minutes and in-person within 120 minutes), post the license and property information inside the unit and on all advertisements, comply with parking, noise, and septic/ sanitation requirements (including current septic compliance and annual pumping if on an ISTS), and temporary/detached sleeping accommodations are prohibited.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Douglas County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Douglas County. 1) Contact Horizon Environmental Health for an on-site consultation/inspection prior to submitting an application (inspectors will verify bedrooms, septic info, etc.). 2) Submit the annual Private/Vacation Home Rental license application and payment to Horizon with required attachments (name/contact of local 24/7 local contact, aerial image of property with features marked, current county/state septic compliance inspection if applicable, water test if on private well). 3) Receive and post the issued license in the rental unit and include the license number on all advertisements/web-based reservation pages; obtain an ISTS operating permit from the Land & Resource Department if required.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Douglas County?
1) Contact Horizon Environmental Health for an on-site consultation/inspection prior to submitting an application (inspectors will verify bedrooms, septic info, etc.). 2) Submit the annual Private/Vacation Home Rental license application and payment to Horizon with required attachments (name/contact of local 24/7 local contact, aerial image of property with features marked, current county/state septic compliance inspection if applicable, water test if on private well). 3) Receive and post the issued license in the rental unit and include the license number on all advertisements/web-based reservation pages; obtain an ISTS operating permit from the Land & Resource Department if required.

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