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Dakota County, MN Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Short-term rental permit rules in Dakota County, MN, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.

Key Facts

County registry
None
Registration level
City license
Required contact
24/7 local agent
Existing operators
45 days to register (Mendota Hts)
Residency proof
Affidavit required

Summary

Dakota County does not register short-term rentals. Cities that regulate them require a license application with owner details, emergency contact, bedroom count and maximum occupancy. Mendota Heights gives existing operators 45 days to register.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Dakota County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Owners currently operating a short term home rental within the City shall obtain a license as provided in this Section 3-5A within 45 days from the effective date of this ordinance.

View official code

Full Breakdown

There is no county registry for short-term rentals in Dakota County. Registration is a municipal function. Under Mendota Heights City Code 3-5A-3, the application must include the property and operator names and address, a signed statement of ownership or owner authorization, a local emergency-contact agent available at all times, number of bedrooms, maximum occupants, and the listing services used. An affidavit of residency is required. Operators already renting when a city ordinance takes effect must obtain a license within 45 days. Confirm registration steps and forms with your city administrator.

Violations & Fines

Failure to give written notice of changed application information within the city's deadline, or renting without registering, is a licensing violation subject to city enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Dakota County STR registry?
No. Registration is handled by cities. Mendota Heights, for example, requires a license application; other Dakota County cities set their own rules.
What must I include in the application?
Owner and operator names, a 24/7 emergency contact, bedroom count, maximum occupancy, residency evidence, and the platforms where you advertise the rental.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dakota County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsTaxes & FeesSome RestrictionsOccupancy LimitsSome RestrictionsNight CapsSome RestrictionsNoise RulesSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSome RestrictionsInsurance RequirementsSome RestrictionsHost Presence RuleSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions

All Dakota County rules

How Dakota County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota short-term rentals overview

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