Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ashley, ND?

Explicit Answer: Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Ashley, ND. However, based on the available municipal code, there are no city-specific short-term rental regulations or dedicated STR licensing requirements currently codified. The city operates under a general business framework where rental properties are treated as standard lodging operations subject to general municipal oversight rather than specialized STR ordinances.

This absence of specific STR regulations means that short-term rental operators in Ashley operate under the broader municipal framework outlined in the Ashley Municipal Code, with potential state-level regulations applying as well.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ashley, ND

Starting an STR in Ashley follows a straightforward process due to the lack of city-specific restrictions:

Step 1: Property Selection and Zoning Verification

• Verify that your property is located within Ashley's corporate limits
• Confirm zoning allows for rental lodging operations
• Ensure the property meets all building and safety requirements
• Consider proximity to downtown area for tourist appeal

Step 2: Business Registration

• Register your business with McIntosh County
• Obtain any necessary state business licenses
• Consider obtaining a North Dakota sales tax permit if applicable

Step 3: Municipal Compliance

• Contact the City Auditor's office to confirm no city-specific STR requirements exist
• Ensure compliance with general property maintenance ordinances
• Verify adherence to building codes and safety standards

Step 4: Operational Setup

• Establish utility accounts (water, sewer, electric, gas)
• Set up garbage collection service
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for rental operations
• Implement proper record-keeping systems for tax purposes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Based on the Ashley Municipal Code, the following general requirements apply:

Municipal Requirements:

No specific STR permit required under current city ordinances. However, operators should verify current requirements with city officials.

General Business Compliance:

• Property tax registration
• Utility service applications
• Compliance with Title 17 - Planning and Zoning requirements
• Adherence to Title 13 - Public Nuisances regulations
• Building safety compliance under Title 5, Chapter 13 (Building Inspector)

State-Level Requirements:

• North Dakota business license (if operating as formal business entity)
• Sales tax registration if applicable
• Workers' compensation insurance (if employees)
• Property insurance coverage

Local Health Requirements:

• Title 5, Chapter 14 outlines Health Officer duties
• Compliance with state health codes for lodging facilities
• Proper waste disposal and sanitation standards

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations:

Since no specific STR ordinances exist, general municipal codes apply:

Title 8 - Licenses and Permits:

• Chapter 1 provides general rules for licenses and permits
• Current ordinances cover beer/liquor licenses, solicitors, transient merchants, and peddlers
• STR operations would fall under "miscellaneous" category if specific licensing were required

Title 13 - Public Nuisances:

• Regulations against substandard structures (Chapter 2)
• Weed control requirements (Chapter 3)
• Noise control provisions (Chapter 5)
• Abandoned property regulations (Chapter 7)

Title 10 - Collection and Disposal of Refuse:

• Mandatory participation in city waste collection
• Proper container requirements (Chapter 5)
• Storage regulations (Chapter 6)

Title 12 - Water and Sewer:

• Connection requirements for all properties
• Utility service regulations
• Billing and payment procedures

County-Level Regulations:

McIntosh County may have additional requirements for:

• Property taxes and assessments
• Building permits and inspections
• Health department regulations

State-Level Regulations (North Dakota):

• State lodging facility regulations
• Fire safety codes
• Americans with Disabilities Act compliance
• Sales tax collection and remittance
• Workers' compensation requirements (if applicable)

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary City Contacts:

City Hall / Administration

• Address: Ashley, ND (specific address not provided in code)
• Regular Council Meetings: 7:30 PM, Second Monday of each month
• Location: City Hall Council Chamber

Key Officials:

City Auditor (Primary Administrative Contact)

• Duties: License and permit collection, utility billing, city records
• Phone: [Contact city hall for current number]
• Email: [Contact city hall for current email]
• Role: First point of contact for business licensing and utility setup

Mayor

• Legislative leadership and ordinance enforcement oversight
• Phone: [Contact city hall for current number]
• Email: [Contact city hall for current email]

City Attorney

• Legal guidance on business operations and compliance
• Phone: [Contact city hall for current number]
• Email: [Contact city hall for current email]

Building Inspector (Title 5, Chapter 13)

• Building code compliance and inspections
• Phone: [Contact city hall for current number]
• Email: [Contact city hall for current email]

Health Officer (Title 5, Chapter 14)

• Health and safety compliance for lodging facilities
• Phone: [Contact city hall for current number]
• Email: [Contact city hall for current email]

County Contacts:

McIntosh County

• Address: Ashley, ND
• Phone: [Contact for current county contact information]
• Website: [County website not specified in municipal code]

State Contacts:

North Dakota Secretary of State

• Business registration and licensing
• Website: www.nd.gov/sos
• Phone: 701-328-2900

North Dakota Department of Health

• Lodging facility regulations
• Website: www.health.nd.gov
• Phone: 701-328-2372

Important Notes for STR Investors

Regulatory Monitoring:

• Ashley's municipal code was last revised April 1, 2015
• STR regulations may be adopted in the future
• Monitor city council meetings (second Monday of each month) for potential ordinance changes

Best Practices:

• Maintain comprehensive liability insurance
• Establish professional property management
• Keep detailed records for tax purposes
• Ensure compliance with all applicable building codes
• Maintain properties to avoid public nuisance violations

Market Considerations:

• Ashley is a small rural community in McIntosh County
• Tourist activity likely seasonal
• Competition may be limited
• Consider local economic conditions and tourism trends

Source Pages

• Ashley Municipal Code (Revised Ordinances): www.ashley-nd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AshleyMunicipalCode.pdf
• City of Ashley Official Website: www.ashley-nd.com/

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the Ashley Municipal Code as of the last revision date of April 1, 2015. Municipal regulations can change, and investors should verify current requirements with city officials before making investment decisions. The absence of specific STR ordinances does not exempt properties from general building codes, health regulations, or future ordinance adoption.