Maple Grove, MN Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Maple Grove's short-term rental program does not impose a primary-residence-only requirement. The ordinance licenses rental dwellings generally, and the short-term rental dwelling license is available for single-family dwellings, townhouses, and condominiums regardless of whether the owner lives there. We did not find any code provision restricting short-term rentals to owner-occupied or primary residences. Instead of a primary-residence mandate, the city uses a resident-agent rule to keep a locally responsible party on file. Under City Code Sec. 10-346, no license is issued or renewed for a non-resident owner (one who does not reside within Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Scott, Washington, Sherburne, or Wright County) unless the owner designates, in writing, a resident agent who lives within those counties and who is empowered to receive notices of violation, institute remedial action, and accept service of process. The short-term rental application reflects the same nine-county requirement, citing Sec. 10-396: if the owner does not live in those counties, a licensed management company or agent physically located within them must be designated. A non-resident owner must maintain a resident agent at all times, and the city must be notified of any change of agent within 10 days. This framework, not a primary-residence cap, is how Maple Grove ensures accountability for short-term rentals.