Workshop Item Bob Fiske, Community Standards Director
Title
Title
Short Term Rental & Group Home Regulation Discussion
end
Executive Summary
During the recent Rental Licensing Update at the September 20, 2021 council workshop, council requested staff to research what other cities are doing regarding Short Term Rental (STR) properties as well as city licensing of state licensed residential assisted living and group homes. Additionally, Council requested staff to provide the results at an upcoming workshop for council to discuss.
Background
There has been an increase in short term rental properties within the City of Blaine. This has included short term rentals that are ongoing on various media sites as well as short term rentals that are confined to short periods such a during the 3M Golf Tournament and USA Cup. Some complaints have been received regarding the properties from neighbors.
There has additionally been complaints generated from various licensed care facilities. These facilities are generally licensed by other government entities but complaints regarding the facilities are received by City staff.
Short Term Rental Licensing
The following is a list of the staff findings for STR in other cities within the metro area:
|
CITY |
REGULATION |
|
Blaine |
Treated the same as long term rental (needs License and inspection). |
|
Brooklyn Park |
Short Term Rentals not a permitted use in residential zoning district. For other |
|
|
short term rentals such as motels and hotels, the property should be zoned |
|
|
before it is permitted. |
|
Burnsville |
Regulated - Any rental for less than 30 days considered a STR and must be |
|
|
licensed as such. Also requires the notification of neighbros. |
|
Coon Rapids |
Treated the same as long term rental with the exceptions for active duty military |
|
|
and “snowbirds”. |
|
Cottage Grove |
Treated the same as long term rental. |
|
Fridley |
Treated the same as long term rental. |
|
Hopkins |
Viewed and regulated as bed and breakfast |
|
Maple Grove |
Treated the same as long term rental. |
|
Minneapolis |
Regulated. Third party contracted to check website for AirBnB advertisement. |
|
|
License is required depending on the type of short term rental property. |
|
Plymouth |
Treated the same as long term rental. |
|
Prior Lake |
Regulated. Minimum rental at least 60 days but no more than 180 days. Rental |
|
|
for less than 60 days prohibited. Also sets limits on number of occupants based |
|
|
on lot and building size. |
|
Roseville |
Rentals 4 units or less are regulated through rental registration Ordinance. Just |
|
|
registration is required. No inspection needed. |
|
Spring Park |
Short Term Rentals prohibited. |
|
St. Paul |
Regulated. - Requires the individual to obtain a license, pay fee and the host. |
|
|
License is valid for a year. |
The majority of the cities researched treat short term rentals the same as any other rental property. Two of the cities prohibit STR’s based on residential zoning, but do allow hotel/motels as long as they are in the proper zoning districts. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul allow them and have licensing requirements. Prior Lake regulated STR’s but requires a minimum of a 60 day lease and not to exceed 180 days.
The average number of short term rentals found during staff research was 5 to 10 for this time of year, several of these already have rental licenses. Of course this number will change during the dates of the big events which occur in the city during the summer, USA Cup and 3M Open to name a couple.
Residential Housing with services, Assisted Living and Group Homes
In regards to regulating state licensed residential facilities, it varies based on the type of license. In some cases state statute does allow for the additional licensing by the local jurisdiction. There are currently 47 such residential facilities in Blaine and we have only received complaints on a handful of them over the years.
Strategic Plan Relationship
Growth Management is identified in the City’s Strategic Plan. As the city grows, these properties will likely increase in number. Accordingly, a Council backed approach to short term rentals and licensed care facilities is desired for staff to proceed with managing the properties accordingly.
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
N/A
Public Outreach/Input
N/A
Staff Recommendation
For short term rental licensing, staff would recommend to continue with current policy and treat STR’s the same as long term rental property, requiring an inspection and licensing. However, possible options Council could consider are prohibiting STR’s in certain zoning district as they are a transient use similar to hotels which are limited where they can be located. Another option to consider is licensing and requiring a minimum number of days for a stay.
As for additional regulation of state licensed residential facilities, staff would recommend not imposing additional city licensing. Staff would continue to address any complaints received and handle them as we would for any other complaint of regarding residential property.