Dickinson, North Dakota Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Dickinson, North Dakota. The city does not ban short-term rentals or impose a separate short-term rental license requirement. However, hosts must comply with state tax obligations, local zoning codes, and general business regulations. Dickinson has experienced growth in its short-term rental market due to energy sector activities and tourism to the Badlands, making it an attractive market for STR investors.

The regulatory environment is relatively permissive compared to larger cities, with the primary focus on tax compliance and adherence to residential zoning standards rather than restrictive licensing requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Dickinson?

Dickinson hosts earn a median $32,471/year with $179 ADR and 64% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $37,846+ per year.

See the full Dickinson market breakdown

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

Initial Steps for New STR Operators

Property Assessment and Zoning Verification
- Confirm your property is in a residential zone that allows short-term rentals
- Review homeowner association (HOA) covenants if applicable, as they may impose additional restrictions
- Assess property suitability for hosting (parking, noise considerations, safety features)
Business Registration and Tax Setup
- Register with the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner for sales tax purposes
- Obtain necessary tax identification numbers
- Consider registering a business entity (LLC, etc.) through the North Dakota Secretary of State if operating at scale
Platform Setup and Compliance
- List on major platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) which may handle some tax collection automatically
- Ensure proper insurance coverage (commercial general liability recommended)
- Develop house rules aligned with local regulations

Operational Considerations

Property Management: Local management fees range from 10-30% of rental revenue
Market Positioning: Target both leisure travelers and temporary workers in the energy sector
Seasonal Planning: Account for peak demand periods related to local events and outdoor recreation

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements

Tax Registration:

North Dakota sales tax permit (5% state rate)
Local sales tax registration (varies by jurisdiction, typically 1-2%)
Registration with North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner

Business Operations:

Sales tax permit for lodging transactions
Record-keeping systems for tax reporting (typically monthly or quarterly filings)
Federal tax registration for income reporting

Local-Level Requirements

Dickinson-Specific Considerations:

No dedicated short-term rental license required at city level
Compliance with residential zoning codes
Adherence to noise ordinances and parking restrictions
Potential need for general business registration depending on scale

Property Standards:

Safety compliance with local building codes
Fire safety equipment as required by local ordinances
Adequate parking arrangements for guests

Documentation Checklist

Sales tax permit and registration
Property insurance (liability coverage recommended)
House rules and policies
Emergency contact information and procedures
Local vendor contacts (cleaning, maintenance)
Tax record-keeping systems

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State Regulations (North Dakota)

Definition and Tax Obligations:

Short-term rental defined as lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days
5% state sales tax on rental transactions
Additional local sales taxes (typically 1-2%)
Hosts responsible for collection and remittance unless platform handles automatically

Business Registration:

Registration required with North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner
Professional operations may require Secretary of State business registration
Ongoing compliance with tax filing requirements

Dickinson Local Regulations

Zoning and Land Use:

Properties must comply with residential zoning requirements
No specific STR zoning restrictions identified
Standard residential use regulations apply

Operational Standards:

Noise ordinance compliance required (quiet hours enforcement)
Parking regulations must be observed
No specific occupancy limits identified for residential STRs

Community Considerations:

HOA regulations may impose additional restrictions
Neighbor relations important for long-term operations
Local enforcement focuses on noise and parking complaints

Stark County Context

As Dickinson is located in Stark County, hosts should be aware of:

County-level zoning regulations if applicable
Regional tourism impacts on demand patterns
Coordination with county services for larger properties

Contact Information for Local Authority

North Dakota State Tax Commissioner

Primary Contact:

Phone: (701) 328-1248
Website: www.nd.gov/tax
Address: 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505-0595

Sales Tax Division:

Phone: (701) 328-1242
Email: [email protected]
Registration and permit questions

Dickinson City Hall

Primary Contact:

Phone: (701) 456-7700
Website: www.dickinsongov.com
Address: 99 2nd Street East, Dickinson, ND 58601

Planning and Zoning Department:

Phone: (701) 456-7740
For zoning compliance and permit questions
Business license inquiries

Stark County Government

County Administration:

Phone: (701) 456-7600
Website: www.starkcountynd.com
Address: 51 3rd Street East, Dickinson, ND 58601

Zoning and Planning:

Phone: (701) 456-7635
For county-level zoning questions

Additional Resources

North Dakota Secretary of State Business Services: (701) 328-2900
Dickinson Convention and Visitors Bureau: (701) 225-8499

Source Links

North Dakota Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview: www.redawning.com/pm/post/north-dakota-short-term-rental-laws
Dickinson Market-Specific STR Information: www.redawning.com/pm/market-overview/dickinson-north-dakota
North Dakota STR Laws and Compliance Guide: www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-north-dakota

Important Note: Regulations can change rapidly. Investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions. The relatively permissive regulatory environment in Dickinson presents opportunities, but compliance with tax obligations and community standards remains essential for long-term success.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Dickinson

Dickinson is a growing city in Stark County in western North Dakota, with a population of approximately 25,000 residents. Long a regional center for the surrounding ranching and agricultural country, it has expanded significantly in recent decades alongside energy development in the Bakken formation, giving it a youthful, working-class feel mixed with the slower pace of the northern Plains. It is best known as a gateway to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit, and it sits roughly 100 miles west of Bismarck, the state capital and nearest major city.

The biggest draw in the area is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whose South Unit entrance lies near the small tourist town of Medora about 35 miles south of Dickinson, an easy drive of around 45 minutes. The park protects a striking swath of the Northern Badlands, with eroded buttes, layered hills, and open prairie inhabited by free-roaming bison, pronghorn, mule deer, and wild horses. Scenic drives such as the roughly 36-mile loop through the South Unit and a network of hiking trails ranging from short nature walks to multi-day backcountry routes make it a year-round draw for visitors.

Medora itself is a well-known stop just outside the park entrance. This tiny town of only a few hundred residents is built around a western and frontier theme and is the summer home of the Medora Musical, a long-running outdoor show staged in an amphitheater set against the surrounding bluffs. Visitors also find shops, restaurants, and the historic Rough Riders Hotel clustered within walking distance of the park's visitor center, making it a comfortable base for a day or two of sightseeing.

Closer to town, Patterson Lake is a popular local recreation spot roughly 10 miles southwest of Dickinson, offering boating, fishing, swimming, and camping in a quieter prairie setting. The reservoir serves as a frequent weekend destination for residents and provides a relaxed alternative for travelers who want a short outing without the longer drive to the national park.

In Dickinson itself, the Dakota Prairie Museum and the Ukrainian Cultural Institute reflect the region's heritage, from pioneer ranching life along the Heart River to the waves of Ukrainian immigrants who settled the area in the early 20th century and left a lasting imprint on local churches, food, and community events.

Dickinson works well as a base for short-term rentals because it pairs small-city conveniences such as restaurants and chain retail with quick access to one of the most distinctive landscapes in the northern Plains. Travelers can settle into a comfortable rental, spend a day or two exploring the badlands and Medora, and still be back in town for dinner, making the city a practical and appealing hub for vacationers exploring western North Dakota.