Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Cloquet, MN?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Cloquet, MN, but they are subject to specific regulations at both the city and county levels. In Cloquet (within city limits), short-term rentals are treated similarly to bed and breakfast operations and require a conditional use permit. In Carlton County's unincorporated areas, vacation rentals require a county vacation rental permit. The city also mandates annual registration of all rental housing properties.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cloquet, MN

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

• Within Cloquet city limits: Contact the City Community Development Department
• In Carlton County unincorporated areas: Contact Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services

Step 2: For City Properties (Cloquet)

1. Apply for a conditional use permit (treated like a bed and breakfast)
2. Complete annual rental housing registration
3. Ensure compliance with city rental housing regulations (Section 10.7 of City Code)

Step 3: For County Properties

1. Apply for a Carlton County Vacation Rental Permit
2. Ensure compliance with County Zoning Ordinance #27

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

City of Cloquet Requirements

Conditional Use Permit (for STRs within city limits)

• Fee: $400 filing fee
• Process:
  • Online application available
  • Legal notice published in local newspaper
  • Neighbors within 350 feet notified
  • Public hearing held
  • Final approval by Cloquet City Council

Annual Rental Housing Registration

• Requirement: All rental properties (single-family, duplex, multi-family)
• Purpose: Ensures city has current owner/property manager contact information
• Contact: Email completed registration to jkelley@cloquetmn.gov

Carlton County Requirements

Vacation Rental Permit

• Fee: $150.00
• Validity: Expires upon property sale/transfer or after three years
• Required Attachments:
  • Payment (check payable to Carlton County Treasurer)
  • Completed application with original signatures
  • Minnesota Department of Health license verification or written statement explaining why not required
  • Certificate of Compliance for septic system (if applicable)
  • Current water test results (within 30 days) for nitrate and coliform bacteria
  • Site plan drawing with specific requirements
  • Licensed garbage hauler information

Minnesota Department of Health Requirements

• Annual license required for vacation rental operation
• Contact for licensing requirements and compliance

Specific Regulations

Cloquet City Requirements (Section 10.7 of City Code)

• Annual registration mandatory for all rental properties
• Must maintain minimum standards as outlined in city rental housing regulations
• Properties must meet life safety and building code requirements

Carlton County Vacation Rental Standards

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum overnight guests: Three persons per bedroom plus two additional guests
• Alternative limit: No more than one person per 75 gallons of water per day septic system capacity
• Total occupancy: Maximum number of guests (overnight + non-overnight) cannot exceed twice the approved overnight occupancy

Operational Requirements

• Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Local contact: Must be available 24/7, respond by phone within 60 minutes, in-person within 120 minutes
• Property information handbook: Must include owner/caretaker contact, quiet hours, occupancy limits, pet policy, garbage/recycling plan, property rules
• Parking: Minimum one space per bedroom plus one space for operator, no parking within 50 feet of adjacent dwellings (unless screened)
• Property boundary marking: Must clearly identify boundaries for guests

Prohibited Activities

• Commercial receptions, parties, etc.
• Additional occupancy via RVs, tents, accessory structures, fish houses
• Launching guests' motorized watercraft (watercraft must be moored at dock)
• Nuisance barking by unattended pets

Advertisement Requirements

• All advertisements must match permit application and Carlton County Zoning Ordinance #27 requirements
• Must include quiet hours and other specified regulations

Waste Management

• All garbage stored per Carlton County Solid Waste Ordinance #17
• Must use Carlton County licensed garbage hauler or self-haul to transfer station
• Service must include recycling for at least three commodities
• Septic systems: If pressurized water present, must connect to compliant septic system

Contact Information

City of Cloquet

Community Development Department

• Phone: (218) 879-2507
• Website: www.cloquetmn.gov/our-city/permits-licenses
• Address: 101 - 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720-1657
• Main Phone: (218) 879-3347
• Rental Registration Email: jkelley@cloquetmn.gov

Carlton County

Zoning and Environmental Services

• Phone: (218) 384-9176
• Administrator: Heather Cunningham - (218) 384-9174
• Address: 301 Walnut Avenue, Room 103, P.O. Box 220, Carlton, MN 55718-0220
• Website: www.carltoncountymn.gov

Minnesota Department of Health

• Phone: (218) 302-6166
• Contact: For vacation rental licensing requirements

Additional Resources and Compliance Notes

Zoning Authority Clarification

Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services has authority over:

• All unincorporated areas of Carlton County
• All shoreland areas (within 1,000 feet of classified lakes or 300 feet of classified rivers/streams)
• Specific cities including Cromwell, Carlton, and Thomson Township

Exception: Cities like Cloquet have their own zoning authority, but county retains shoreland jurisdiction.

Sewage and Water Requirements

• Septic Compliance: Required for properties within 1,000 feet of classified lakes or 300 feet of rivers/streams
• Water Testing: Current nitrate and coliform bacteria tests required for vacation rental permits
• E-911 Address: Required for all primary structures

Property Transfer and Permits

• Vacation Rental Permits expire upon property sale or transfer
• Annual renewal required every three years
• Existing vacation rentals had six months from March 1, 2022, to apply for permits

Regulatory Changes

• Carlton County modified Ordinance No. 27 for Vacation Rentals, effective March 1, 2022
• Changes eliminated need for Conditional Use Permits in certain situations
• County began accepting applications under new rules starting March 1, 2022

Source Links

1. Carlton County Vacation Rental Application: www.carltoncountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3783/Vacation-Rental-Application-PDF
2. Cloquet Rental Housing Registration: www.cloquetmn.gov/i-want-to/rental-registration-form
3. Pine Journal Article on Carlton County Airbnbs: www.pinejournal.com/news/carlton-county-homeowners-offer-airbnb-rentals
4. LSAR Information Center - Regulatory Resources: www.lsarealtors.com/main/information-center/
5. Cloquet City Website - Permits & Licenses: www.cloquetmn.gov/our-city/permits-licenses

Note: Regulations may be subject to change. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any short-term rental investment or operation.