What should Rochester hosts know about non-owner occupied strs require a?

Non-owner occupied STRs require a local contact person available within 30 minutes of the property.

What should Rochester hosts know about if more than 25% of?

If more than 25% of units in a multi-family building are used as STRs, it triggers a 'Change of Use' review and extra county lodging licenses.

What should Rochester hosts know about only two condominium units per?

Only two condominium units per building can operate as STRs without triggering a building code reclassification.

What should Rochester hosts know about owner-occupied status specifically requires the?

Owner-occupied status specifically requires the owner to stay at the site while guests are present.

Rochester

Permissive

STRs Allowed

MinnesotaLast updated: February 12, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 12, 2026

Summary

Rochester requires all short-term rentals to be registered and licensed, distinguishing between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units.

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
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an STR in Rochester, you must obtain a Rental Property Certificate and pass a safety inspection. If you live in the home during the stay, you register as 'Owner-Occupied'; if you are not present, you must obtain a full 'Non-Owner Occupied' rental license and ensure a local contact can respond within 30 minutes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.2%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Max Fine

$1,000

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Non-owner occupied STRs require a local contact person available within 30 minutes of the property.
2.If more than 25% of units in a multi-family building are used as STRs, it triggers a 'Change of Use' review and extra county lodging licenses.
3.Only two condominium units per building can operate as STRs without triggering a building code reclassification.
4.Owner-occupied status specifically requires the owner to stay at the site while guests are present.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Rochester allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family Home, Condo, Townhouse, Apartment, Duplex.
•Rochester does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Rochester allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Requires written owner consent and compliance with all rental housing codes.

Requirements(15)

•Rochester: If more than 25% of units in a multi-family building are used as STRs, it triggers a 'Change of Use' review and extra county lodging licenses.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Rochester: Step 1: Determine Permit Classification - Decide if your property will be 'Owner-Occupied' (you are present during stays) or 'Non-Owner Occupied' (entire home/unhosted). Estimated time: 1 day. More info: https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/community-development/housing-and-inspections/short-term-rentals Step 2: Submit Application via Citizen Access - Complete the Rental Property Certificate application through the City of Rochester's online portal. Documents needed: Owner ID, Proof of Insurance, Floor Plan. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 150. More info: https://aca-prod.accela.com/ROCHESTER/Default.aspx Step 3: Schedule Safety Inspection - Once the application is processed, Building Safety will contact you to schedule a physical inspection of the property to ensure compliance with the housing code. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Step 4: Register for Lodging Taxes - Register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales and local lodging taxes. Documents needed: State Tax ID. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/registering-local-taxes

Fees & Costs(1)

•Rochester charges a registration fee of $150 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $135 (Annual renewal/registration fee for single-family rentals).

Taxes(2)

•Minnesota has a state sales tax of 0.06875% that applies to STR rentals.
•Rochester charges a Lodging Tax of 0.07%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Major platforms collect state taxes; Rochester local lodging tax is state-administered.

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•Rochester occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Rochester enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Rochester limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Rochester requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in all sleeping rooms, Functional guest registry, Local contact available within 30 minutes.

Penalties(3)

•Rochester: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.
•Rochester enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Up to $1,000 fine. Second offense: Enhanced fines and potential jail time. Third offense: Permit revocation. Maximum fine: 1000. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions(2)

•Rochester: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Rochester exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts.

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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

Rochester

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(5)

Requirements(15)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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St. Paul

Duluth

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Rochester

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 Rochester?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Rochester?

3Are there rental night limits in Rochester?

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

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Other Minnesota Markets

St. Paul

Duluth

Bloomington

Moorhead