Summary

Short-term rental rules adopted with safeguards

Lake ElmoMay 5, 20263 min read

At a glance

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Lake Elmo adopted updated short-term rental rules in a 3–1 vote, adding a 30-mile manager or ownership limit, insurance requirements, and annual inspections. A proposed restriction limiting rentals to specified zoning districts failed 1–3.

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TransportationPublic SafetyHousingUtilities

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What this means

Short-term rental operators will face new licensing standards, including proximity, insurance, and annual inspection requirements. The Council also approved rezoning and preliminary plans for 18 single-family homes on about 80 acres, agreements for Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue interchange improvements, and amendments to the open-burning ordinance.

Key decisions

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Adopted Ordinance 2026-06 updating short-term rental regulations and fee schedules; approved a 30-mile manager or ownership requirement, insurance requirements, and annual inspections.
Rejected a proposal to limit short-term rentals to the RT, A, RR, RS, RE, and commercial mixed-use business park zoning districts.
Approved rezoning, preliminary plat approval, and front-yard setback, landscaping, and sidewalk variances for Highpointe Crossing, a proposed rural development of 18 single-family homes on approximately 80 acres.
Approved cooperative agreements, a construction agreement, and a roadway jurisdiction change for Highway 36 and Lake Elmo Avenue interchange and south frontage road improvements.
Adopted amendments to the open-burning ordinance addressing safety and nuisance smoke.
Approved a request for proposals to hire a consultant for the Sports Complex and Central Park Master Plan.
Approved a scope of work to review the stormwater utility code.
Denied the stormwater appeal for 4180 Irving Circle North, approved the appeal for 11243 30th Street North, and denied the appeal for 11018 Upper 33rd Street North.
Approved a Polco community engagement subscription for resident surveys.

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