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.
-
Maria Hileman/KAXEKAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Corey Medina & Brothers, The Imports, Sam Miltich & Friends, and Charley Wagner with Mama Wags. -
Jennifer Barr/KAXE"Bright Spot" is a segment on the KAXE Morning Show that highlights the good happening in Northern Minnesota. Host Jennifer Barr looks back at some favorites from 2025. -
KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEIt was a packed house for Misty Jarvi, Rhys Britt and their two daughters' home dedication one week before Christmas 2025. -
contributed/LPcorp.comBrian Gulseth and Jerry Asmus from LP discuss SmartSide products, made from local aspen. The "Forest products" series is produced by Mark Jacobs. -
Events Up North Dec. 23-Jan. 5: Kids' New Year's celebration in Brainerd, storytelling near PalisadeEvents over the next two weeks include two activities at Lake Bemidji State Park, a hockey tournament in Baxter and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.
