Minimal Changes to Short-Term Single Family Rentals

Permits for short-term, single family housing rentals like this one (listed on Airbnb) aren't really changing, said Duluth City Council President Lynn Nephew.Photo from Airbnb

Despite news outlets citing “bans” and “bars” on short term rentals for single family housing, Duluth City Council President Lynn Nephew noted that not much is changing. 

Last year the council put a moratorium on new licenses for short term single family housing rentals. One reason for this was to move the licenses from the Planning to Life Safety department. Life Safety, where long term permits are held, has the means of enforcement that Planning does not. Though no new permits for short term single family housing rentals will be available, permits already in place will be grandfathered in.

Additionally, if new, larger properties need a few short term rental permits to make their numbers work, Nephew foresees no issues with that. She stressed that the market really isn’t changing from what it’s been, aside from mostly internal changes and the ability to crack down on those who don’t have the permits. She also noted that going forward, yearly re-evaluations would occur. 

On a final note, Nephew encouraged students to attend city council meetings, which occur every other Monday at 6:00. Come and listen, and talk to Councilors after.