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Pelican Rapids reviews first draft of short-term rental ordinance; council to revisit in January
Summary
Council members reviewed a first-draft short-term rental ordinance that would cap initial licenses at eight, require a local property manager within 50 miles, mandate two off-street parking spaces and impose a 12-guest occupancy cap; staff plan to return with a revised draft in January.
Pelican Rapids city staff presented the first reading of a proposed short-term rental ordinance on Dec. 9, 2025, and councilors provided early feedback ahead of a planned return in January.
City Administrator Lance summarized the ordinance draft and highlighted key provisions: a required local property manager who resides within 50 miles, at least two off-street parking spaces per rental, a maximum occupancy of 12 registered guests, licensing initially capped at eight units, annual license renewals, and inspections every three years. "Local property manager has to reside within 50 miles of the city," Lance said, and the draft limits initial licenses to eight while allowing future adjustments.
Council members and staff discussed enforcement details. The city’s public-safety official and ordinance committee members participated in drafting; Lance said bed-and-breakfast operations would fall under the ordinance’s scope unless a special-use permit applies in commercial zones. Chief (Police Chief) confirmed enforcement concerns around parking and occupancy would be considered in the ordinance language.
Staff reported there are currently five short-term rentals in town. Lance said the ordinance will come back for further consideration at the council's January meeting, and staff requested feedback from council members in the interim.
