Horace's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Horace, North Dakota, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Noise Rules

Horace has no short-term-rental-specific noise ordinance, but Title XII Chapter 12-08 (Noise Violations) applies to STR guests. Section 12-0802 prohibits any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that annoys or disturbs others; §12-0803(6) flags noise between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM as a key factor in determining a violation.

Key details: Quiet-Hours Factor: 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM (§12-0803(6)). General Standard: No loud/unnecessary noise (§12-0802). Penalty: Infraction, daily offense (§12-0809). Backup Charge: Disorderly conduct (§12-0702). STR-Specific Rule: None; general code applies.

Per §12-0809, each violation of Chapter 12-08 is an infraction subject to the penalties in §1-0211, with each day a separate offense. Owners can also receive disorderly-conduct citations under §12-0702. Repeat issues at a rental can trigger nuisance abatement.

Parking Rules

Horace has no STR-specific parking ordinance; standard Title XIII Chapter 13-16 rules apply. §13-1604(1) bars parking trucks, semitrailers, camping trailers, travel trailers, and fifth-wheel trailers on residential streets between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM, while §13-1604(2) allows licensed RVs in the driveway, side yard, or backyard on an improved surface.

Key details: RV Street Hours: Banned 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM (§13-1604(1)). On-Site RV Storage: Driveway/side/back, improved (§13-1604(2)). Sidewalk/Boulevard: No parking (§13-1619). Roadway Clearance: 15-ft min (§13-1613). Base Fine: $20 (§13-1624).

Section 13-1624 sets a base $20 fine for parking violations unless another section specifies otherwise. §13-1625 allows impoundment of vehicles with three or more unsettled tickets. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guests comply.

Permit Requirements

Horace may require a permit or business license for short-term rental operations. North Dakota does not have a statewide STR licensing framework, leaving regulation to local jurisdictions.

Key details: License Required: Varies by municipality. State Framework: None - local control. Safety Inspection: May be required annually. Topic: Permit Requirements.

Operating without a required permit may result in fines of $200 to $500 per day. Continued violations may lead to cease-and-desist orders and municipal court prosecution.

Taxes & Fees

Horace short-term rental operators must collect and remit applicable lodging taxes. North Dakota imposes a statewide lodging tax plus local jurisdictions may add their own levy.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 5%. State Lodging Tax: 1%. Local Tax: 1 to 2% additional typical. Registration: ND Tax Commissioner.

Failure to collect or remit lodging tax: penalties of 5% per month plus interest. Unlicensed operation fines of $200 to $500. State tax fraud carries additional penalties under NDCC §57-39.2.

The Bottom Line

Horace's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Horace is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Horace can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.