Application Checklist: Accessory Vacation Dwelling Unit, Limited
For rental of an entire unit in an owner-occupied homesteaded property for 2-7 consecutive nights without the owner present. The maximum total number of nights that may be rented in calendar year is 21. The rental period must be specified in the permit at the time that the permit was applied for and may not be altered. This process does not allow use for other short‐term rentals, including vacation dwelling units and accessory vacation dwelling units, which require an Interim Use Permit
Starting the Application Process
- Review information on the Short‐Term Rental web site, including information about building code information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Your Application
- Submit your application materials.
- Visit www.duluthmn.gov/eplace to submit your application.
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Click on “Apply” and search for your application type. (You will need to sign in to the system, or create a new account if you do not already have one.)
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Follow the prompts to fill in information. Required information is indicated with an asterisk.
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A site plan, drawn to scale, that shows lot lines, all structures on a lot, location of parking spaces, any outdoor spaces to be used, and any buffering from adjacent properties (such as vegetation or fencing).
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A floor plan of the dwelling unit identifying which room(s) will be rented
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Signed affidavit for verification of owner occupancy during guest rental
- Homestead Affidavit Letter, from St Louis County Assessor's office
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After your application is complete, click “Add to Cart” for the fee listed, and pay the fee. Applications without a fee will not be reviewed or accepted.
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After Submitting Your Application
- Construction Services will review your application and contact you when the permit is approved.
You may need to obtain other licenses and permits from other State and City offices. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for details.
Note that other City codes may apply to your project. Please be aware of any applicable Building Code (Construction Services Division), Fire Code (Life Safety Division), and stormwater/engineering (Engineering Division) regulations. The zoning approval may be only the first step in a several step process.
Additional Contacts
Other contacts that may be needed for your vacation dwelling unit:
1.) City of Duluth Construction Services and Inspections, for a Change of Use Permit and/or Building Permit, and an Inspection: https://duluthmn.gov/csi/ or 218‐730‐5240.
2.) State Department of Health, for a Lodging License: Sara Bents, 218‐302‐6184, or https://www.health.state.mn.us/.
3.) State Tax Identification Numbers can be obtained by calling 651‐282‐5225 or visiting
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us.
4.) Make sure you sign up for City of Duluth Tourism Tax by contacting the City Treasurers office at 218‐730‐5350 or https://duluthmn.gov/finance/taxes/tourism-taxes/.
5.) Visit the St. Louis County Assessor’s Office to let them know of the change of use, which could affect your property tax classification. Call 218‐726‐2304 or visit https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/assessor.
