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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Bemidji, MN, subject to compliance with city, county, and state regulations. However, the regulatory landscape is multi-layered and requires coordination between Beltrami County, the City of Bemidji, and the Minnesota Department of Health. The city allows STRs in R-1 through R-6 zoning districts, while county ordinance #49 governs STR operations county-wide. Investors must obtain permits from multiple jurisdictions to legally operate.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bemidji

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Pre-Application Planning

• Verify your property is located within an approved zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, or R-6 within city limits)
• Contact Beltrami County Environmental Services for a Zoning Contingency Letter
• Confirm compliance with township requirements if applicable
• Schedule initial consultations with both city and county authorities

Step 2: Property Preparation and Inspections

• Complete building code compliance review with Bemidji Building Department
• Conduct septic system compliance inspection if not on municipal sewer
• Obtain Minnesota Department of Health review/inspection
• Address any deficiencies identified during inspections

Step 3: State-Level Licensing

• Apply for and obtain Minnesota Department of Health Lodging License
• Submit required documentation including insurance certificates
• Complete state health and safety requirements

Step 4: City and County Applications

• Submit complete Short-Term Rental License application to Bemidji Rental Department
• Apply for Beltrami County Short-Term Rental Permit
• Pay all applicable fees
• Provide required documentation package

Step 5: Final Approval and Operations

• Receive license and permit approvals
• Display license number in all advertisements
• Implement required operational procedures
• Establish local managing agent or contact arrangements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Minnesota Department of Health Requirements

• Lodging License (mandatory for all STR operations)
• Certificate of insurance meeting Department of Health requirements
• Site plan showing all structures and recreational areas
• Floor plan identifying guest bedrooms with dimensions
• Current SSTS Certificate of Compliance (if not on municipal sewer)
• Review/inspection reports from MDH and Building Department

City of Bemidji Requirements

• Annual Short-Term Rental License (administered by Building Official)
• Complete application form prescribed by the city
• Site plan drawn to scale showing parking, driveways, structures, and outdoor recreational areas
• Detailed floor plan with bedroom identification and dimensions
• Compliance certifications from Bemidji Building Department and MDH
• Certificate of insurance with required coverage types and amounts
• Local managing agent contact information and signed consent documents
• Neighbor notification consent and contact information

Beltrami County Requirements

• County Short-Term Rental Permit (Ordinance #49)
• Zoning Contingency Letter
• MDH Lodging License copy and supporting documents
• Septic system compliance inspection report
• Property compliance documentation

Documentation Package Requirements

1. Site Plan Requirements:

   • Parking spaces and driveways
   • All structures on property
   • Outdoor recreational areas (decks, patios, grills, fire pits, pools, hot tubs, saunas)
   • Septic system location (if applicable)
   • Scale drawing compliance

2. Floor Plan Requirements:

   • Guest bedroom identification and dimensions
   • Access points, doors, and windows
   • Building code compliance verification
   • Dining rooms, closets, and kitchens excluded from bedroom count

3. Insurance Requirements:

   • Coverage types and amounts per Department of Health standards
   • Liability coverage documentation
   • Property damage coverage
   • Confirmation of ongoing coverage maintenance

4. Compliance Documentation:

   • Building code compliance certification
   • Health department inspection reports
   • Septic system compliance certificate (if applicable)
   • Zoning verification

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

City of Bemidji Regulations

Zoning Restrictions:

• STRs permitted only in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, and R-6 zoning districts
• All other zoning districts prohibited for STR use

Occupancy and Capacity Limits:

• Maximum stay: 30 consecutive days
• Maximum guests: Number of bedrooms × 2 (includes adults and children)
• Bedroom counting restrictions: dining rooms, closets, and kitchens cannot be counted as guest bedrooms

Parking Requirements:

• Minimum: One parking space per bedroom up to three bedrooms
• Properties with 4+ bedrooms: Number of bedrooms minus one space required
• All guest parking must be on improved surfaces
• No on-street parking permitted for guests
• Compliance with Article X parking standards and landscaping regulations required

Operational Standards:

• Annual license renewal required (expires December 31 regardless of issue date)
• License non-transferable and terminates upon property sale
• Local managing agent required who can respond within 30 minutes travel time
• Guest disclosure requirements including owner/agent contact, parking limits, septic location, property rules, and noise ordinances
• Guest record maintenance including name, address, phone number, guest count, and lodging tax collection
• Annual report submission to Building Official required

Advertising and Display Requirements:

• License number must be displayed in all print, poster, or web advertisements
• One informational sign permitted (maximum 3 square feet)
• Sign must comply with setback requirements and Article VII standards

Noise and Nuisance Controls:

• Reduced noise levels enforced between 10 PM and 7 AM
• All nuisance ordinances enforced by Bemidji Police Department or Beltrami County Sheriff
• Burning and water use restriction notices required
• Special events prohibited for guests (property owner events allowed with proper permits)

Beltrami County Regulations

Permit Types and Classifications:

• Type A: Up to 3 bedrooms, maximum occupancy 8 people
• Type B: 4 or more bedrooms and/or maximum occupancy up to 12 people
• Type C: Maximum occupancy 13 or more people

Permit Duration and Renewals:

• Type A: Valid for 1 year initially, renewable indefinitely until revoked
• Type B: Valid for 1 year initially, renewable for 8-year terms unless revoked
• Type C: Valid for period determined by Planning Commission after public hearing

Fee Structure:

• Type A: $200 application fee (existing STRs exempt from renewal fee if renewed by October 1, 2023)
• Type B: $400 application fee
• Type C: $800 application fee plus recording fee
• After-the-fact permit fees are doubled and subject to additional administrative fees

Environmental and Septic Requirements:

• Current passing compliance inspection report required for each septic system
• Design flow determines maximum occupancy based on Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards
• Non-compliant septic systems must be upgraded before permit issuance
• Environmental Services Department maintains septic system records

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Permits cannot be transferred; new owner must apply for new permit
• Renewal permits must be issued prior to expiration to continue operations
• Three violations within 12 months may result in revocation
• Complaints must be directed first to property owner/agent, then to building staff if unresolved

Township-Specific Restrictions

Additional Requirements:

• City of Bemidji: Contact Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board for additional requirements
• Northern Township: Contact Northern Township for separate requirements
• Ten Lake, Sugar Bush, and Frohn Townships: STRs not allowed by township ordinance
• Turtle River Township: STRs prohibited in non-shoreland areas
• Bemidji Township: Requires separate Residential Rental Agreement and Permit

State of Minnesota Requirements

Health and Safety Standards:

• Minnesota Department of Health Lodging License mandatory
• State health and safety code compliance required
• Insurance requirements per Department of Health standards
• Compliance with state building codes and fire safety requirements

Tax Obligations:

• State sales and use tax collection and remittance required
• Local lodging taxes may apply
• Income tax reporting requirements for STR revenue

Contact Information

Beltrami County Environmental Services

Address: 701 Minnesota Ave NW., Ste 113, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218-333-4158
Email: esd@co.beltrami.mn.us
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

Key Contacts:

• Dave Kaufman: (218) 308-2113 - Bemidji, Cass Lake, Wilton, and Pennington STR physical addresses
• Cassandra Hua: (218) 308-2142 - All other STR addresses in Beltrami County

Minnesota Department of Health

Address: 705 5th Street NW, Suite A, Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218-308-2100

City of Bemidji Rental Department

Address: 317 4th St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601
Main Phone: 218-759-3560
Fax: 218-759-3590
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

Rental Inspector Contact:

• Ben Hein
• Phone: 218-759-3585 (primary), 218-239-0103 (cell)
• Email: ben.hein@ci.bemidji.mn.us

Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board

(For additional requirements in City of Bemidji and Northern Township)

• Contact through Beltrami County Environmental Services for referral

Source Links

• Beltrami County Environmental Services - Short-Term Rentals
• City of Bemidji STR Ordinance
• City of Bemidji Rental Department
• Beltrami County STR FAQ
• Beltrami County Ordinance #49
• Beltrami County STR Permit Application
• City of Bemidji STR License Application
• City of Bemidji STR License Renewal Application
• Authorized Agent Form
• Customer Complaint Form
• Good Neighbor Brochure

Important Note: Regulations can change; investors should verify current requirements with all three levels of government (city, county, state) before making investment decisions or beginning operations. The multi-jurisdictional nature of STR regulation in Bemidji requires careful coordination and ongoing compliance monitoring.