Duluth, MN Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Eligible applicant
- Owner-occupant of homesteaded property
- Home shares per owner
- One
- Multi-family buildings
- 3+ units not eligible
- Duplex requirement
- Must be owner's own unit
- Permit term
- Ends on sale or after 3 years
Summary
Duluth's accessory home share permit is limited to property owners who live in the owner-occupied, homesteaded home being rented. Unified Development Chapter § 50-20.5.H.1 caps it at one home share per owner, and the permit ends if ownership changes.
H. Accessory home share. ... An accessory home share may be created within those districts shown where allowed by Table 50.19.8 provided these standards are met. 1. Eligible Applicant. Property owners that reside in the owner-occupied homestead property may apply for one accessory home share in their owner-occupied homesteaded property. The owner-occupied unit may be located within a one-family or two-family structure, but may not be located in a multi-family building with 3 units or more. In a two-family structure, the accessory home share shall be located in the same unit the owners inhabit. ... ... 6. Termination. The permit shall terminate upon change in ownership of the property or three years from issuance date, whichever occurs first.
Full Breakdown
1, only property owners who reside in an owner-occupied homesteaded property may apply for an accessory home share, and each qualifying owner may hold just one such permit for their homesteaded property. The owner-occupied unit can sit within a one-family or two-family structure, but the code bars a home share in any multi-family building with three or more units. In a two-family (duplex) structure, the home share must be located in the same unit the owners actually live in, not the other unit, so an owner cannot homestead one side of a duplex and rent the other as a short-term rental under this permit.
6, which ties the permit itself to ownership: it terminates automatically upon any change in ownership of the property, or after three years from issuance, whichever comes first, after which the new or continuing owner must apply to renew. The permit is non-transferable to a new applicant, property, or address, meaning a buyer cannot simply inherit the seller's home share permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating an accessory home share without qualifying as an owner-occupant, or continuing to operate on a permit that has terminated due to a change in ownership, violates § 50-20.5.H and is a specifically listed violation under § 50-39.1.A.12 (unauthorized use of an accessory home share). Under § 50-39.4, the property owner and any violator are guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined as set in City Code § 1-7 or § 12-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a home share on a rental property I don't live in?
Can I get a home share permit for a unit in an apartment building?
What happens to my home share permit if I sell the house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Duluth
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