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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Baudette, MN. However, they are regulated through a licensing program that became effective February 1, 2024, under Ordinance 2023-12-01. The City of Baudette has established a comprehensive licensing system for short-term rental dwelling units, defined as properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days for tourist or transient use.

Key points for investors:

• STRs are permitted with proper licensing
• Annual permits are required ($150 fee)
• Properties must meet specific safety and operational standards
• Local agent is mandatory if owner resides more than 100 miles away
• County conditional use permits may be required depending on zoning and location

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

Step 1: Determine Required Permits

City of Baudette License: Required for all STRs within city limits
County Conditional Use Permit: May be required depending on property zoning and location within Lake of the Woods County

Step 2: Application Process

1. Complete City Application: Fill out the Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit Application from Baudette Planning and Zoning
2. County Application: If required, complete the Lake of the Woods County Short-Term Vacation Rental Application
3. Pre-Application Meeting: County requires pre-application meeting with planning staff

Step 3: Meet All Requirements

• Provide all required documentation
• Pay applicable fees
• Complete notification requirements
• Ensure property meets safety standards

Step 4: Annual Renewal

• City permits renew annually on January 1st
• Permits expire upon property sale or transfer
• Maintain current insurance and compliance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Baudette Requirements

Permit Application Package Must Include:

• Completed Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit Application
• Permit Fee: $150.00 (cash or check payable to City of Baudette)
• Floor Plan: Detailed floor plan of rental unit
• Notification Proof: Written notification to all property owners within 350 feet
• Aerial Property Map: Showing property lines, garbage receptacles, and parking spaces
• Posted Notice Copy: Copy of required notice posted on property
• Insurance Proof: Proof of liability insurance coverage
• Local Agent Information: Required if owner resides 100+ miles from property

Safety Equipment Requirements

• Smoke Detectors: At least one battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector on each level
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Within 10 feet of each sleeping room
• Fire Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers and clear emergency exit routes

Operational Standards

• Guest Registry: Must maintain register of all guests for 18 months including:
  • Name, address, license plate
  • Date of arrival and departure
  • Number of guests
• Contact Requirements: Primary renter must be 21+ years old
• Response Time: Owner or local agent must respond to complaints within 30 minutes

Lake of the Woods County Requirements (When Applicable)

County Application Package Includes:

• Filing Fee: $200.00 (non-refundable) payable to Lake of the Woods County Treasurer
• Recording Fee: $46.00 payable to County Recorder
• Deed Documentation: Copy of property deed(s)
• Site Plan: Detailed site plan showing all required elements
• Septic Compliance: Current certificate of compliance (if septic system exists)
• Additional Information: Maps, aerial photos, and other supporting documentation

County Application Process:

1. Pre-application meeting with county staff
2. Complete application with all required documentation
3. Site visit by Planning Commission members
4. Public hearing before Planning Commission
5. Final approval by County Board of Commissioners

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Baudette Regulations

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces required per unit
• All tenants/guests must comply with city parking regulations
• Seasonal parking restrictions apply

Noise Standards:

• No outdoor amplified sound between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM
• Sound must not be readily heard by surrounding property owners

Pet Policy:

• Pets must be on leash or in fenced yard at all times
• Continual nuisance barking prohibited
• Pet policies must be posted in rental unit

Property Standards:

• Garbage/refuse must be stored in completely enclosed containers
• Rental units must have adequate trash service for occupants
• All units must comply with federal, state, and local laws
• Properties must comply with zoning requirements

Information Posting Requirements: Each rental property must post in a visible location:

• Owner and local agent names and phone numbers
• Local emergency contact information
• Maximum overnight occupancy limits
• Maximum non-overnight occupancy limits
• Pet policy
• Garbage and recycling plan
• Parking information

Insurance Requirements:

• Must provide proof of sufficient property insurance
• Coverage must remain in place and be confirmable within 24 hours of city request
• Minimum coverage requirements apply

County-Level Regulations (Lake of the Woods)

Conditional Use Permits: May be required for properties located:

• In certain zoning districts
• Near shoreland areas
• In floodplain zones
• In environmentally sensitive areas

County-Set Conditions May Include:

• Type and extent of shore cover requirements
• Increased yards and setbacks
• Specified sewage treatment and water supply facilities
• Landscaping and vegetative screening
• Operational periods and hours
• Deed restrictions
• Specific location requirements for structures, parking, and signs
• Construction type requirements

State of Minnesota Requirements

Safety Code Compliance:

• Smoke alarm requirements vary by construction date
• Emergency escape and rescue openings (egress windows) required
• Carbon monoxide alarm requirements
• Minnesota State Fire Code compliance

Tax Obligations:

• 6.875% sales tax on rentals under 30 days
• Must register with Minnesota Department of Revenue
• Platforms typically collect and remit taxes automatically
• Direct bookings require manual tax collection and remittance

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Baudette

Planning and Zoning Department

• Address: PO Box 548, Baudette, MN 56623
• Phone: 218-395-0102
• Primary contact for city STR licensing
• Application processing and permit issuance
• Code enforcement and compliance monitoring

Lake of the Woods County

Land and Water Planning Department

• Address: 206 8th Ave SE, Suite #290, Baudette, MN 56623
• Phone: 218-634-1945
• Website: www.co.lake-of-the-woods.mn.us
• County contact for conditional use permits
• Zoning compliance and environmental regulations

Minnesota Department of Revenue

• Phone: 651-296-6181 or 800-657-3777
• Website: www.revenue.state.mn.us
• Sales tax registration and filing assistance

Emergency Contacts

• Emergency Services: 911
• LakeWood Health Center (Baudette): Contact local directory
• Fire Department: Contact city hall for local department contact

Important Sources and Links

Official Documents and Applications

1. City of Baudette Short-Term Vacation Rental Permit Application

   • Source: City of Baudette Planning and Zoning
   • Link to application PDF
   • Contains complete application form and city requirements

2. Lake of the Woods County Short-Term Vacation Rental Application

   • Source: Lake of the Woods County Land and Water Planning
   • Link to county application PDF
   • Comprehensive application for county-level permits

3. Ordinance 2023-12-01 Summary

   • Source: Northern Light Region publication
   • Link to ordinance summary
   • Official notice of STR licensing requirements effective February 1, 2024

4. Minnesota State Fire Marshal Requirements

   • Source: Minnesota Department of Public Safety
   • Smoke alarm and egress window requirements
   • Contact: Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division at 651-201-7221

Regulatory Reference Materials

5. The Offer Sheet - Lake of the Woods STR Guide
   • Source article
   • Comprehensive market analysis and regulatory overview
   • Updated October 2025

Important Notes for Investors

• All applications and permits must be completed before operating an STR
• City and county regulations may be updated periodically
• Contact local authorities for the most current requirements
• Consider working with local property management companies familiar with regulations
• Keep all documentation current and readily available for inspection

This guide provides the essential regulatory framework for operating a short-term rental in Baudette, MN. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any rental operations.