Overview of STR Regulations

• Explicit Statement on Allowed Use: Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are implicitly allowed in Hutchinson, MN, provided they meet all applicable regulations for residential rental properties.
• Rationale: Hutchinson mandates the registration and annual inspection of all residential rental units. This includes apartments, boarding houses, and group homes. Since an STR is a form of residential rental, it falls under this broad requirement. An STR operator must comply with the city's Rental Unit Registration and Inspection Program, which ensures properties meet safety, health, fire, and zoning codes. There is no separate, specific ordinance for STRs mentioned in the provided sources, meaning they are treated as standard residential rentals.

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

1. Understand the Requirement: All residential rental properties in Hutchinson must be registered and annually inspected. Your STR is considered a residential rental property.
2. Obtain the Property: Ensure the property is located within the City of Hutchinson.
3. Designate a Local Manager: You must designate a Local Property Manager who is responsible for the property's management and compliance. This manager's contact information (name, address, phone, fax, email) must be submitted to the city.
4. Complete the Annual Registration:
   • Submit a registration application to the City. The application requires the property owner's information (name, address, phone, fax, email) and the designated Local Property Manager's information.
   • Pay any applicable registration fees (check the city's fee schedule or contact administration for current costs).
   • Note on Ownership Change: If you purchase an existing rental property, the new owner must submit their information and the new manager's information prior to taking possession. A new registration fee is not required during the year of ownership change.
5. Prepare for Inspection:
   • Familiarize yourself with the city's Residential Rental Unit Inspection Checklist.
   • Ensure the property meets all required safety, health, and welfare standards before the inspection. Be prepared to make any necessary corrections.
6. Pass the Inspection: The City Inspector will visit the property to verify compliance with all codes.
7. Receive and Display the Certificate: Upon successful inspection and registration, you will receive a rental unit registration certificate. This certificate must be posted in a conspicuous spot near the front entry to the STR unit (e.g., public corridor, hallway, or lobby). You must also retain a copy on file and produce it upon demand.
8. Maintain Compliance:
   • Ensure the property remains in compliance with all safety standards at all times.
   • Renew the registration annually.
   • Notify the city of any changes in owner or designated Local Property Manager information.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

The core requirement is Rental Unit Registration and Annual Inspection.

1. Rental Unit Registration Application: Submitted annually to the City. Requires owner and Local Property Manager contact information. (Obtain from the city administration).
2. Rental Unit Inspection Checklist: A document outlining all items the City Inspector will check. Compliance with this checklist is mandatory.
3. Designated Local Property Manager Information: As stated in the registration requirements, this must be provided to the city.
4. Copies of Registration Certificate: Must be posted on-site and retained on file.
5. Compliance with Safety Codes:
   • Smoke Alarms (2006 IPMC Section 704.2): Required on the ceiling or wall outside each sleeping area, in each sleeping room, and on each story within the dwelling unit.
   • Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Minnesota Statute 299F.51): Required to be installed and operational within 10 feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.
6. Inspection Notice: The City requires seven days' notice before entering a property for inspection. Ensure your Local Property Manager or designated contact is available to grant access.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals in Hutchinson, MN

There are no regulations specifically for "Short-Term Rentals" in the provided content. STRs are governed by the city's general residential rental property ordinances. Key regulations include:

1. Annual Registration & Inspection Mandate: All residential rental properties must be registered and inspected annually.
2. Designated Local Property Manager Requirement: Every rental property must have a designated local manager with contact information provided to the city.
3. Certificate Posting Requirement: The registration certificate must be visibly posted within the rental unit.
4. Inspection Compliance: Properties must meet all standards outlined in the city's inspection checklist at the time of inspection. Corrections must be made within the timeframe specified by the inspector.
5. Consequences of Non-Compliance:
   • Revocation: If corrections are not made within the specified timeframe, the rental property's registration may be revoked. If revoked during a lease period, the owner is responsible for providing interim housing for displaced tenants.
   • Misdemeanor Charges: Violations of the rental ordinance are a misdemeanor. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense, punishable by a fine not exceeding the maximum penalties for misdemeanor crimes, plus prosecution costs.

Note on Zoning: The provided content does not specify zoning restrictions for STRs. Owners should consult the Planning/Zoning department to ensure the property is zoned for a residential rental use.

Contact Information for Local Authority

The primary authority for rental unit registration and inspections is the City of Hutchinson Administration and Building/Inspections Department.

• General City Information:
  • Phone: (320) 587-5151
  • Fax: (320) 234-4240
  • Address: 111 Hassan St SE, Hutchinson, MN 55350
  • Website: https://hutchinsonmn.gov/contact/
• For Questions on Licenses, Permits, and Registration Process: Contact Melissa Starke at (320) 234-4202. She can provide the city ordinance governing rules and regulations.
• For Rental Inspection Scheduling and Checklist Information: Contact the Building Department. Their page is available at: https://hutchinsonmn.gov/departmentsfacilities/planningzoningbuilding/rental-inspection/
• For Zoning and Land Use Questions: Consult the Planning/Zoning/Building Department. Their page is available at: https://hutchinsonmn.gov/departmentsfacilities/planningzoningbuilding/

Links to Source Pages

• City of Hutchinson Rental Unit Registration F.A.Q. and Information (PDF): https://hutchinsonmn.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/City-of-Hutchinson-Rental-Registration-F.A.Q.-and-Information-2019.pdf
• City of Hutchinson Rental Unit Inspection Checklist (PDF): https://www.ci.hutchinson.mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/6.7.2019-City-of-Hutchinson-Rental-Unit-Inspection-checklist.pdf
• City of Hutchinson - City Licenses and Permits: https://hutchinsonmn.gov/departmentsfacilities/administration/city-licenses-and-permits/
• City of Hutchinson - Residential Rental Inspections: https://hutchinsonmn.gov/departmentsfacilities/planningzoningbuilding/rental-inspection/