Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Mobridge, SD?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Mobridge, South Dakota, provided operators obtain the proper licenses and comply with all applicable regulations. The City of Mobridge has established a comprehensive licensing framework for short-term rentals, with the first-time application fee set at $500 and annual renewals at $100. The city has defined STRs as properties rented in their entirety to the public on a daily or weekly basis without the owner or manager present during the rental period. As of the most recent data, approximately 16-17 short-term rental properties operate in Mobridge, primarily listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Mobridge

Starting a short-term rental business in Mobridge requires a systematic approach to ensure full compliance with city ordinances and state regulations:

1. Secure State License First: Before applying for a local license, you must obtain a lodging license from the South Dakota Department of Health.

2. Prepare Documentation: Complete the City of Mobridge Short-Term Rental License Application, providing detailed establishment information, proposed use descriptions, and all required attachments.

3. Submit Application: File the completed application with all attachments and the $500 application fee to the City Office at 114 1st Avenue East, Mobridge, SD 57601.

4. Processing Timeline: Allow up to 60 days for application processing, as noted on the application form.

5. Annual Renewal: Licenses must be renewed within 30 days of expiration with a $100 renewal fee.

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Short-term rental operators in Mobridge must maintain current documentation in several categories:

State-Level Requirements:

• Current Lodging License issued by the South Dakota Department of Health
• SD Sales Tax License (attach a copy to the application)

City-Level Requirements:

• City of Mobridge Short-Term Rental License (initial $500, renewal $100)
• Certificate of Insurance or Declaration Page with endorsement for short-term rental
• Site plan of the property showing existing and proposed structures with setbacks and on-site parking spaces

Compliance Documentation:

• Verification of payment of real property taxes
• Verification of payment of sales taxes
• Verification that all fees, fines, and assessments are current

Operational Documentation:

• Contact information for the property manager or local contact individual
• Records as required per SDCL 34-18-21 (must be provided to City Office upon request)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Mobridge

The City of Mobridge has established specific operational requirements that STR operators must follow:

Property Use Restrictions:

• Occupancy of recreational vehicles (RVs), camper trailers, and tents is not allowed
• Properties must meet all fire safety standards in accordance with current South Dakota Codified Laws
• The minimum age for the principal renter is 21 years

Safety Requirements:

• Open fires, fire pits, fireworks, charcoal-burning grills, gas-fired grills, or other devices are prohibited without permission from the Local Contact or Owner
• The Local Contact or Owner must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding open burning, fire pits, fireworks, and burning of flammable material

Insurance Requirements:

• Owners must maintain insurance coverage on the establishment with an endorsement specifically for short-term rental operations

Management Requirements:

• If the Owner does not reside full-time within 50 miles driving distance of the STR, a Local Contact must be designated
• The Local Contact must reside within 50 miles driving distance of the STR
• The Owner or Local Contact must be responsible for responding in a reasonable time to complaints about the STR
• The name, address, and telephone contact number of the Owner and/or Local Contact must be kept on file at the City Office
• Any change of Local Contact information must be provided to the City Office within 10 days

Operational Limitations:

• The license is non-transferable to any other person, business entity, or location and does not constitute a property right
• Any change to application information must be submitted to the City within 10 days
• The license is provisional, conditional, and must be annually renewed

Compliance Requirements:

• License holders must comply with SDCL Chapter 34-18, all applicable State rules and regulations, and City of Mobridge Ordinances, specifically Section 6-16
• Misrepresentation or failure to comply with any laws, regulations, or provisions constitutes grounds for disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of the license

County and State-Level Regulations

Walworth County: No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. Operators should confirm current county requirements with Walworth County authorities.

State of South Dakota:

• Short-term rentals in South Dakota must comply with SDCL Chapter 34-18 regarding lodging establishments
• State law requires record-keeping as outlined in SDCL 34-18-21
• Properties must meet fire safety standards as specified in South Dakota Codified Laws
• State-level legislation has been discussed but no uniform statewide prohibition on municipal STR regulations has been established, allowing municipalities like Mobridge to maintain their own licensing frameworks

Contact Information for Local STR Authority

City of Mobridge City Office

• Phone: (605) 845-3509
• Email: cityhall@westriv.com
• Address: 114 1st Avenue East, Mobridge, SD 57601
• Website: Additional information may be available at www.mobridge.org

For questions regarding the application process, compliance requirements, or renewal procedures, contact the City Office directly. The application will not be processed until all required information and fees are received.

Source Links

1. City of Mobridge Short-Term Rental License Application (PDF)
2. Mobridge City Council Votes on New Vacation Home Rental Definition and Regulations
3. Mobridge Council Approves Events, Rentals and a Police Hire; Rejects Sidewalk Waiver Resolution
4. Facebook Post: Mobridge City Council Fails to Pass an Ordinance on Short-Term Rentals

Note: Regulations can change frequently. Investors should verify current requirements with the City of Mobridge before making investment decisions or submitting license applications.