What are the key requirements for Northfield hosts?

The Property Owner or Agent MUST live within 20 miles of Northfield City Limits.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Northfield?

Non-homesteaded (non-owner occupied) rentals are subject to a 20% block-face density cap in R-1 zones.

What are the key requirements for Northfield hosts?

Parking requirement: 1 off-street space per 2 bedrooms.

What are the key requirements for Northfield hosts?

The 3% Lodging Tax must be filed monthly even if no income was generated.

Northfield

Permissive

STRs Allowed

MinnesotaLast updated: February 11, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

Northfield requires all short-term rentals to obtain a rental license, pass a safety inspection, and adhere to local zoning density caps and residency requirements for property managers.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

If you want to host a short-term rental in Northfield, you must apply for a city rental license and pass a safety inspection similar to long-term rentals. You or a designated manager must live within 20 miles of the city, and if your property is in an R-1 zone and not your primary home, it may be subject to a 20% neighborhood rental cap.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Northfield: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Northfield: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Northfield allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family House, 2 Unit House, Apartments, Townhouse, Condo.

Requirements(11)

•Northfield: Parking requirement: 1 off-street space per 2 bedrooms.
•Northfield STR warning: The 3% Lodging Tax must be filed monthly even if no income was generated.
•Northfield STR warning: Non-homesteaded (non-owner occupied) rentals are subject to a 20% block-face density cap in R-1 zones.
•Northfield: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application Process(8)

•Northfield: To apply for an STR permit, you'll need: Rental License Application, Proof of Insurance, Rental Property Emergency Information Sheet.
•Northfield STR permit - Step 3: Post Emergency Information. Fill out and post a Rental Property Emergency Information sheet within 2 feet of the main entrance. Required documents: Emergency Contact Name and Number. Time: 1 day.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Northfield charges a registration fee of $150 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $75 (Re-inspection fee for failed or cancelled inspections).

Taxes(3)

•Northfield: The 3% Lodging Tax must be filed monthly even if no income was generated.
•Northfield charges a Lodging Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Note: Hosts must file monthly unless the platform specifically collects the 3% local lodging tax; Airbnb currently remits state but local varies.
•Minnesota has a state sales tax of 0.06875% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Northfield enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Northfield occupancy calculation: 2 adults per bedroom plus one additional person per unit. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Northfield: Non-homesteaded (non-owner occupied) rentals are subject to a 20% block-face density cap in R-1 zones.
•Northfield limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Northfield requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows, Emergency information sheet posted within 2 feet of main entrance.

Penalties(2)

•Northfield enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $100 fine for license violations. Second offense: Increased fines. Permit may be revoked for violations.
•Northfield: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Northfield exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels and Motels, Licensed in-home residential care facilities, College owned dormitories.
•Northfield: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Minnesota Markets

St. Paul

Minnesota

Moderate

St. Paul requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain a Fire Certificate of Occupancy and register with the Department of Safety and Inspections. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units, with the latter potentially requiring additional zoning approvals.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Duluth

Minnesota

Prohibited

Duluth regulates STRs through a three-tiered permitting system that distinguishes between owner-occupied home shares and full-time vacation rentals, the latter of which is subject to a citywide cap.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Bloomington

Minnesota

Prohibited

Short-term rentals of less than 30 consecutive days are strictly prohibited in Bloomington.

0.2% total tax

Moorhead

Minnesota

Permissive

Moorhead requires all short-term rental properties to be registered annually with the city and undergo mandatory safety inspections and owner training.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Northfield

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Northfield

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Northfield?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Northfield?

3Are there rental night limits in Northfield?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Northfield?

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St. Paul

Duluth

Bloomington

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