GRAND RAPIDS — The Itasca County Board will host a public hearing for its short-term rental ordinance at its meeting Wednesday, Aug. 14.
The Board hosted a hearing on the first draft of the ordinance in April and received pushback on a provision that would have exempted units rented for six days or less from county licensing.
The amended ordinance does not have the controversial exemption, which the board previously argued was in place to prevent overlap with Department of Health licensure. The current ordinance draft reduces licensing fees for applicants already licensed by the state from $450 to $100.
The new version also removes temporary licensure for units without compliant septic systems and no longer prohibits the use of RVs, tents, fish houses or similar structures. The amendments address additional complaints from the previous hearing.
If the Board adopts the new version of the ordinance, all existing short-term rental units will have to be licensed by Jan. 1, 2026. New units will need a license before beginning operation.
The full ordinance and application drafts can be found on the county's website.
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Megan Buffington/KAXEHarper is accused of resisting arrest by Deputy Michael Cowan on May 4, 2026 as deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant in Max, in rural northwestern Itasca County. -
Events this week include music and reptile programs at Arrowhead Libraries and breakfasts in Bemidji, Grand Rapids and north of Nashwauk. -
Maria Hileman/KAXEKAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Bruce Archer, Tiny Town, Rich Mattson & the Northstars, Foön, Bewilderness, and Chris Holm. -
Contributed/Minnesota Bureau of Criminal ApprehensionThe man was reported missing on June 1, 2026, six months after he was last seen by family and friends. He was last seen in Keewatin or Nashwauk. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of TransportationTraffic will be detoured starting Monday, June 8, 2026. The detour is expected to be in place through November. -
Contributed/Brainerd Public Schools via FacebookArea athletes to watch at the 2026 meet include Aitkin junior Ashley Asmus, Ely sophomore Violet Udovich and West Marshall seniors Emily Marquis and Markelle Pederson.
