Overview: Are STRs allowed?

• Yes. Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Afton, MN with a valid rental license and compliance with zoning. This is explicitly confirmed by a Minneapolis metro analysis noting Afton permits STRs with a rental license. As with any city, investors should verify any updates with the City before investing or listing.

How to start a short-term rental business in Afton

1. Confirm zoning eligibility for your property

• Identify the subject property’s zoning district and confirm STRs are a permitted or conditionally permitted use. If your parcel is suitable for a “non-primary residence” short-term rental, Afton uses a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) route (see specifics below).

2. Determine which regulatory track applies

• Owners may proceed under one of four STR types Afton recognizes: a) Occasional home use (14 days or less per year) — permitted without a license. b) Primary residence short-term rental (owner-occupied) — license required. c) Primary residence short-term rental (host off-site) — license required. d) Non-primary residence (used primarily for STR use) — requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued by the city.

3. Apply for the appropriate authorization

• For primary-residence and host-off-site scenarios, obtain a short-term rental license.
• For non-primary residences, secure a CUP prior to listing and operating.
• Use the city’s online portal or contact planning/building staff for application forms and instructions.

4. Complete inspections

• Afton requires inspections as part of licensing and CUP processes to verify building, fire, and safety code compliance.

5. File taxes and collect lodging taxes as required

• Minnesota sales tax generally applies to transient lodging under 30 days. Determine applicable state/local lodging taxes in your location and set up tax registration/remittance. Many platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) can collect/remit lodging taxes, but you remain responsible for compliance.

6. Prepare operations

• Draft house rules, a guest screening/ID policy, and a nuisance mitigation plan (noise, parking, occupancy). Plan for owner or manager response protocols for complaints.

7. Launch and maintain

• After approvals, list your property and maintain ongoing compliance: renew licenses/permits, keep the unit to code, maintain proper insurance, and respond to city or neighbor inquiries. Maintain clear records for inspections, renewals, and tax filings.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines City of Afton

• Short-Term Rental License
  • Applies to primary-residence short-term rentals (owner on-site or off-site).
  • Initial license term is one year; renewals thereafter are every three years, provided no issues arise.
• Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
  • Required for non-primary residences used primarily for short-term rental use.
• Inspections
  • Required for licensing and CUP issuance to ensure building, fire, and life safety standards.
• Occasional Home Use
  • Permits renting a house up to 14 days per year without a license.
• Zoning Confirmation
  • Confirm your zoning district and STR permissions directly with the city before purchasing or listing.

State-level (Minnesota) considerations

• Sales and lodging taxes
  • Transient lodging stays under 30 days are generally subject to Minnesota sales tax and applicable local lodging taxes. Register for tax accounts, collect, and remit taxes as required. Many platforms handle collection/remittance, but you must confirm and monitor compliance.
• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B (Residential Tenancies)
  • Important for any lease terms, landlord-tenant obligations, and compliance-related interactions, particularly if you combine STRs with longer stays.

Specific regulations for STRs in Afton

• Allowed STR scenarios:
  • Occasional home use: up to 14 days per year; no license required.
  • Primary residence STRs (owner-occupied or off-site): license required.
  • Non-primary residence STRs: CUP required.
• License duration:
  • Initial: 1 year; subsequent renewals: 3 years (assuming clean record).
• Inspections: Required prior to issuance and for renewals/updates.
• Zoning constraints: A CUP is needed when STRs are the primary use of a non-primary residence.
• No stated citywide limits on the number of licenses or maximum number of STR days for licensed operations; only the 14-day cap for the no-license scenario.

Counties bordering Afton (context only)

• The Twin Cities region varies: some jurisdictions prohibit STRs (e.g., Minneapolis, St. Paul, Apple Valley, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Mahtomedi, Shorewood, St. Louis Park). Confirm the specific location you’re targeting.

Contact information (Afton)

• City Hall / Administration
  • Phone: (651) 436-5180
  • Address: City of Afton, 2150 St. Croix Trail S, Afton, MN 55001
  • Web: AftonMN.gov (or via the City Hall portal)
• Building/Planning Department
  • For zoning confirmation, STR license and CUP requirements, inspections, and renewal procedures.
  • Reference “Short-Term Rental” or “Conditional Use Permit – STR” when calling/emailing.
• Tip: When contacting staff, provide your property address and the specific STR model you plan to use (owner-occupied, off-site, or non-primary residence/CUP).

Links to source pages

• Metro STR rules and “Afton – allowed with a rental license”:
  • duplexchick.com/2021/11/18/short-term-rentals-still-allowed-almost-everywhere-but-minneapolis-and-a-few-suburbs/
• Detailed Afton STR licensing categories, CUP path, and license renewal cadence (from a Stillwater Township planning memo that cites Afton’s approach):
  • stillwatertownshipmn.gov/vertical/sites/%7B44993CD9-4A26-46F5-A42D-7C1D05E1B8BA%7D/uploads/2021.06.03_-Residential_Short-Term_Rentals_PC_Staff_Report(1.pdf

Investor checklist for Afton

• Confirm zoning and STR eligibility before closing.
• Choose your operating model and prepare the correct application: license (owner-occupied/off-site) vs. CUP (non-primary).
• Schedule and pass inspections.
• Register for and comply with tax obligations (sales and local lodging taxes as applicable).
• Establish operations and guest policies that mitigate nuisances and address city expectations.
• Track license dates and CUP conditions for renewals and potential code updates.

Note on currency

• The source data is current as of 2021–2025. Regulations can change; always confirm with the City of Afton before making investment decisions or launching a listing.