🎯STRisker: Bulletin - Otter Tail County, MN
New Noise and Occupancy Rules Aim to Strike Balance in Otter Tail County
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New Noise and Occupancy Rules Aim to Strike Balance in Otter Tail County
In Otter Tail County, the lakeside paradise of Minnesota, a growing number of short-term rentals have caused a stir among residents. For years, vacation homeowners have been dealing with disruptive noise and unruly guests, especially in the county’s prime vacation areas like Lake Jewett. After receiving numerous complaints about late-night parties, loud hot tubs, and fireworks, the county’s Board of Commissioners has decided to take action.
The new ordinance, set to take effect on July 1, aims to regulate noise and occupancy at short-term rentals. It imposes quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., restricts the use of RVs or tents to expand guest numbers, and limits the number of guests based on the property’s septic system capacity. Many local homeowners have expressed support for the ordinance, seeing it as a necessary step to protect the peace of the community.
However, vacation rental owners like Chris Buttke, who once operated a property on Lake Jewett, argue that the regulations go too far.
“It just seems like more ammunition for neighbors who don’t want rentals at all,” Buttke commented.
While only a handful of properties were problematic, officials like Chris LeClair, land and resource manager stress the importance of balancing the needs of renters and residents to ensure everyone can coexist peacefully.
Despite some pushback, the ordinance includes penalties for noncompliance, including the potential suspension of licenses. Some homeowners worry that the language of the rules is too broad, with penalties potentially applied for renters’ behavior outside the owners' control. Still, the intention is clear: to safeguard the county’s lakes and neighborhoods.
The ordinance closely mirrors one adopted in Crow Wing County where short-term rental regulations were successfully tightened in 2020. For now, Otter Tail’s new rules will be tested over the summer, giving commissioners a chance to tweak them based on real-world feedback.
Vacation Home Rental Complaint Hotline
Otter Tail County has a thriving expansion of vacation homes for rent, and licensed vacation rental home owners are committed to being good neighbors.
To report noise, parking, trash, or other problems with a vacation rental, or to report and unlicensed rental home in your neighborhood please call the Complaint Hotline. Phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Complaint Hotline: 800-723-8394