Hopkins, Minnesota
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Hopkins, MN
Challenging To Investors
Local STR Agent
STR Regulations for Hopkins, Minnesota
Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Hopkins, MN?
YES — Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Hopkins, MN. Short-term rental units (defined as dwelling units offered to transient guests for less than 30 days, such as Airbnb or VRBO properties) are permitted in any Neighborhood zoning district, subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit. Properties must comply with both city and county licensing requirements.
How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Hopkins
Step 1: Zoning Compliance
- Confirm your property is located in a Neighborhood zoning district
- Apply for a conditional use permit with the City of Hopkins
- Ensure your property is not located on a lot with an accessory dwelling unit (prohibited)
Step 2: Licensing Requirements
- Obtain an annual rental license from the City of Hopkins
- Secure a Lodging License from Hennepin County (if applicable)
- Complete pre-rental inspection requirements
Step 3: Operational Compliance
- Establish maximum occupancy limits (6 adults plus dependent children)
- Implement guest registration system
- Include required lease provisions
- Maintain property in residential character
Step 4: Ongoing Requirements
- Renew rental license annually by December 31
- Complete routine rental inspections
- Maintain guest register for city inspection
- Ensure compliance with all local ordinances
Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines
City of Hopkins Requirements
1. Rental License (Mandatory)
- Annual license required for all premises rented in whole or part as dwelling units
- License period: January 1 - December 31
- Must be renewed before December 31 annually
- Renewal fees double when 30+ days past due
- Application required for new rentals and renewals
2. Pre-Rental Inspection (New Licenses)
- Required inspection before receiving new rental license
- Fee schedule matches routine rental inspection requirements
- Complete Rental Inspection Request Form after applying and paying for license
3. Conditional Use Permit
- Required for short-term rentals in Neighborhood zoning districts
- Application submitted through city planning department
- Subject to city council approval process
Hennepin County Requirements
4. Lodging License
- Short-term rentals may require lodging license from Hennepin County
- Contact county for specific requirements and application process
- Business licenses for food, beverage, and lodging operations
Operational Requirements
5. Criminal Background Checks
- Mandatory for all prospective tenants
- Must include:
- Minnesota statewide criminal history check (3+ years)
- Previous state residence check (if moving directly)
- Previous states residence check (3 years if not MN resident 3+ years)
- Seven-county metro area check (3+ years, all conviction types)
6. Lease Provisions
- All tenant leases must include crime-free drug-free provisions
- Must prohibit disorderly behavior as defined in City Code Section 20-273
- Example lease addendum available from city
Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals
City of Hopkins Regulations (Section 102-580(h))
Operational Limits:
- Maximum 6 adults and their dependent children per unit
- Guest stays must be less than 30 days
- Property must maintain residential character
Prohibited Activities:
- Special events attracting additional individuals
- External structural alterations that change residential character
- Construction of parking lots
- Installation of commercial-like exterior lighting
- Installation of commercial signage
- STR operations on lots with accessory dwelling units
Record-Keeping Requirements:
- Must maintain register of all short-term rental guests
- Register must be made available to city upon request
- Include guest names, dates of stay, and contact information
Enforcement:
- Fine for renting without license: $500
- Violation of City Code Article III Section 20-149
License Fees (Effective January 1, 2025)
Buildings with 3+ Units:
- $100 per building + $10 per unit
Duplexes and Double Bungalows:
- One unit rented: $110
- Both units rented: $120
Single Family Units (Including Condos/Townhouses):
- $100 per unit
State-Level Regulations (Minnesota)
- Minnesota state law does not impose specific restrictions on short-term rentals
- Local municipalities retain authority to regulate STRs
- State health and safety codes apply to all rental properties
- Sales tax and lodging tax obligations may apply
Contact Information for Local Authority
City of Hopkins - Primary Contacts
General City Information:
- Phone: 952-935-8474
- Fax: 952-935-1834
- TTY: 952-548-8210
- Address: 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343
Rental Licensing:
- Courtney Pearsall, Planning and Economic Development Administrative Assistant
- Email: cpearsall@hopkinsmn.com
- Phone: 952-548-6341
- Application portal: Online through RevTrak system
Planning/Zoning:
- Sam Gallagher, Associate Planner
- Email: sgallagher@hopkinsmn.com
- Phone: 952-548-6339
- Handles conditional use permit applications
Building/Rental Inspections:
- Chris Kearney, Building Official
- Email: ckearney@hopkinsmn.com
- Phone: 952-548-6321
Program Administration:
- Casey Casella, Assistant City Manager
- Email: ccasella@hopkinsmn.com
- Phone: 952-548-6303
Hennepin County
- Website: www.hennepin.us
- Phone: See county website for specific department contact
- Handles lodging licenses and permits
- Food, beverage, and lodging licensing
Source Links
City of Hopkins Official Pages
- Rental License Information
- Short-Term Rentals Regulations
- Rental Inspections Program
- Proposed Rental Inspections Revisions
City Code and Ordinances
County Resources
Application Forms and Documents
- Rental License Application PDF
- Crime-Free Drug-Free Housing Lease Addendum
- Rental Inspection Request Form
Third-Party Resources
- Duplex Chick Metro Area STR Restrictions Overview (Note: Information from 2021, verify current status with city)
Online Systems
Important Note: Before making any investment decisions, verify all current regulations and requirements directly with the City of Hopkins, as ordinances and licensing requirements may change. The contact information provided will ensure you receive the most up-to-date guidance for your specific property and situation.
Hopkins
Market Saturation Score
Photos of Hopkins
Overview of Hopkins
Hopkins is a suburban city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, located west of Minneapolis. The population was 19,079 at the 2020 census. The city is four square miles in size and is surrounded by the larger suburban communities of Minnetonka, Saint Louis Park, and Edina. The city's main street was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.
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