Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly ALLOWED in Rush City, MN. However, they are regulated at the county level through Chisago County's Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance, not at the city level. All short-term rental properties in Rush City must obtain and maintain an annual Chisago County Short-Term Rental Housing License regardless of whether the property is located within city limits or in unincorporated areas.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Rush City

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Short-term rentals in Rush City are governed by the Chisago County Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance #060320-1, adopted June 3, 2020. The ordinance is administered by the Chisago County Environmental Services Department, with assistance from third-party vendor Host Compliance for identification, licensure, and monitoring.

Step 2: Verify Property Eligibility

Your property qualifies as a short-term rental if it is:

• Any home, cabin, condominium, or similar building
• Advertised as, or held out to be, a place where sleeping quarters are furnished to the public
• Rented on a nightly, weekly, or for less than a 30-day period
• NOT a bed and breakfast, resort, hotel, motel, or other permitted venue as determined by the County

Step 3: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

A. Chisago County Short-Term Rental Housing License (Required)

• Fee: $400 annually (subject to change)
• Valid for: One year from issuance
• Required for: All STR properties in both incorporated (city) and unincorporated (township) areas of Chisago County

B. City Acknowledgment (For Properties Within City Limits)

• If your property is within Rush City limits, you must obtain city official acknowledgment using the City Jurisdiction/Acknowledgement Form
• This form must be completed and signed by city officials before county review
• Upload this completed form with your county license application

Step 4: Submit Application and Supporting Documents

Required Documents for County License Application:

1. Floor Plan of the rental property
2. Septic Certification (if applicable - properties not connected to central sewer)
3. City Jurisdiction/Acknowledgement Form (if applicable)
4. Proof of Property Liability Insurance Coverage with commercial liability coverage or "Rental Endorsement"
5. Proof of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Lodging License or acknowledgment that MDH review is in process

Application Process:

1. Complete the Online Short-Term Rental Housing License Application
2. Upload all required documents
3. Pay the $400 license fee
4. Submit application to Chisago County Environmental Services
5. Await completeness review and license determination

Step 5: Ensure Compliance with Additional Requirements

MDH Lodging License:

• Contact Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-4500
• Review the MDH Local Book for Chisago County inspector information
• Obtain proper lodging license or acknowledgment

Insurance Requirements:

• Maintain liability insurance suitable for commercial operations
• Ensure policy includes "Rental Endorsement" or "occasional rental use" acknowledgment

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

County-Level Requirements

1. Chisago County Short-Term Rental Housing License ($400/year)
2. Proof of Minnesota Department of Health Lodging License
3. Property Liability Insurance with rental endorsement
4. Floor Plan of rental property
5. Septic Certification (if not on central sewer)
6. City Jurisdiction/Acknowledgement Form (for city properties)

State-Level Requirements

1. Minnesota Department of Health Lodging License
2. Compliance with Minnesota State Fire Code
3. Compliance with all applicable state regulations

Property Standards

1. Septic System Compliance: Fully compliant and adequately sized septic system or connection to central sanitary sewer
2. Waste Management: Properly contained garbage, refuse, and recycling in fly-tight, watertight, rodent-proof containers stored in buildings or screened/secured enclosures
3. Fire Safety: Compliance with applicable fire codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Chisago County Regulations (Applies to Rush City)

Operating Standards:

• STR operations must conform to all City and Township ordinances
• Short-term rentals may be further restricted or prohibited by host cities or townships
• No past due property taxes allowed
• All advertising must comply with licensing requirements

Guest Information Requirements:

• Provide each guest with information identifying maximum occupancy
• Include emergency contacts (police, fire, hospital, septic tank pumper)
• Provide rental unit address and operational guidelines
• Post proof of license and any special conditions/restrictions
• Information must be readily retainable and posted/deliverable on-site

Property Standards:

• Post rental unit address outside in a clear, visible manner from the street
• Maintain owner contact information for county, renters, and adjacent landowners
• Ensure owner registration information is maintained

Quiet Hours and Parking:

• Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM - indoor/outdoor activity audible from property boundaries must not exceed general conversation level
• Parking: Must be completely accommodated on-site in designated improved spaces
• No parking on yards, boulevards, septic systems, or green spaces
• Parking cannot restrict emergency vehicle access or public travel
• Cannot impede property ingress/egress

State-Level Regulations (Minnesota)

Health and Safety:

• Minnesota Department of Health lodging regulations apply
• State Fire Code compliance required
• Local health and safety inspections as required by MDH

Enforcement and Violations

Enforcement Mechanism

• 24/7 Call Line: 651-374-9393 for reporting non-emergency STR incidents
• Emergency Situations: Dial 9-1-1 immediately
• Direct Contact: Use provided STR owner contact information for immediate neighbor concerns
• Online Reporting: Visit the Tips Page with Host Compliance

Violation Penalties

• Classification: Misdemeanor
• Penalties: Up to 90 days in jail, or fine up to $1,000, or both
• License Forfeiture: Applicable rental license may be forfeited
• License Revocation: May result from three substantiated complaints within license period or failure to correct violations

Investigation Process

1. Chisago County Environmental Services investigates all complaints
2. Owner notified within reasonable period
3. Correction directed within reasonable timeframe
4. Unresolved complaints result in enforcement action
5. Non-compliance leads to additional penalties

Contact Information

Primary Local Authority

Chisago County Environmental Services Department

• Address: 313 N Main St, Suite 240, Center City, MN 55012
• Phone: 651-213-8370
• Fax: 651-213-8385
• General County Phone: 651-257-1300
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Key Contacts

Dan Cahill, Code Enforcement Officer

• Email: Available through county website contact system
• Phone: 651-213-8370

State Contacts

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

• General Phone: 651-201-4500
• Website: MDH Lodging Information
• Local Inspector Contact: Refer to MDH Local Book for Chisago County

Complaint and Reporting

24/7 Short-Term Rental Hotline: 651-374-9393 Online Reporting: Host Compliance Tips Page

City Information

Rush City Contact Information:

• Available through Chisago County Cities Page

Source Links

1. Chisago County Short-Term Rentals - Primary regulatory authority and application portal
2. Chisago County Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance #060320-1 (PDF) - Full legal ordinance
3. Online Short-Term Rental Housing License Application - Application portal
4. City Jurisdiction/Acknowledgement Form (PDF) - Required for city properties
5. MDH Lodging Information - State requirements
6. MDH Local Book (PDF) - Local MDH contacts
7. Host Compliance Tips Page - Online reporting tool
8. Short-Term Rental Regulations in SPAARs Territory (PDF) - Regional overview
9. Rush City Zoning Ordinance (PDF) - Local zoning context
10. Chisago County Cities Page - City contact information

Important Note: This guide is based on information available as of the provided sources. Investors should verify current requirements with the Chisago County Environmental Services Department before proceeding with licensing applications, as regulations and fees may change.