Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Alexandria, MN?

YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Alexandria, Minnesota, provided operators comply with the city's and county's licensing and regulatory framework. The city has established Ordinance 793 that specifically addresses short-term vacation rental registration, and Douglas County (through Horizon Environmental Health) maintains comprehensive licensing and inspection requirements for private/vacation home rentals across jurisdictions including Alexandria.

Short-term rentals operate under a dual licensing system: property owners must obtain approval from both the local municipality and Horizon Environmental Health, which serves as the regional public health authority for Douglas County.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Alexandria

Step 1: Zoning and Land Use Verification

Critical First Step: Confirm your property's zoning compliance before proceeding with any applications.

• City Properties: Contact the Alexandria Community Development Department to verify zoning allowances
• Township Properties: Review Alexandria Township Zoning Ordinance Section V.X (Private/Vacation Home Rental provisions)
• Shoreland Properties: Ensure compliance with shoreland district requirements if located within 1,000 feet of lakes or 300 feet of rivers

Step 2: Municipal Registration

Alexandria City Registration:

• Submit rental registration through the Alexandria Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
• Contact Erin at the HRA: 809 Broadway, Alexandria, MN; Phone 320-762-1311
• Complete any additional city-specific requirements

Alexandria Township Properties:

• Review township zoning regulations regarding allowed uses
• Apply for appropriate land use permits if required
• Ensure compliance with Performance Standards (Section V of Zoning Ordinance)

Step 3: County-Level Licensing Application

Primary Licensing Authority: Horizon Environmental Health handles all private/vacation home rental licensing for Alexandria and Douglas County.

Application Process:

1. Complete the Private/Vacation Home Rental License Application
2. Submit required documentation (see requirements below)
3. Schedule property inspection
4. Pay licensing fees
5. Receive license approval

Timeline: Plan for 2-4 weeks for application processing and inspection scheduling.

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

City of Alexandria:

• Rental Registration (handled through HRA)
• Any applicable zoning permits or land use approvals
• Proof of property ownership or legal authority to rent

Alexandria Township:

• Land Use Permit (if required by zoning designation)
• Compliance verification with Private/Vacation Home Rental provisions
• Shoreland permit if applicable

County-Level Licensing Requirements (Horizon Environmental Health)

Required Documentation:

1. Private/Vacation Home Rental License Application
2. Private Vacation Home Rental Licensing Checklist (completed)
3. Proof of Property Ownership
4. Site Plan/Aerial Map (template provided by Horizon)
5. Emergency Contact Information
6. Good Neighbor Brochure acknowledgment

Inspections Required:

• Initial safety and health inspection
• Annual compliance inspections
• Additional inspections for complaint-driven issues

Ongoing Compliance:

• Annual license renewal
• Maintaining compliance with health and safety standards
• Record-keeping for guest stays and occupancy

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Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Alexandria Regulations (Ordinance 793)

• Licensing Requirement: All short-term vacation rentals must be registered with the city
• Application Process: Must comply with Ordinance 793 requirements
• Compliance Monitoring: Regular monitoring for registration compliance

Alexandria Township Zoning Regulations

Permitted Uses by District:

Rural Conservation Residential (RCR) & Rural Residential (RR):

• Private/Vacation Home Rental (meeting occupancy/capacity standards): Permitted
• Exceeding overnight guest capacity: Conditional Use Permit
• Exceeding property capacity: Conditional Use Permit

Urban Residential (UR) & Residential Shoreland (RS):

• Private/Vacation Home Rental (meeting standards): Permitted
• Larger operations require Conditional Use Permits

Commercial Districts:

• Private/Vacation Home Rental typically permitted with conditions
• Capacity limitations apply

Shoreland Requirements

Lot Size Requirements (Shoreland Districts):

• General Development Lakes: 20,000 sq ft riparian, 40,000 sq ft non-riparian (unsewered)
• Recreational Development Lakes: 40,000 sq ft (unsewered)
• Natural Environment Lakes: 90,000 sq ft (unsewered)

Building Standards:

• Maximum impervious surface: 25% (GDS/RDS), 20% (NES)
• Structure setbacks from OHWL as applicable
• Height restrictions: 25 feet for structures in shoreland areas

Douglas County Health and Safety Standards

General Requirements Include:

• Adequate sewage disposal systems
• Safe drinking water provisions
• Fire safety compliance
• Emergency exit specifications
• Health and sanitation standards

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Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Licensing Authority

Horizon Environmental Health Handles licensing and inspections for private/vacation home rentals

Sanitarians:

• Alicia Lang, Registered Sanitarian

  • Phone: 320.762.2986
  • Email: environnemental

• Joey Steidl, Sanitarian

  • Phone: 320.763.4437
  • Email: environnemental

Public Health Supervisor:

• Jessica Peterson
  • Phone: 320.762.2926
  • (Contact if sanitarians unavailable)

Main Office:

• Address: 809 Elm Street Suite 1200, Alexandria, MN 56308
• Phone: 800.450.4177 | 320.763.6018
• Fax: 320.763.4127 | 888.229.2347
• Email: environnemental

Public Service Hours:

• Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• By appointment after 4:00 p.m.

Municipal Contacts

City of Alexandria

• Phone: 320-763-6678
• Address: 704 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308
• Website: alexandriamn.city

Alexandria Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)

• Contact Person: Erin
• Address: 809 Broadway, Alexandria, MN
• Phone: 320-762-1311
• Website: alexandriahra.com

Alexandria Township

• Contact: Township Zoning Administrator
• Website: alexandriatownship.org

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Source Pages and Documentation

Official Ordinances and Policies

1. City of Alexandria Ordinance 793

   • Clarifying requirements for registration of short term vacation rentals

2. Douglas County Private/Vacation Home Rental Zoning Ordinance

3. City of Alexandria Short Term Vacation Rentals Ordinance

4. Alexandria Township Zoning Ordinance (2021)

Licensing and Application Documents

5. Private Vacation Home Rental Licensing Checklist

6. Private Vacation Home Rentals General Requirements

7. Private/Vacation Home Rental License Application

8. Sample Aerial Map for Private/Vacation Home Rentals

9. Good Neighbor Brochure

Additional Resources

10. City of Alexandria Rental Registration Information

11. Horizon Environmental Health - Private/Vacation Home Rentals Program

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Compliance Summary

Key Takeaways for Investors:

1. Dual Licensing Required: Both city/township approval and county licensing through Horizon Environmental Health
2. Zoning Compliance Critical: Verify allowed uses before purchasing or developing
3. Shoreland Considerations: Additional restrictions apply if within designated shoreland areas
4. Annual Renewal: Expect ongoing compliance monitoring and annual license renewal
5. Professional Support: Horizon Environmental Health provides comprehensive guidance and support throughout the licensing process

Estimated Timeline: 3-6 weeks from initial application to operational approval, depending on inspection scheduling and any required improvements.

Ongoing Costs: Annual license renewal fees, compliance inspections, and municipal registration renewals.

This regulatory framework is designed to ensure short-term rental operations maintain community standards while supporting the growing tourism industry in the Alexandria area.