West Fargo considering licenses for short term rental properties like AirBnB

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — West Fargo is considering rules for property owners on how operate short term rentals, like an AirBnB.

The ordinance would require short term rental properties be the primary residence of the property owner, meaning they would have to live there for at least 6 months and 1 day each year.

Owners would also need a $150 license each year to continue renting out their property.

Groups with five unrelated individuals would be barred from short term renting.

Proponents say a licensing system would make it easier for the city to collect lodging taxes.

“The city does have a lodging tax which the city administers, and so lodging tax is taken directly to the city. One of the benefits of having a licensing structure is it does allow opportunity for the city to identify short term rentals and then to ensure that lodging tax is being collected,” said West Fargo Planning Director Aaron Nelson.

If passed as currently written, businesses and LLCs would be barred from operating short-term rental properties.