Mendota Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 1301 (2026) § 3-5A-4

All short term home rental unit owners and operators must comply with the following:


A. Performance Standards:


1. The short term home rental dwelling unit shall have a maximum of five (5) bedrooms. Only one (1) bedroom may be larger 280 square feet in size.


2. The maximum occupancy within the short term home rental dwelling unit shall be two (2) persons per bedroom in bedrooms less than 280 square feet in size. For a bedroom that is larger than 280 square feet, the maximum occupancy may be up to four (4) persons.


3. Short term home rental reservations must have a minimum two (2) night stay.


4. The maximum number of vehicles that may be parked overnight on the property shall be consistent with the Property Maintenance Code. Vehicles in garages shall not be counted towards total number of vehicles.


5. The operator of a short term home rental dwelling unit must provide sufficient waste collection containers and service for the short term home rental dwelling unit in order to meet the demand of the unit’s occupants, including both primary residents and short term home rental guests. The operator shall be solely responsible for ensuring that waste is properly collected, stored, and made available for regular collection. Waste may not be stored outside of approved containers. All waste containers must be stored, screened, and collected in accordance with Section 12-5-8 of this Code.


6. Listings advertising the property’s availability for rent must state the license number, maximum occupancy permitted by the license, and the maximum number of vehicles that may be parked overnight on the property.


7. Ensure that all short term home rental dwelling units have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarm(s) installed in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Sections 299F.362 and 299F.51, and in accordance with the Minnesota Residential Building Code and Minnesota State Fire Code. Additionally, each unit shall have at least one properly maintained and charged fire extinguisher located in an easily-accessible location which is clearly marked and which is made known to the temporary occupants.


8. Provide and post the following information in a conspicuous place within each short term home rental dwelling unit:


a. Emergency contact information for the short term home rental dwelling unit operator;


b. Emergency contact information for the short term home rental dwelling local agent, if applicable;


c. The street address of the short term home rental dwelling unit;


d. A floor plan of the short term home rental dwelling unit indicating exits, escape routes, and the location of all fire extinguishers;


e. The maximum occupancy limits of the short term rental dwelling unit; and


f. A parking map showing all allowable parking locations serving the property.


9. An operator must, as a continuing obligation, maintain a current register of short term home rental guests that includes the following information: a record of the dates the unit was rented, the number of short term home rental guests during the rental periods, and the amount of rent paid by the short term home rental guests in connection with the rental of the short term home rental dwelling unit. This record shall be kept by the operator for at a minimum of one year. In the license application or any application for license renewal, the owner must designate the name, address, and telephone number of the person or persons who will have possession of the register, and must notify the City Administrator or designee of any change in the identity(ies), address(es), or telephone number(s) of such person or persons. The register must be available for inspection by the City Administrator or designee at all reasonable times and in the case of an emergency.


10. No short term home rental dwelling unit may be rented to any person who is under the age of 25. The person who rents the unit must provide a telephone number to the operator and must be accessible to the operator by telephone during the short term home rental period.


11. If the short term home rental dwelling unit includes a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub, the owner or operator must obtain licensing from the Minnesota Department of Health.


12. The short term home rental dwelling unit must have a visible house number that can be easily seen from a public street during the day and at night.


13. The short term home rental dwelling unit must comply with all applicable city, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and regulations.


14. The operator shall remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes, including, but not limited to applicable lodging tax.


15. The city must be provided with accurate and up to date information regarding the name and contact information for the short term home rental dwelling unit operator and local agent, if applicable. If the operator’s contact information changes, updates must be filed with the city within thirty (30) days of the date of the change.


B. Conduct On Licensed Premises: Disorderly Conduct: It is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that persons occupying the licensed premises conduct themselves in such a manner so as not to cause the premises to be disorderly or constitute a nuisance. The operator of the short term home rental dwelling unit is responsible to ensure that the property remains in compliance with the City’s nuisance regulations. (Ord. 591, 12-3-2024; amd. Ord. 602, 9-16- 2025)