🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Wayzata, MN
Wayzata Council Approves to Shut Down Airbnb and Vrbo Listings by 2026
Wayzata Pulls the Plug on Short-Term Rentals
Big changes are coming to Wayzata’s hospitality scene. On September 9, the City Council voted to amend city code and prohibit short-term rentals (STRs) starting in the spring of 2026, effectively shutting the door on Airbnb and Vrbo listings within city limits. The move marks a significant shift for the lakeside community, which has seen rising concerns about housing availability and neighborhood disruption tied to STRs.
The new ordinance means that by next spring, homeowners and investors alike will be barred from renting residential properties for fewer than 30 days. City officials framed the measure as necessary to preserve the character of Wayzata’s neighborhoods, protect long-term housing stock, and address mounting complaints from residents.
Though the September 9 vote was decisive, it followed months of conversations about balancing visitor demand with community priorities. Many residents argued that STRs drove up housing costs and made it harder for local workers to find affordable places to live. Others cited quality-of-life issues such as noise, parking, and an erosion of neighborhood trust.
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Wayzata’s approach reflects a trend seen in other Minnesota cities as they wrestle with the rapid growth of online rental platforms. By opting for a full prohibition rather than a cap or permit system, the council sent a clear signal: preserving residential housing outweighs the benefits of short-term tourist stays.
While the ordinance will reduce lodging options for out-of-towners, Wayzata leaders emphasize that the city still welcomes visitors — just not via short-term home rentals. Travelers will need to rely on hotels, traditional inns, or longer-term leases instead.
Enforcement will likely focus on monitoring online platforms and investigating resident complaints. Although the council did not release detailed enforcement protocols during the vote, city staff will develop guidelines before the prohibition takes effect.
This decision underscores the growing tension between maintaining community character and embracing the sharing economy. With the ordinance now on the books, Wayzata positions itself as a test case for how small cities can prioritize housing and quality of life over the fast-growing STR market.
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