Plymouth Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Plymouth, Minnesota?

Plymouth, Minnesota is currently in the process of developing regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. The proposed ordinance aims to address concerns related to public safety, neighborhood disruptions, and the overall impact of short-term rentals on the community. T

he key elements of the proposed regulations include:

• A minimum stay requirement of seven days for short-term rentals
• Mandatory training for property owners with the city's police and fire departments
• Licensing requirements for short-term rental operators, including an application process, fees, and rental inspections

By implementing these rules, Plymouth seeks to strike a balance between allowing short-term rentals and ensuring they are operated responsibly, with a focus on maintaining the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Plymouth

For individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business in Plymouth, it is crucial to understand the zoning regulations and licensing requirements. While the city currently licenses long-term rentals, the proposed ordinance will introduce specific rules for short-term rentals. Prospective hosts should familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and a smooth operation.

One important consideration for potential hosts is the zoning of their property. Plymouth's zoning code will determine whether short-term rentals are permitted in specific areas of the city.

Hosts should check with the city's zoning department to ensure that their property is located in a zone that allows for short-term rental operations.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Plymouth

Under the proposed ordinance, property owners operating short-term rentals would need to obtain a license by submitting an application, paying a fee, and passing a rental inspection. This licensing process is designed to ensure that short-term rental properties meet safety and quality standards, contributing to a positive experience for guests and neighbors alike.

The licensing application will likely require hosts to provide standard information such as proof of ownership, property details, and compliance with zoning regulations. Clear and accurate documentation is essential for a seamless licensing process and ongoing compliance with city regulations.

Required Documents for Plymouth Short Term Rentals

While the specific documentation required for short-term rentals in Plymouth is not detailed in the proposed ordinance, hosts can expect to provide similar information to what is currently required for long-term rental licenses.

This may include:

• Completed application form
• Proof of ownership (deed, title, etc.)
• Floor plan or layout of the rental unit
• Proof of compliance with zoning regulations

Hosts should be prepared to submit these documents as part of the short-term rental licensing process.

Plymouth Short Term Rental Taxes

Although the proposed regulations do not mention specific taxes for short-term rentals in Plymouth, hosts in Minnesota are typically required to collect and remit state sales tax and local lodging taxes. Understanding tax obligations and ensuring compliance is crucial for operating a legal and sustainable short-term rental business in the city.

Hosts should familiarize themselves with the applicable tax rates and reporting requirements. Failure to collect and remit taxes can result in penalties and legal issues, so it is essential to stay informed and compliant.

Plymouth wide Short Term Rental Rules

The draft ordinance in Plymouth includes a minimum stay requirement of seven days and mandatory training with the city's public safety departments. These rules aim to address common issues associated with short-term rentals, such as noise disturbances, parking challenges, and emergency preparedness.

The seven-day minimum stay requirement is designed to discourage party houses and frequent turnover, which can be disruptive to residential neighborhoods. The mandatory training with the police and fire departments ensures that hosts are prepared to handle emergencies and minimize the impact of their rental operations on the surrounding area.

By establishing clear guidelines, Plymouth seeks to promote responsible hosting practices and maintain the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. Hosts should familiarize themselves with these rules and ensure that their rental practices align with the city's expectations.

Does Plymouth strictly enforce STR rules? Is Plymouth Airbnb friendly? (Compared to other cities) Do hosts operate in Plymouth despite the rules?

As the proposed regulations are still under consideration, it is unclear how strictly they will be enforced by the city of Plymouth. The city's approach seems to be focused on establishing a framework for short-term rentals, rather than an outright ban, which may suggest a more host-friendly environment compared to some other cities in Minnesota.

However, without more details on the final ordinance and the city's enforcement strategy, it is difficult to assess how Airbnb-friendly Plymouth will be compared to other cities. Some cities in Minnesota, such as Minneapolis and St. Paul, have more restrictive short-term rental regulations, including limits on the number of nights a property can be rented and requirements for hosts to live on-site.

It is worth noting that some Airbnb hosts may choose to operate in Plymouth despite the rules, as is the case in many other cities. However, without specific data on enforcement actions or the number of active short-term rentals in the city, it is difficult to determine the extent of this practice.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Plymouth

• Research and understand the zoning regulations for short-term rentals in Plymouth. Check with the city's zoning department to ensure that your property is located in an area where short-term rentals are permitted.
• Prepare necessary documentation, such as proof of ownership and property details, for the short-term rental licensing application.
• Complete any required training or inspections mandated by the city for short-term rental operators, such as the proposed training with the police and fire departments.
• Submit a short-term rental license application and pay the associated fee. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information to ensure a smooth application process.
• Familiarize yourself with tax obligations and ensure compliance with state and local tax requirements, including collecting and remitting sales tax and lodging taxes.
• Adhere to the proposed short-term rental regulations, including the minimum stay requirement and any other stipulations outlined in the ordinance. Stay informed about any updates or changes to the regulations.
• Maintain open communication with the city and neighbors, and strive to be a responsible host that contributes positively to the community.

Who to contact in Plymouth about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For inquiries regarding short-term rental regulations and zoning in Plymouth, individuals can reach out to Grant Fernelius, the Community and Economic Development Director at the City of Plymouth.

Contact information includes:

Grant Fernelius
Community and Economic Development Director
City of Plymouth
Phone: (763) 509-5450
Email: gfernelius@plymouthmn.gov

Hosts and interested parties can contact Mr. Fernelius for more information about the proposed regulations, the licensing process, zoning requirements, and any other questions related to short-term rentals in Plymouth.

What do Airbnb hosts in Plymouth on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

While direct quotes or opinions from Airbnb hosts in Plymouth are not readily available, discussions on platforms like Reddit and Bigger Pockets may shed light on host perspectives. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable insights into how hosts perceive the proposed regulations and their potential impact on short-term rental operations in Plymouth.

By actively participating in these discussions, hosts can contribute to shaping the regulatory landscape and ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making process. Hosts can share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions for improving the proposed regulations to create a more favorable environment for short-term rentals in Plymouth.

Some key considerations that hosts may discuss include:

• The impact of the seven-day minimum stay requirement on their business model and profitability
• Concerns about the mandatory training with public safety departments and how it may affect their operations
• Suggestions for streamlining the licensing process and reducing administrative burdens
• Comparisons to short-term rental regulations in other cities and how Plymouth's approach stacks up

Ultimately, the success of short-term rentals in Plymouth will depend on the city's ability to strike a balance between addressing community concerns and providing a supportive environment for hosts to operate legally and responsibly.

By engaging with hosts and incorporating their feedback into the regulatory process, Plymouth can create a framework that benefits both the short-term rental industry and the local community.