Mendota Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 1301 (2026) § 3-5A-2
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below: BEDROOM: A habitable room within a single-family dwelling which is used, or intended to be used, primarily for the purpose of sleeping, but shall not include any kitchen or dining room. The room shall have a method of egress in addition to the primary entry door to the room in accordance with the Minnesota Residential Building Code. DWELLING: A building or one or more portions thereof occupied or intended to be occupied for residential purposes; but not including rooms in motels, hotels, nursing homes, boarding houses, tents and recreational vehicles, or attached multiple- family dwellings. DWELLING UNIT: A residential accommodation located within a dwelling that includes permanently installed cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, designed or intended for use as living quarters for a single family. Dwelling units subject to this chapter are defined as being detached dwelling units in the R-1 one-family zoning district. OCCUPANT: A person who lives or sleeps in a dwelling unit. OPERATOR: Either an owner or an occupant renting their primary residence as a short term home rental. OWNER: Any person having a legal or equitable interest who is the recorded or unrecorded owner, or otherwise has control, of the dwelling unit. PRIMARY RESIDENCE: A dwelling unit where the occupant lives in the property for more than six (6) months a year. RENT: To permit occupancy of a dwelling unit by a person other than the legal owner thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten agreement, whether or not a fee is required by the agreement. SHORT TERM HOME RENTAL: The furnishing for consideration of lodging to tourist or transient guests in a dwelling or dwelling unit, where the renting or letting for occupancy is for a temporary period of time that is thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less. SHORT TERM HOME RENTAL GUEST: Any person who, at their own expense or at the expense of another, exercises occupancy or possession, or is entitled to occupancy or possession, by reason of any rental agreement, concession, permit, right of access, option to purchase, license, time-sharing arrangement, or any other type of agreement for a period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less. (Ord. 591, 12-3-2024; amd. Ord. 602, 9-16-2025)
Section 3-5A-2 of Mendota Heights Ch. 1301 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the Multi-Family Residential Maintenance Code's short-term rental framework. Key terms such as "dwelling unit," "operator," "short term home rental," and "primary residence" are given specific, bounded meanings that govern how the rest of the chapter is interpreted and applied. For example, the code limits its scope to detached dwelling units in the R-1 one-family zoning district, and defines a short-term home rental as lodging provided for 30 consecutive calendar days or fewer.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and operators subject to Mendota Heights Ch. 1301 § 3-5A-2 should familiarize themselves with each defined term, since these definitions control how compliance obligations are read throughout the chapter. Notably, the definition of "operator" covers both owners and occupants who rent their primary residence as a short-term home rental, meaning a tenant who sublets may also carry operator responsibilities. Compliant operators generally confirm that their property qualifies as a detached dwelling unit in the R-1 zoning district and that they meet the "primary residence" threshold of residing there more than six months per year.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Mendota Heights who rent out their primary residence on a short-term basis should be aware that § 3-5A-2 of Ch. 1301 classifies them as "operators" under the code, which may attach regulatory obligations to their activity. The definition of "primary residence" — requiring occupancy for more than six months per year — is a threshold that determines whether this chapter applies to a given arrangement. Tenants seeking to understand how these definitions affect their rights or responsibilities may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing the full chapter alongside the city's official resources.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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