Aurora, Minnesota Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Executive Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Aurora, MN. The City has established a clear regulatory framework for both short-term and long-term rentals, with specific licensing requirements, fees, and compliance standards that took effect in 2023.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Aurora?

Aurora hosts earn a median $35,244/year with $250 ADR and 51% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $49,265+ per year.

See the full Aurora market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Aurora, MN

Step-by-Step Process

Obtain City License: Apply for a Short-Term Rental license through Aurora City Hall (Annual fee: $100)
State Registration: Register with the Minnesota Department of Health and provide proof of registration
Tax Setup: Register and collect 3% Lodging Tax (per Aurora Code Chapter 35)
Insurance Verification: Maintain homeowner's insurance (specific coverage requirements apply)
Compliance Standards: Ensure full compliance with city performance standards and applicable state regulations
Application Submission: Submit completed application to Aurora City Hall with required fees

Licensing Distinctions

Short-Term Rentals: Rental periods of 30 days or less, require licensing, and must comply with performance standards.

Long-Term Rentals: Rental periods exceeding 30 days, require separate licensing, home inspections, and proof of insurance.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City Requirements

Short-Term Rental License

Annual fee: $100.00
Application available at Aurora City Hall or online
Must include proof of Minnesota Department of Health registration
Must comply with city performance standards

Long-Term Rental License

Annual fee: $100.00
Requires home inspection by certified inspectors
Must provide proof of insurance from home insurance provider
Registration and posting license required

State Requirements

Minnesota Department of Health Registration

Mandatory for all short-term rental operators
Ensures compliance with health and safety standards
Professional inspectors review properties for safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and egress

Tax Requirements

3% Lodging Tax

Required for both short-term and long-term rental operations
Collected per Aurora Code Chapter 35
Must be imposed on all rental transactions

Specific Regulations

City of Aurora Regulations

Definition: Short-term rentals are properties offered for rental periods of 30 days or less.

Performance Standards: All short-term rentals must comply with city-established performance standards. Specific details are available through the City Clerk's office.

Health and Safety: Short-term rentals must meet state health department requirements, including adequate drinking water, sanitation facilities, and proper egress.

Business License: No additional business license is required beyond the city's rental licensing.

St. Louis County Context

Aurora is one of several cities that administer their own zoning ordinances. St. Louis County's short-term rental regulations do not apply to Aurora properties as the city maintains local zoning authority. Aurora falls under the following counties/cities with autonomous zoning administration:

Exempt Cities: Aurora, Babbitt, Biwabik, Brookston, Buhl, Chisholm, Cook, Duluth, Ely, Eveleth, Floodwood, Gilbert, Hermantown, Hibbing, Hoyt Lakes, Iron Junction, Kinney, Leonidas, McKinley, Meadowlands, Mountain Iron, Orr, Proctor, Rice Lake, Tower, Virginia, Winton

State of Minnesota Requirements

Health Department Registration: All short-term rental properties must be registered with the Minnesota Department of Health. The MDH provides qualified inspectors who review properties for:

Safe and adequate drinking water
Proper sanitation facilities
Adequate egress routes
Other safety and habitability standards

Contact Information

Primary Authority

City of Aurora - Clerk's Office

Address: P.O. Box 160, 16 W. 2nd Ave. N., Aurora, MN 55705
Phone: (218) 229-2614
Fax: (218) 217-4073
Email: cityclerk@ci.aurora.mn.us
Website: www.aurora-mn.com/

Application and Licensing

Applications available at City Hall or via city website
Return applications in-person or by mail to the Clerk's Office
Processing typically requires business days; confirm current timelines

State Authority

Minnesota Department of Health

Registration required for all short-term rentals
Professional inspection services available
Contact city clerk for specific MDH contact information

Source References

City of Aurora Rental Ordinances FAQ: www.aurora-mn.com/how_do_i_(faq/rental_ordinances_1.php
St. Louis County Short-Term Rental Regulations: www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-zoning/land-use/short-term-rentals
City of Aurora Rental Ordinance Update: www.aurora-mn.com/news_detail_T29_R45.php

Compliance Timeline

The rental licensing ordinances took effect on August 1, 2023. Properties operating as short-term or long-term rentals must be licensed and compliant with all applicable regulations. Non-compliance may result in penalties per the ordinance and fee schedule adopted by the City Council.

Additional Resources

Planning and Zoning Department: Available for property-related questions
Application Packets: Complete rental application packets available at City Hall
Certified Inspector List: Provided with long-term rental application packets

Important Note: This guide is based on current regulations as of the provided sources. Investors should verify current requirements with Aurora City Hall before proceeding with licensing, as regulations may be subject to updates or amendments.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Aurora

Aurora is a small city in St. Louis County, in northeastern Minnesota, nestled within the historic Mesabi Iron Range. With a population of roughly 1,700, the community has the quiet, working-class character of a former mining town, surrounded by the forests, lakes, and ridgelines that define the Arrowhead region. Aurora sits about 60 miles north of Duluth and roughly 200 miles north of the Twin Cities, and it serves as a convenient base for travelers exploring the Iron Range, its mining heritage, and the vast network of outdoor recreation lands that stretch toward the Boundary Waters.

Just a short drive east of Aurora lies the Giants Ridge Recreation Area, a year-round destination in the town of Biwabik known for downhill skiing in winter and championship golf, hiking, and mountain biking in summer. The resort area is roughly 15 to 20 minutes from Aurora by car and includes a lake with sandy beach, making it a popular anchor for visitors who want both lodging comfort and outdoor adventure. Further west, about a half-hour drive, the city of Hibbing offers the Hull–Rust–Mahoning Mine View, an overlook perched above one of the largest open-pit iron mines in the world. The site, operated in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, provides a striking vantage point over the enormous working mine and includes interpretive exhibits about the Iron Range's role in supplying ore for the nation's steel industry.

To the north and west of Aurora, the region opens up into a landscape defined by large, forested lakes. Lake Vermilion, one of Minnesota's most celebrated bodies of water, lies within about a 30- to 40-minute drive and is renowned for its rocky shorelines, islands, and excellent fishing. Closer to home, the Mesabi Trail passes through the Iron Range communities, offering a paved route for biking, walking, and snowmobiling that connects Aurora to neighboring towns. Together, these draws give the area a year-round appeal that extends well beyond a single season.

Aurora's combination of small-town affordability, proximity to popular recreation destinations, and access to the broader Arrowhead tourism corridor makes it a practical base for short-term rentals. Visitors drawn by Giants Ridge in winter, Lake Vermilion in summer, or the mining heritage sites in between can find reasonably priced lodging in a community that feels genuinely local, while still being within easy reach of Duluth and the North Shore. For travelers who value space, scenery, and a sense of place over a bustling resort scene, Aurora offers an appealing alternative to the busier gateways farther up the road.