Short Term Rentals

A Short Term Rental, also known as vacation rental (E.g. Airbnb and VRBO rentals), is a living space that is offered for rent to visiting guests for a short period of time. Short Term Rental properties are usually furnished, and the dwelling can be a single room, multiple rooms, or an entire home. The rent period ranges from days to weeks, with a maximum of 30 days. 

Short Term Rental ORDINANCE

In September 2023, the City Council passed a year-long moratorium on short-term rentals (E.g. Airbnb and VRBO rentals). This moratorium gives City Staff the opportunity to study and develop appropriate ordinance provisions for this type of use. The goal of the City's research is to identify performance standards and regulations that Mendota Heights could implement that would balance the concerns of residents with those of short-term rental property owners while preserving neighborhood character. 

Adopted Ordinance

The City Council met on March 19, 2024 at their Regular Work Session to review a staff presentation on short term rental ordinance standards and potential policy objectives. At that Work Session, staff was directed to move forward with drafting an ordinance to regulate short term rentals through a Short Term Rental License. The City Council met again at the May 21, 2024 and June 18, 2024 Regular Work Sessions to provide feedback and suggestions to draft versions of a Short Term Rental Ordinance. 

The final draft of the ordinance was prepared and discussed by the City Council at both Regular meetings and Work Sessions, including the September 17, October 1, and November 12 meetings. Following the City Council's discussion and consensus on the ordinance provisions, the Short Term Rental ordinance and establishment of a Short Term Rental License process was formally adopted for implementation at the December 3, 2024 Regular City Council meeting. 

The adopted ordinance is in effect beginning on January 1, 2025. Short Term Rentals will require an annual license and be subject to performance standards. The ordinance requires Mendota Heights residents who plan to own and operate a short term rental to apply for an annual license and to:

•              Maintain primary residence at the property

•              Limit short-term rentals to five bedrooms or less

•              Limit occupancy to 12 people or less, depending on the number of bedrooms

•              Require a two-night minimum stay

The Short Term Rental License Application can be found here: 
Short Term Rental License Application Form

Short Term Rental Ordinance Current Version:

Short Term Rental Ordinance - Adopted