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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Paul, MN

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted citywide but require a City Short-Term Rental Host license; the city distinguishes owner-occupied (hosted) and non-owner-occupied (non-hosted) units. Non-owner-occupied units must have a Fire Certificate of Occupancy (or provisional CO application filed) and applicants must provide proof of ownership/lease; platforms Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway are licensed and using them can substitute for an ACORD insurance certificate. Licensing, safety, and zoning requirements (see St. Paul Code §65.645) apply; licenses are subject to investigation by the Director and the Police Chief.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the City of Saint Paul PAULIE portal (Short-Term Rental Host or Non-Owner Occupied application). 2) Upload required documents: proof of ownership or lease, Fire Certificate of Occupancy (or provisional CO application/receipt) for non-owner-occupied units, and proof of insurance (ACORD $300,000) unless using Airbnb/VRBO/HomeAway; close any outstanding building permits. 3) Application will be investigated (Director and Police Chief), pay the per-unit license fee, and renew annually (license expires one year from issuance).

Official Resources

Official St. Paul STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Paul, MN?
Short-term rentals are permitted citywide but require a City Short-Term Rental Host license; the city distinguishes owner-occupied (hosted) and non-owner-occupied (non-hosted) units. Non-owner-occupied units must have a Fire Certificate of Occupancy (or provisional CO application filed) and applicants must provide proof of ownership/lease; platforms Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway are licensed and using them can substitute for an ACORD insurance certificate. Licensing, safety, and zoning requirements (see St. Paul Code §65.645) apply; licenses are subject to investigation by the Director and the Police Chief.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. Paul?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Paul. 1) Apply online via the City of Saint Paul PAULIE portal (Short-Term Rental Host or Non-Owner Occupied application). 2) Upload required documents: proof of ownership or lease, Fire Certificate of Occupancy (or provisional CO application/receipt) for non-owner-occupied units, and proof of insurance (ACORD $300,000) unless using Airbnb/VRBO/HomeAway; close any outstanding building permits. 3) Application will be investigated (Director and Police Chief), pay the per-unit license fee, and renew annually (license expires one year from issuance).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. Paul?
1) Apply online via the City of Saint Paul PAULIE portal (Short-Term Rental Host or Non-Owner Occupied application). 2) Upload required documents: proof of ownership or lease, Fire Certificate of Occupancy (or provisional CO application/receipt) for non-owner-occupied units, and proof of insurance (ACORD $300,000) unless using Airbnb/VRBO/HomeAway; close any outstanding building permits. 3) Application will be investigated (Director and Police Chief), pay the per-unit license fee, and renew annually (license expires one year from issuance).
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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