Dakota County, MN Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None
- Mendota Hts requirement
- Primary residence only
- Primary residence test
- Lived in over 6 months/year
- Verification
- Homestead per Dakota County Assessor
- Non-residency finding
- Immediate revocation
Summary
Dakota County has no rule, but some cities restrict short-term rentals to owner-occupied primary residences. Mendota Heights allows STRs only in a primary residence, defined as a homesteaded home the owner lives in over six months a year.
PRIMARY RESIDENCE: A dwelling unit where the property owner occupant lives in the property for more than six months a year; qualifies for Homestead tax classification as defined by MN Statutes 273.124 and as determined by the Dakota County Assessor.
Full Breakdown
Whether a short-term rental must be your primary residence is a city decision, not a county one. Mendota Heights City Code 3-5A-3 authorizes short-term rental of all or part of a primary residence only, defined in 3-5A-2 as a homestead-classified dwelling the owner-occupant lives in for more than six months a year, as determined by the Dakota County Assessor under Minn. Stat. 273.124. Applicants must submit an affidavit of residency; later discovery of non-residency is grounds for immediate license revocation. Non-owner-occupied investment STRs are not permitted in such cities.
Violations & Fines
Renting a non-primary residence, or a later finding of non-residency, is grounds for immediate revocation of the short-term rental license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an STR at an investment property?
How is primary residence verified?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dakota County
Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota short-term rentals overview
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