Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Medina, ND

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Medina, North Dakota. The state of North Dakota permits short-term rental operations, with regulations varying at the county and municipal level. Medina operates under North Dakota state building codes and regulations, though no specific city-level STR ordinances were identified in the provided sources.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Medina, ND

Step 1: Understand Zoning and Building Requirements

Before purchasing or converting property for STR use, verify:

• Property zoning allows short-term rental operations
• Building meets all applicable North Dakota State Building Code requirements
• Property has proper occupancy classification for intended use

Step 2: Ensure Building Code Compliance

All STR properties must comply with the North Dakota State Building Code, which includes:

• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for single-family dwellings
• 2021 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial properties
• North Dakota amendments to these codes
• State electrical and plumbing codes

Step 3: Secure Appropriate Insurance

Obtain specialized short-term rental insurance coverage that includes:

• Commercial business liability protection (minimum $1M recommended)
• Property and contents coverage
• Business revenue protection
• Property entrustment protection
• Pet and animal liability coverage
• Amenity liability for on-premises features

Step 4: Register and License Requirements

• Check with Stutsman County for any county-level requirements
• Verify current property tax classification
• Obtain any necessary business licenses from municipal or county authorities

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Building and Safety Compliance

Required under North Dakota State Building Code:

For Residential Properties (STR classified as Group R):

1. Building Permit - Required for significant alterations
2. Electrical Compliance - Must meet North Dakota State Wiring Standards
3. Plumbing Compliance - Must meet North Dakota State Plumbing Code
4. Carbon Monoxide Alarms - Required outside sleeping areas and on each level
5. Smoke Detectors - Required per building code standards
6. Emergency Escape Windows - Sill height maximum 44 inches (48 inches below grade allowed)

Key Building Code Requirements:

• Fire Separation - Two-family dwellings require 1-hour fire-resistant rating between units (½ hour with sprinkler system)
• Emergency Egress - Proper stair design with maximum 8-inch riser height and minimum 9-inch tread depth
• Window Wells - Required for below-grade emergency escape windows with proper ladder/step requirements
• Foundation Requirements - Must meet frost protection and load-bearing standards per local soil conditions

ADA Compliance (if applicable):

• Buildings over 7,500 sq ft in assembly, business, educational, institutional, or mercantile occupancy require automatic doors at primary public entrance
• All buildings subject to ADA must conform to 2010 ADA standards for accessible design

Business and Tax Requirements

1. Business License - Verify local requirements with Medina city officials
2. Sales Tax Registration - Required for transient accommodation taxes in North Dakota
3. Property Tax Classification - Ensure property is properly classified for STR use
4. Insurance Documentation - Maintain proof of appropriate coverage

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level (Medina)

No specific STR ordinances were identified in the provided sources. Medina appears to operate under state building codes without additional city-specific short-term rental regulations.

County-Level (Stutsman County)

No specific county-level STR regulations were identified in the provided sources. Check directly with Stutsman County for any additional requirements.

State-Level (North Dakota)

North Dakota State Building Code Requirements:

Occupancy Classifications:

• Group R-3 - Single-family dwellings used as short-term rentals
• Group R-2 - Multi-family dwellings or boarding houses with more than two dwelling units

Key State Requirements:

1. No Sprinkler Mandate - State building code specifically prohibits requiring fire sprinklers in single-family dwellings or residential buildings with no more than two dwelling units
2. Energy Efficiency - Must comply with 2021 IRC Chapter 11 energy requirements or International Energy Conservation Code
3. Accessibility - ADA requirements apply to public accommodations
4. Building Permits - Required for structural alterations, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
5. Inspections - Required for permit work and as mandated by local jurisdictions

Administrative Requirements:

• Permit fees established by local jurisdiction
• Plan review required for applicable work
• Licensed contractors may be required for certain work types

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary Contacts for STR Regulations in Medina, ND:

Medina City Hall

• Phone: Contact Stutsman County for current Medina municipal information
• Email: Contact Stutsman County for current municipal contact information
• Website: Check Stutsman County website for municipal services

Stutsman County Government

• Phone: Contact North Dakota Association of Counties for current contact information
• Email: Contact North Dakota Association of Counties for current contact information
• Website: Check North Dakota Association of Counties website

North Dakota State Building Code Authority

• Department: North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services
• Address: 1600 East Century Avenue, Suite 6, PO Box 2057, Bismarck, ND 58502-2057
• Phone: (701) 328-5300
• Fax: (701) 328-2308

Building Code Information

• International Code Council: 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233)
• North Dakota State Library (for IRC access): 1-701-328-4622 or 1-800-472-2104

Source Pages and Links

Primary Regulatory Sources:

1. North Dakota State Building Code (2023): www.commerce.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/Community%20Services/Building%20Codes/2023NDStateBuildingCodeBook.pdf
2. North Dakota Short-Term Rental Insurance Regulations: www.proper.insure/short-term-rental-insurance/north-dakota/
3. North Dakota STR Laws and Regulations Guide: www.proper.insure/airbnb-laws-and-regulations-in-north-dakota/

Additional Resources:

4. Proper Insurance Short-Term Rental Regulations Map: www.proper.insure/regulations/
5. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3 (State Building Code): Available through ND Department of Commerce

Important Notes for Investors:

• Always verify current regulations with local authorities before making property investments
• Building codes and requirements can change; confirm latest editions
• Consider consulting with local real estate professionals familiar with Stutsman County regulations
• Obtain written confirmation of zoning compliance before purchasing STR properties
• Regulations may vary significantly from other North Dakota municipalities, so Medina-specific requirements should be confirmed directly

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the provided source materials and current North Dakota State Building Code. Municipal and county-level requirements may change. Always verify current regulations with local authorities before making investment decisions.