Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulatory Guide for Huron, SD

Overview: Yes, short-term rentals are likely allowed in Huron, SD. While there are no explicit "short-term rental" ordinances found in the provided content, Huron has well-established Rental Housing Provisions (enforced since April 1, 2013) that govern rental housing within the city. These provisions, along with general zoning and building codes, provide the legal framework for operating rental properties, which includes STRs. Investors should assume STRs are permitted subject to compliance with these existing regulations. Direct confirmation from the Inspections & Planning Department is strongly recommended before proceeding.

Source: Huron Rental Housing Provisions, Huron Municipal Code (Title 5, Chapter 5.90)

1. How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Huron, SD

1. Verify Zoning: Confirm your property is zoned for rental housing. Review the Zoning Ordinance and contact the Planning Director (Barry Cranston, 605-353-8500) to ensure STRs are a permitted use in your property's zoning district (especially for residential zones).
2. Obtain Necessary Permits/Licenses:
   • Rental Housing Application & Registration: Submit the required application and fees to the Inspections Office per the Rental Housing Provisions and Application and Fees (PDF). This is the fundamental requirement.
   • Building Permit (If Applicable): If you are building new, significantly renovating, or altering the structure (e.g., adding/removing walls, changing egress, significant electrical/plumbing/HVAC work), a Building Permit is likely required. Contact the Inspector (Chris Newman, 605-353-8512) to determine necessity and process. Fees apply.
   • Home Occupation Permit (If Operating from Residence): If you manage the STR remotely and it functions as a standard rental (no significant on-site business activity beyond standard hosting), a Home Occupation Permit may not be needed. However, if you operate an on-site business (e.g., tours, equipment rental, shared common spaces for events), a permit might be required depending on the scope. Contact the Inspections Office (605-353-8512) for clarification. Review Home Occupation guidelines in the Zoning Ordinance.
   • Conditional Use Permit (If Required by Zoning): If your zoning district doesn't explicitly permit STRs as a "Rental Housing" use, you may need a Conditional Use Permit. Review the application in the Services section and contact the Planning Director (Barry Cranston, 605-353-8500) to discuss necessity.
3. Meet Safety & Habitability Standards: Ensure the property complies with all relevant building codes (structural, electrical, plumbing, fire safety, etc.) enforced by the Inspections Office (605-353-8512). Schedule inspections as required during any construction or renovation.
4. Register & Pay Fees: Complete the Rental Housing application and submit associated fees. Maintain any required registrations annually.
5. Understand Ongoing Obligations: Be prepared for compliance with city codes, including nuisance regulations, occupancy limits, waste management, and safety standards. Monitor communications from the city.

2. Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Rental Housing Registration Application & Fees: Found in Application and Fees (PDF) (Must be submitted for any rental property). This is the core requirement.
• Building Permit Application: (If alterations/new construction) - Contact Inspector (Chris Newman, 605-353-8512) to determine necessity and obtain forms/process.
• Home Occupation Permit Application (Type 1, 2, or 3): (If managing STR constitutes a home occupation) - Forms available in Services section.
• Conditional Use Permit Application: (If required by zoning) - Form available in Services section.
• Variances Application: (If seeking relief from specific zoning requirements) - Form available in Services section.
• Zoning Ordinance: Huron's Zoning Ordinance - Governs land use, including rental housing and potential STR requirements.
• Rental Housing Provisions: Huron Municipal Code - Chapter 5.90 - Core regulations for rental properties.
• Building Codes: Enforced by Inspections - consult Inspector (Chris Newman, 605-353-8512).
• Code Enforcement Nuisance Guidelines: Outlined on the Inspections page (unmowed grass, snow removal, junk, etc.) - Contact Code Enforcement (Mike Harrison, 605-353-8512).
• Subdivision Ordinance: Huron's Subdivision Ordinance - Relevant if developing land.

3. Specific Regulations (Huron, SD)

• Rental Housing Provisions (Enforced 4/1/2013): This is the primary regulation governing rental properties within Huron city limits. It likely covers licensing, inspections, occupancy limits, habitability standards, and enforcement mechanisms. Investors must obtain the full text via the provided link.
• Zoning Compliance: STRs must comply with the zoning district where the property is located. Confirm "Rental Housing" is a permitted or conditional use.
• Building & Safety Codes: All structures must meet adopted building codes (addressed through permits and inspections).
• Code Enforcement: The city investigates nuisances (e.g., overgrown grass, junk, excessive noise from guests). Owners can be billed for abatement costs plus non-compliance fees ($50-$200). Failure to comply can lead to further action. Contact Code Enforcement (Mike Harrison, 605-353-8512).
• Home Occupation: If hosting constitutes a business operated from the property, specific rules apply (see Zoning Ordinance Ch. 23.04).
• Flood Damage Prevention & Subdivision: While primarily for development, these ordinances can impact STR site development/planning.
• No Explicit STR Ban Found: The provided content does not indicate a city-wide prohibition on short-term rentals like whole-home STRs on platforms like Airbnb. However, investors must strictly comply with existing rental housing and zoning laws.
• State/County Regulations: The provided content focuses on Huron city. Beadle County (where Huron is located) or the State of South Dakota may have additional requirements (e.g., sales tax, lodging tax). Consult the County/State separately.

4. Contact Information

• Inspections & Planning Department (Primary Contact for STRs):
  • Physical Address: 239 Wisconsin Avenue SW, Huron, SD 57350
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1369, Huron, SD 57350
  • Phone: 605-353-8512
  • Fax: 605-353-8511
  • Email: General inquiries can start here (see specific contacts below).
• Chris Newman - Inspector: Oversees building permits, code compliance related to structures.
  • Email: inspect@huronsd.com
  • Phone: 605-353-8512
• Mike Harrison - Code Enforcement Officer: Handles nuisance complaints and violations.
  • Email: enforcer@huronsd.com
  • Phone: 605-353-8512
• Barry Cranston - Planning Director: Oversees zoning, permits (conditional use, variances), comprehensive planning.
  • Email: planner@huronsd.com
  • Phone: 605-353-8500
  • Fax: 605-353-8511
• City of Huron General Line: 605-353-8502

5. Source Links

1. Huron Inspections & Planning Department Page: https://huronsd.gov/165/Inspections-Planning
2. Huron Rental Housing Provisions (Municipal Code Ch. 5.90): https://library.municode.com/sd/huron/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT5BULIRE_CH5.90REHOPR
3. Huron Rental Housing Application & Fees (PDF): https://www.huronsd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/165
4. Huron Zoning Ordinance (Title 23): https://library.municode.com/HTML/14744/level1/TIT23ZO.html#TOPTITLE
5. Huron Zoning Ordinance - Home Occupation Permits (Ch. 23.04): http://library.municode.com/HTML/14744/level2/TIT23ZO_CH23.04ADEN.html
6. Huron Subdivision Ordinance (Title 24): http://library.municode.com/HTML/14744/level1/TIT24SU.html
7. Huron Zoning Map (PDF): https://www.huronsd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/169/Zoning-Map-City-PDF
8. Huron Conditional Use Permit Application (PDF): https://www.huronsd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/173/Conditional-Use-Permit-PDF
9. Huron Variances Application (PDF): https://www.huronsd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/168/Variances-Application-PDF

Disclaimer: This guide is based solely on the provided web content. Regulations can change. It is critically important to contact the Huron Inspections & Planning Department directly (605-353-8512) to confirm the current status of STR regulations, your specific property's requirements, and to obtain the definitive Rental Housing Provisions documentation before proceeding with any investment.