Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Grand Marais, MN

Cook County defines "vacation rental" as any dwelling (home, cabin, condominium, etc.) advertised or held out for rental for less than 30 days; County licensing is required before rental operations begin. Up to two rental units per parcel are allowed in residential zones (a house plus a guest cabin as an example); recreational vehicles and most accessory structures are prohibited from use as vacation rentals. Licensees must pay Cook County lodging tax and may also need a Minnesota Dept. of Health lodging license where applicable.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Grand Marais. 1) Apply online through Cook County’s e-permitting portal (https://mn-co-cook.onegov.rtvision.com/) using the Vacation Rental License application (or Renew Existing if previously licensed). 2) Provide required property/owner/manager information including liability insurance, source of water, and MDH lodging license number if applicable; pay the stated fee ($600/year). 3) Licenses are issued annually and must be renewed during the renewal window (renewal period begins Dec.1 and ends Jan.31; licenses expire Dec.31).

1) Apply online through Cook County’s e-permitting portal (https://mn-co-cook.onegov.rtvision.com/) using the Vacation Rental License application (or Renew Existing if previously licensed). 2) Provide required property/owner/manager information including liability insurance, source of water, and MDH lodging license number if applicable; pay the stated fee ($600/year). 3) Licenses are issued annually and must be renewed during the renewal window (renewal period begins Dec.1 and ends Jan.31; licenses expire Dec.31).