Application Checklist: Interim Use Permit, Vacation Dwelling Unit
For rental of an entire unit without the owner present for rental periods of 2 or more nights. The maximum number of guests is one person plus the number of bedrooms multiplied by two, which shall not exceed nine. The maximum number of bedrooms that may be rented is 4. There is a cap on vacation dwelling units, determined as a percentage of housing units. After advertising for Letters of Interest, the City held a drawing in 2024 for those letters received to determine the order on an eligibility list. At this point, there is not expected to be any openings on the eligibility list in the foreseeable future.
*Properties located in a Form District are not subject to the cap and may be rented 1-29 consecutive nights. A current zoning map can be found here.
Starting the Application Process
- Call 218‐730‐5580, email planning@duluthmn.gov or visit www.duluthmn.gov/eplace to request a pre‐application meeting. The pre‐application meeting is intended to discuss the application process and general timeline. A comprehensive review of the proposed project is not possible at this meeting; detailed review of the project will occur once a complete application, with sufficient supporting information and exhibits, is submitted.
- 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.
- Worksheet
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Survey of the property (required for any with spatial impacts; survey requirement can only be waived in writing by the Land Use Supervisor)
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Site plan with accurate depiction of the lot size, existing and proposed structures, parking, and any other relevant features (required)
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Landscape or screening plan (if required) detailing species type and number of trees and shrubs. The City may require an escrow fee to ensure that the landscape is installed and maintained as approved.
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Other materials needed to confirm compliance with applicable standards, to be determined at the pre‐application meeting:________________________________________________
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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.
After Submitting Your Application
1. Determination of Completeness. Within 15 business days of your application, you should expect to:
- Receive an “Applicant Letter,” which acknowledges a complete application, shares the date of the Planning Commission meeting and the assigned staff person, and notifies you of State‐mandated deadlines for the City to make a decision, OR
- Receive notification that your application is incomplete, with details on further information to submit.
2. Public Notice. A mailed notice will be sent by the City to property owners within 350 feet.
- You are required to post a sign notice on the property at least two weeks before the date of the public
hearing. See UDC Section 50‐37.1.H for information on size, placement, and content of each sign; you may want to contact a sign company or printing company to have the sign made. You must provide evidence that the signs were in place; submit photo(s) of the signs to the Planning Division at least two weeks before the date of the public hearing.
3. Staff Review. Planning staff will evaluate your application and prepare a staff report. When considering a recommendation for an interim use, Planning Staff generally review the Comprehensive Plan (including the Future Land Use Map, Governing Principles, and Policies), surrounding land uses and zoning, individual factors that are unique or special to the proposal, compliance with any approved district plan for the area, any additional UDC criteria, and other related factors.
- You will receive an email with the Planning Commission agenda and a link to this staff report about 5 days prior to the meeting.
4. Planning Commission Decision. Planning Commission meetings are scheduled at 5:00 pm on the second Tuesday of each month. We ask that applicants or an agent attend this meeting.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a decision to adopt, adopt with modifications, or deny the application.
5. Development Agreement. Interim Use Permits require a development agreement, to be finalized and signed after City Council approval. Staff will discuss the format and content of the development agreement with you.
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.
If a wetland delineation is needed for the project to proceed, it must be reviewed and approved before any zoning application will be accepted.
If a wetland replacement plan is required for a project to proceed, it must have been submitted and accepted as a complete application before the project zoning application will be accepted.
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://www.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.
