Overview and Bottom Line

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cambridge, MN. However, there is no city‑specific “short‑term rental” license separate from the city’s general Rental Registration program. All rental properties—regardless of stay duration—must be registered under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 99. If your property is located outside city limits but within Isanti County, you must also comply with the county’s Short‑Term Rental ordinance. At the state level, STRs that offer lodging to the public are treated as lodging establishments and must comply with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 and related state requirements.

Practical implications:

• Inside Cambridge city limits: complete Cambridge rental registration (Chapter 99) and meet Minnesota lodging laws.
• Outside Cambridge city limits in Isanti County: comply with the county STR ordinance plus state lodging laws.
• There is no separate city STR permit in Cambridge; do not confuse this with Cambridge, MA (which does have specific STR rules—outside the scope of this guide).

How to Start an STR in This Market

Follow this step-by-step to operate lawfully:

1. Confirm jurisdiction and zoning

• Determine whether your property is inside Cambridge city limits or within Isanti County’s unincorporated areas. Zoning governs what uses are permitted.
  • Inside Cambridge: contact Planning & Zoning (763-552-3200) or see Planning & Zoning in the City Directory.
  • Isanti County: contact the Zoning Office (763-689-5165) and review the Isanti County Zoning Ordinance (PDF).

2. Register your rental (Cambridge only)

• Complete and submit the City’s Rental Registration Form (PDF) for each unit.
• Pay the $25 per‑unit registration fee.
• Appoint a rental manager.
• Post the city‑issued certificate in each rental unit.
• Renew every two years by December 31 of odd‑numbered years; late renewal after January 31 incurs double fees.

3. Meet Minnesota lodging laws

• Obtain any required state lodging license/permit and follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 and related rules for lodging establishments (including safety, sanitation, and operational requirements). Confirm current requirements with the appropriate state agency.

4. If in Isanti County (unincorporated)

• Apply for the county Short‑Term Rental permit/approval and comply with the county STR ordinance, which includes safety, operational, and reporting standards specific to short‑term rentals.

5. Ongoing compliance

• Maintain insurance appropriate for transient lodging.
• Keep accurate records of bookings, guests, and communications.
• Be responsive to inspections and enforcement.
• Track renewal deadlines (Cambridge: Dec 31 of odd years; County: per the county STR ordinance).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Inside Cambridge city limits:

• Cambridge Rental Registration Form (PDF)
• Rental Registration certificate (issued post-approval)
• Payment of $25 per unit
• Appointment of a rental manager
• State lodging license/permit, as required under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157
• Insurance and any other documents required by state lodging regulations

Outside Cambridge city limits (Isanti County):

• Isanti County Short‑Term Rental permit/approval under the county STR ordinance
• Documentation required by the county STR ordinance (e.g., proof of compliance with safety standards)
• State lodging license/permit, as required under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157

State of Minnesota (applies statewide):

• Minnesota lodging establishment license/permit, as required under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157
• Compliance with state health, safety, and building codes for lodging operations

Cambridge landlord-tenant best practices:

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Landlords and Tenants brochure (PDF)

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Cambridge (City)

• Chapter 99: Rental Housing Registration
  • Applies to all rental units in the city, including STRs.
  • Separate registration for each unit ($25/unit).
  • Owner must appoint a rental manager.
  • Registration expires December 31 of odd‑numbered years; renewals after January 31 pay double fees.
  • Certificate must be posted in each rental unit.
• Registration exemptions:
  • Property owner is related to the tenant (per Ordinance Chapter 99).
  • State‑registered/licensed facilities or public housing.
  • Owner occupies the residence and rents to two or fewer tenants with shared living space. Secondary kitchens or separate entrances require registration.
• Building and housing codes apply. For construction/alterations, consult Building Permits and the City’s Building regulations.

Isanti County (Unincorporated Areas)

• Isanti County Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (PDF)
  • Governs STRs in unincorporated parts of the county.
  • Includes specific eligibility, safety, and operational standards; review the full ordinance for detail.

State of Minnesota

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 (Lodging Establishments)
  • Establishes licensing and operational standards for lodging providers offering rooms to the public.
• State lodging tax and local taxes may apply depending on the transaction and location. Confirm with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and your local tax authority.

Contact Information and Authorities

Cambridge (City)

• City Main Phone: (763) 689-3211
• City Hall Address: 300 3rd Ave NE, Cambridge, MN 55008
• Rental Registration Inquiries: Amy Norling, anorling@ci.cambridge.mn.us, (763) 552-3257
• Planning & Zoning (Cambridge): (763) 552-3200
• City Directory: City Departments page
• Codes & Ordinances: City Code Book and Ordinances

Isanti County (Unincorporated Areas)

• Isanti County Government Center: 555 18th Avenue SW, Cambridge, MN 55008
• Zoning Office Phone: (763) 689-5165
• County Ordinances: Ordinances page (includes the STR ordinance PDF)

Links to Source Pages and Documents

• Cambridge Rental Registration page: www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/doing-business/rental-registration
• Cambridge Rental Registration Form (PDF): www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/home/showpublisheddocument/6289/638799821538730000
• Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 99: Rental Housing Registration (PDF): www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/home/showpublisheddocument/4689/638065377614870000
• City of Cambridge Codes & Ordinances (Table of Contents): www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/your-government/codes-ordinances
• Isanti County Ordinances (Table of Contents): www.co.isanti.mn.us/405/Ordinances
• Isanti County Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF): www.co.isanti.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/2842/Short-Term-Rental-PDF
• Isanti County Zoning Office (phone): 763-689-5165 (Contact via county Ordinances page)
• Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants (PDF): www.ag.state.mn.us/Brochures/pubLandlordTenants.pdf

Note: This guide reflects Cambridge, Minnesota (Isanti County) rules and Minnesota state law. It is not related to Cambridge, Massachusetts rules.