Majority of rental properties are located near a lake

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

In 2024 the county board of commissioners held public hearings related to regulations of vacation home rentals. An ordinance was developed and in recent months it became necessary to adopt a second ordinance.

Close to 90 percent of the 182 rental properties as of May 31, 2025, licensed as lodging establishments, are located near lakes throughout Otter Tail County. 

In the first few months after the first ordinance was established, on July 1, 2024, rental properties had few problems. But in succeeding months, neighbors close to some of those rental properties complained about noise, all-nights parties and other disturbances.

“We in county government needed another ordinance to regulate human behavior,” said County Land and Resource Director Chris LeClair to lake property owners Saturday, May 31, at Thumper Pond in Ottertail. His address was part of a lake stewardship symposium.

The county board approved the second phase of regulations on vacation home rentals. Quiet hours are between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The owner of the rental property or the owner’s agent is required to enforce this rule.

LeClair said the maximum occupancy allowed includes both overnight guests and daytime hours. For instance, if a maximum of nine people can stay overnight at the rental property no more than nine people may be allowed to visit at the property during daytime hours.

Patio areas, fire pits, recreation areas and lawn games must be located in a manner that minimizes noise disturbance to nearby neighbors. Septic system regulations also need to be followed.

“We in county government want to see vacation home rentals in Otter Tail County, if they are managed properly,” LeClair said. “This is good for economic development.” He added that all vacation home rental licenses are renewed on an annual basis are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 each year.

LeClair said it is the intent of the ordinance to establish and enforce standards for the licensing of vacation home rentals. “We need to strike a balance between protecting private property vacation rental home rights and preserving the residential integrity of neighborhoods.”

The vacation home owner or the owner’s authorized agent must respond to any issue or complaint raised within one hour after being notified of the issue or complaint. In most instances, neighbors will call the county sheriff’s office and deputies, in turn, will call the vacation home owner or the owner’s authorized agent.

Any violation of the vacation home rental ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable as defined by law. Multiple violations will lead to a notice of suspension of the vacation home rental license.