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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Willmar, MN and Kandiyohi County. The city operates under a comprehensive rental housing regulatory framework that applies to all rental units, including short-term rentals. While Willmar does not have a separate short-term rental ordinance, properties operated as STRs must comply with the city's general rental housing licensing and maintenance requirements. Kandiyohi County indicates that STRs are legal and regulated by local zoning ordinances, with properties ranging from cabins in rural areas to homes near the numerous lakes that attract tourists.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Willmar

Starting an STR in Willmar requires following the city's rental housing licensing process while ensuring your property meets zoning requirements and safety standards. Here's the step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with licensing, confirm your property is zoned appropriately for STR use. Contact Kandiyohi County Planning & Zoning Department to verify zoning requirements, as STRs are subject to local zoning ordinances.

Step 2: Apply for Operating License

Under Willmar Municipal Code Section 12.01, no person shall operate a rental unit unless they hold a current, unrevoked operating license issued by the Appropriate Authority. This requirement applies to short-term rentals operating as "rental housing units."

Step 3: Property Inspection and Compliance

Your property must pass inspection to ensure it meets all applicable requirements of the Rental Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance, including:

• Basic equipment and facilities standards
• Light and ventilation requirements
• Thermal standards
• Safety and sanitation requirements
• Maximum density and space requirements

Step 4: License Issuance and Renewal

Once approved, your license must be displayed prominently within the rental unit. Licenses expire annually and must be renewed within 60 days prior to expiration.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Licensing Requirements

Operating License (Required)

• Application Form: Must be completed on forms provided by the Appropriate Authority
• License Fee: Payment required per schedule included in the systematic inspection plan
• Agent Designation: Required for non-resident property owners living outside Kandiyohi County
• Resident Agent: Required when resident applicant is absent from Willmar for 30+ days

Documentation Requirements

For Non-Resident Property Owners:

• Written designation of local agent for service of notice and process
• Agent must reside in Kandiyohi County

For Resident Property Owners:

• Written designation of agent when absent from Willmar for 30+ days
• Agent may be any person residing in Kandiyohi County or the Appropriate Authority

For License Transfer:

• Written notice to Appropriate Authority within 15 working days of transfer
• Include name and address of successor
• Failure to notify requires re-registration and appropriate fees

Required Standards Compliance

Your STR must comply with detailed standards covering:

Basic Equipment and Facilities (Section IV):

• Kitchen with sink, cabinets, cooking device, refrigeration
• Flush water closet and lavatory sink
• Bathtub or shower
• Two means of egress
• Functioning locking devices on exterior doors

Light and Ventilation (Section V):

• Window or skylight facing outdoors in habitable rooms
• Openable windows or adequate ventilation systems
• Electric service and outlets meeting minimum standards

Thermal Standards (Section VI):

• Heating equipment capable of maintaining 68°F
• Proper ventilation and safety standards for heating devices

Safety and Sanitation (Section VII):

• Structural soundness and weather-tight conditions
• Rat-proof and insect-proof construction
• Proper plumbing and electrical installation

Maximum Density (Section VIII):

• 150 square feet for first occupant + 100 square feet per additional occupant
• Minimum ceiling height requirements
• Adequate bathroom access without passing through bedrooms

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Willmar Requirements

Licensing and Operations:

• Annual operating license required for all rental units
• License must be displayed prominently in the rental unit
• Renewal required within 60 days of expiration
• Property inspection required before license issuance
• Transfer notification required within 15 working days

Occupancy Standards:

• Maximum occupancy based on square footage calculations
• Minimum ceiling height requirements
• Proper egress requirements for all sleeping areas
• No access to bathrooms through bedrooms

Safety and Health Standards:

• Lead-free paint requirements
• Smoke detector and fire safety equipment compliance
• Pest control and extermination responsibilities
• Proper sanitation and waste disposal requirements

Inspection Authority:

• Appropriate Authority authorized to inspect between 8 AM - 5 PM
• Response to complaints and systematic inspection programs
• Court orders available for access refusals
• Confidentiality requirements for inspection information

Kandiyohi County Zoning Context

County-Level Regulations:

• STRs are regulated by local zoning ordinances
• Properties include cabins in rural settings and lakeside homes
• Tourism-focused market with fishing, boating, and hiking appeal
• Planning & Zoning Department oversees compliance

Appeals and Enforcement

Two-Tiered Appeals Process:

Step 1 - Administrative Conference:

• Application within 14 days of notice/order
• Conference with Director of Planning and Development Services
• Summary and decision become part of public record

Step 2 - Community Development Committee:

• Application within 14 days of Step 1 decision
• Written notice 7 days prior to hearing
• Committee recommends action to City Council
• Extensions up to 12 months available with specific findings
• Variances possible with hardship demonstration

Housing Code Appeals Board Alternative:

• Board consists of 7 members including HRA Commissioner, building trades representative, realtor representative, private landlord, tenant, and health care representative
• Application within 21 days of notice/order
• Hearing within 10 days of application
• Majority vote can sustain, modify, or withdraw notices/orders

Enforcement Actions

License Suspension and Revocation:

• 21 days to request reconsideration before revocation
• Reinspection available after violations corrected
• Failure to correct violations leads to license suspension

Violation Penalties:

• Penalties established per systematic inspection plan
• Begins after reasonable consideration period expires
• Civil penalties for obstructing repairs or inspections

Contact Information

City of Willmar - Planning & Development Services

Appropriate Authority for Licensing and Enforcement

• Phone: (320) 235-8311 (City Hall main number)
• Address: City Hall, 333 6thth Street SW, Willmar, MN 56201
• Director: Director of Planning and Development Services

Kandiyohi County - Planning & Zoning

County-Level Zoning and STR Regulation

• Website: Kandiyohi County Planning & Zoning
• Address: Kandiyohi County Courthouse, 220 4th Street SW, Willmar, MN 56201

City Clerk's Office

For accessing full ordinance text

• Phone: (320) 235-8311
• Location: City Hall, 333 6thth Street SW, Willmar, MN 56201

Source Links

City of Willmar Official Documents:

• Willmar Rental Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance

Kandiyohi County Resources:

• Kandiyohi County Planning & Zoning
• County Zoning Ordinance
• Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Additional Resources:

• Lodge Compliance - Kandiyohi County STR Information

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Important Note for STR Investors: While this guide provides comprehensive information about Willmar's rental housing requirements, you should verify specific zoning compliance with Kandiyohi County Planning & Zoning before beginning operations. The absence of a specific short-term rental ordinance means your property will be regulated under the general rental housing framework, which requires ongoing compliance with all maintenance, safety, and operational standards outlined in the city's comprehensive ordinance.