Overview

Short-term rentals are allowed in Glenwood, MN, but the regulatory framework varies significantly between the incorporated City of Glenwood and Glenwood Township (unincorporated areas). In the City of Glenwood, specific STR regulations were not found in the available city ordinances. However, in Glenwood Township, vacation rentals are explicitly allowed and regulated through Pope County's comprehensive zoning framework.

Whether Short-Term Rentals Are Allowed

City of Glenwood (Incorporated Areas)

• No specific short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided city documentation
• Standard zoning and building permit requirements apply to rental properties
• Additional regulations may exist in other city ordinances not included in the provided content

Glenwood Township (Unincorporated Areas)

Vacation rentals are explicitly permitted and regulated under the following provisions:

Article IV, Section 4.2(G): "One vacation rental unit per parcel which meets the standards set forth in Section 10.30.3.2.a. of the County Ordinance"

Article IV, Section 4.3(K): "Vacation rental properties, subject to the standards set forth in Section 10.30 of the County Ordinance"

This indicates that vacation rentals are allowed in the Residential District (R) as either:

• Permitted uses (when meeting specific standards)
• Conditional uses (subject to permit requirements)

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

For Properties in City of Glenwood:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm that short-term rentals are permitted in your property's zoning district
2. Obtain Building Permits: If making structural changes, submit appropriate building permit applications
3. Check City Ordinances: Review all city ordinances to identify any applicable STR-specific regulations
4. Contact City Hall: Verify compliance with city requirements by contacting the City Clerk

For Properties in Glenwood Township:

1. Determine Zoning District: Identify whether your property falls within Residential (R), Agriculture (A-1), Agriculture Protection (A-2), Industrial (I), or Special Commercial (SC) districts
2. Review Vacation Rental Standards: Consult Pope County Ordinance Section 10.30 for specific vacation rental requirements
3. Apply for Appropriate Permits:
   • Permitted Use: If property qualifies under Section 4.2(G) with one vacation rental unit per parcel
   • Conditional Use Permit: If property requires approval under Section 4.3(K)
4. Meet County Requirements: Ensure compliance with all Pope County regulations referenced in the zoning ordinance

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Glenwood:

Building Permits (if applicable):

• Commercial Building Permit Application
• New Dwelling Permit Application
• Residential Remodel/Deck Permit Application

Miscellaneous Permits:

• Event Permit Application

Glenwood Township:

Zoning Applications:

• Planning Request Application
• Conditional Use Permit (for vacation rental properties requiring CUP)
• Substantially Similar Use Determination (if property use is not explicitly listed)

Required Documentation:

• Property ownership verification
• Compliance with Pope County Ordinance Section 10.30 (vacation rental standards)
• Meeting standards for Section 10.30.3.2.a (for permitted use applications)
• Site plan showing proposed rental use
• Any required variance applications if property doesn't meet dimensional requirements

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City-Level (City of Glenwood)

• General Building Codes: Must comply with Minnesota State Building Code
• Zoning Compliance: Property must be used in accordance with zoning district requirements
• Ordinance Compliance: Subject to all applicable city ordinances
• Permit Requirements: Building permits required for structural modifications

Township-Level (Glenwood Township)

Residential District (R) Vacation Rental Regulations:

Permitted Use Requirements (Section 4.2(G)):

• Maximum one vacation rental unit per parcel
• Must meet all standards in Pope County Ordinance Section 10.30.3.2.a
• Single-family dwelling (one per lot)
• Two-family dwelling (one per lot)

Conditional Use Requirements (Section 4.3(K)):

• Subject to standards in Pope County Ordinance Section 10.30
• Requires conditional use permit approval
• Planning Commission review and Town Board approval required

Dimensional Requirements:

• Minimum Lot Area: 40,000 sq ft (single), 80,000 sq ft (duplex), 120,000 sq ft (triplex), 160,000 sq ft (quad)
• Side Yard Setback: 10 feet
• Structure Height Limit: 35 feet (except churches and non-residential agricultural structures)

County-Level (Pope County)

Referenced Regulations:

• Pope County Ordinance Section 10.30 (Vacation Home Rental standards)
• Performance standards adopted by reference including:
  • Section 10.1 (Adult Oriented Uses)
  • Section 10.3 (Agricultural Use Standards)
  • Section 10.9 (Home Occupations)
  • Section 10.30 (Vacation Home Rental)

State-Level (Minnesota)

• Building Codes: Must comply with Minnesota State Building Code
• Health Regulations: Subject to Minnesota Department of Health requirements
• Tax Requirements: Minnesota Department of Revenue regulations for rental income
• Zoning Authority: Minnesota Statutes sections 462.351 to 462.364 govern local zoning authority

Contact Information

City of Glenwood (Incorporated Areas)

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 320-634-5433
• Email: cog@ci.glenwood.mn.us
• Address: 100 17th Avenue NW, Glenwood, MN 56334
• Office Hours: Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For Permits and Zoning Inquiries:

• Contact City Hall during business hours
• Visit the Forms/Permits/Ordinances page

Glenwood Township (Unincorporated Areas)

Township Contact Information:

• Phone: Contact through City Hall (320-634-5433) for township referrals
• Address: Same as City Hall (Township business may be conducted through City facilities)

Zoning Administration:

• Zoning Administrator: Appointed by Town Board (contact through City Hall for referral)
• Planning Commission: Reviews conditional use permits
• Town Board: Final approval authority for zoning decisions

Pope County (For County Regulations)

County Contact Information:

• Phone: Contact Pope County for specific ordinance questions
• Address: Contact Pope County Administration for zoning enforcement

Links to Source Pages

Primary Source Documents:

• City of Glenwood Forms/Permits/Ordinances
• Glenwood Code - Comprehensive city ordinances
• Glenwood Township Zoning Ordinance - Full zoning regulations for unincorporated areas

Specific Permit Applications:

• Commercial Building Permit Application
• New Dwelling Permit Application
• Residential Remodel/Deck Permit Application
• Planning Request Application
• Event Permit Application

Investment Considerations

Key Points for STR Investors:

1. Zoning Verification is Critical: Always confirm whether your property is within City limits or Glenwood Township before proceeding
2. Permit Requirements Vary: City properties may require different permits than Township properties
3. County Regulations Apply: Township properties must comply with Pope County vacation rental standards
4. Conditional Use Process: Some properties in Glenwood Township may require conditional use permits, adding time to the approval process
5. One Unit Limit: Glenwood Township has a maximum of one vacation rental unit per parcel in residential districts

Recommended First Steps:

1. Verify property jurisdiction (City vs. Township)
2. Review applicable zoning requirements
3. Contact appropriate local authority for specific guidance
4. Consult with local zoning professionals familiar with Glenwood area regulations

The regulatory framework is relatively straightforward for both jurisdictions, with the primary distinction being that Glenwood Township has explicitly adopted vacation rental regulations while the City of Glenwood may require case-by-case verification of requirements.