Short-Term Rental Regulations in West Michigan
Thinking about a short-term rental (STR) investment property in West Michigan? Below is a quick summary of STR policies in Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties to help you get started. Since regulations can change, be sure to verify with the local municipality for the most up-to-date information.
Jump to: Ottawa | Allegan | Muskegon
| Municipality | Definition & Zoning | Notes / Links | Tax / Fees | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa County | ||||
| Allendale Charter Township | No STR language; all rental property must register annually; inspections apply. | Allendale Rental Property page | $10 per unit | 616-892-3114 • kgarlanger@allendalemi.gov |
| Blendon Township | No STR language; check with Planning/Zoning if Special Land Use is necessary. | Special Land Use form | Planning/Zoning | $500 Special Land Use filing | (616) 875-7707 |
| Chester Township | Temporary STR moratorium until Sept 1, 2025. | Order | Planning & Zoning | — | Planning & Zoning: (989) 731-7420 |
| Coopersville (City) | No specific STR language; “tourist home” would require Special Use. Process for STR unclear. | Code of Ordinances | Zoning map | Special Use fee not listed | Planning: 616-997-2122 | Planning Dept |
| Crockery Township | STRs permitted only in Agricultural & Residential districts; permit required; inspection/parking/use regs apply. | Zoning Ordinances (Sec. 3.39) | $150 initial; $50 per inspection | — |
| Ferrysburg (City) | STRs must register annually. Rentals < 7 days prohibited. License may be revoked after 3 citations within 12 months. | Code (Sec. 150.26) | Zoning map | Application | $215 application; inspection required | Phone: (616) 842-5803 • info@ferrysburg.org |
| Georgetown Township | STRs in residential districts require Special Land Use; treated as B&B; 750-ft spacing from another B&B. | Ordinance (Sec. 20.1) | Application | Overview/FAQ | $600 (new bldg) / $400 (existing) | 616-457-2340 • Contact@georgetown-mi.gov |
| Grand Haven (City) | STRs allowed in specified districts; must be registered. Existing certified STRs transferable; new certifications allowed in limited areas. | Eligible Areas map | Requirements | Rules to display | Ordinance | Application | $525 initial per STR; ~$160–$165 subsequent (verify); inspection required | 616-842-3210 | City website |
| Grand Haven Township | STR = < 28 days; only in Overlay Zone. Limited STR (< 14 days): PRE allowed 1–2× annually. | Rental Regs 605 | IPMC 607 | ZTA 606 | STR Overlay Map | Township STR page | $500 STR license per unit (plus inspection fees) | Phone: (616) 604-6344 |
| Holland (City) | Owner-occupied: one room or entire home while owner away (any zone). Non-owner-occupied: allowed in NMU/CMU/RMU/GMU/I/PUD/F; limited in LDR/CNR/MDR/TNR with spacing cap (25 total). Tulip Time carve-out ≤10 days w/o inspection/cert. | STR guide | Worksheet | Registration form | — | Phone: 616-355-1330 | Planning website |
| Holland Charter Township | STRs not permitted. ≤14-day stays may apply as B&B. | Permit Application | Guide for Tenants & Landlords | $350 hearing fee (B&B) | Phone: (616) 395-0196 |
| Hudsonville (City) | No specific STR ordinance (language for upper-floor STRs in commercial/mixed-use). Rentals must register; occupancy certificate valid 2 years. | Application | Inspection checklist | Planning & Zoning | Code of Ordinances | $80 application | Phone: 616-669-0200 ext. 1414 |
| Jamestown Township | No STR language; B&Bs allowed in C-1 commercial. | Ordinance | Zoning info | Unclear | Phone: 616-896-8376 |
| Olive Township | No STR language; check if Special Land Use is necessary. | Township ordinance | Zoning Department | Unclear | Planning & Zoning: 616-888-6156 |
| Park Township | STR (< 28 days) allowed only in C-2 Resort zone. Existing non-conforming (pre-2/7/1974) may apply. Residential enforcement pending court decision. | STR Information | Code Enforcement: (616) 928-9706 | CodeEnforcement@parktownship.org | — | — |
| Polkton Township | STRs prohibited in AG-1, R-1, R-2, R-5, R-6 districts. | Zoning ordinance (Sec. 4.28) | Zoning Board of Appeals | — | Phone: (616) 837-6876 |
| Port Sheldon Township | STRs allowed with occupancy limits; local agent must be on-site within 30 minutes when contacted; inspections on request; registration may be revoked after 2 violations. | STR Webpage | STR@portsheldontwp.org | $350 initial; $150 annual | Office: (616) 399-6121 |
| Robinson Township | STR regulations under consideration (planning commission language approved; hearing scheduled). Draft approach includes inspection mandate and max two check-ins per week. | Current ordinances | Planning Commission recommendation | Planning & Zoning | — | Building & Planning: 616-667-8803 |
| Spring Lake Township | By district: R-1/R-2 no STR (≥28 days only); R-3/R-4 & Agricultural/Rural: STR allowed. Overlay required; registration required. | Overlay Map | Ordinance 301 | STR Ordinance | Zoning Text Amendment | STR Registration Form | Registration valid 3 years; $100 fee | Township office: 616-842-1340 • Spring Lake STR info |
| Tallmadge Charter Township | No STR language; Special Land Use may apply (B&B regs in Sec. 4.46). | Zoning ordinance | Application | $200 Special Land Use application | Phone: (616) 846-2210 • Building/Planning/Zoning |
| Wright Township | No STR language; see B&B (Sec. 1909); application tiers by residency. | Zoning ordinance | List of Committees | $100 resident • $300 non-resident (appears) | Phone: 616-677-3048 |
| Zeeland (City) | STRs permitted by Special Land Use in C-2 and WMU; annual, non-transferable license. 2024 ordinance passed. | Zoning language | Application | Planning Commission | $350 Special Land Use application | Phone: 616-772-0872 |
| Zeeland Township | No STR language; B&B must be principal residence; no other B&B within 660 ft. | Zoning (Sec. 16E) | Special Land Use form | $750 Special Land Use fee | Phone: 616-772-6701 • Building & Zoning Dept. |
| Allegan County | ||||
| Allegan (City) | Rental registrations required; inspection required. No explicit STR ordinance indicated in summary. | Ordinance | Zoning Map | Fee not listed | (269) 673-5511 |
| Allegan Township | No STR language in code. Check with Planning/Zoning if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Ordinances | Special use possibly required | (269) 673-5051 |
| Casco Township | STRs allowed; must register. Rentals < 3 nights not allowed; one turnover per week; revocation for repeated violations. | Rental Info | Ordinance | Registration | $325 registration | 269-637-4441 |
| Cheshire Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Ordinances | Special Use Permit Application | $750 Special Land Use | Admin: 269-521-4563 |
| Clyde Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Ordinances | Special Use Permit Code | — | 1-800-626-5964 |
| Douglas (City) | STRs allowed in all zoning districts with approval; inspection required. License non-transferable; revocation for multiple violations. | Ordinance (Sec. 16:33) | Zoning Map | Registration Form | $375 registration | 269-857-1438 |
| Dorr Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Future Use Zoning Map | $450 Special Use application | 616-681-9874 |
| Fennville (City) | STRs allowed; must register. STRs only in R-1, R-2, B-1, CBD; caps in R-1 (5%) and R-2 (10%). Inspection every 3 years. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Rental Registration | $25 registration; $75 inspection (SF) | 269-673-3239 |
| Fillmore Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinance | No special use / rental registration forms online | (269) 751-7655 |
| Ganges Township | No apparent STR regulations; planning comment indicated no current intent to regulate. | Zoning Map | Ordinances | — | 269-543-8316 |
| Gun Plain Charter Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | — | 269-685-9471 |
| Heath Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | No special land use form online | (616) 877-2000 |
| Hopkins Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | No special land use form online | 269-793-3188 |
| Laketown Township | 6-month STR moratorium effective May 19, 2025; rental registration policy since 2020. ADU (attached/detached) STR applications still accepted; freestanding STR renewals accepted. | Policy/Ordinances | Rental Ordinance | Special Land Use Permit | Rental Application | Fee Schedule | Special land use $250; see fee schedule | (616) 335-3050 • Office@LaketownTwp.org |
| Lee Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | No special land use form online | 269-236-6485 |
| Leighton Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Change of Use Permit | — | (616) 877-2000 |
| Manlius Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Special use permit $2,000 | 269-561-8855 |
| Martin Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | — | 269-272-5027 |
| Monterey Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | — | (616) 877-2000 |
| Otsego (City) | STRs allowed; rental registration and inspection required. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Rental Registration | $25 per unit + $65 inspection | (269) 694-6146 |
| Otsego Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Special Land Use App | Fee not referenced | 269-694-9434 |
| Overisel Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary (discussed but not implemented). | Ordinances | Land Use Application | Special land use $250 | (269) 751-7030 |
| Plainwell (City) | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Special land use permit $100 | 269-685-6821 |
| Salem Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | — | 248-349-1690 |
| Saugatuck (City) | STRs allowed; caps by district; inspection required. Licenses non-transferable. | Zoning Map | STR Info | Ordinances | Application | $540 STR license | (269) 857-2603 |
| Saugatuck Township | STRs allowed; must follow guidelines (parking, local agent). Rental registration appears in place. | Ordinances (Sec. 8-108) | Zoning Map | — | (269) 857-7721 |
| Trowbridge Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Special land use permit $250 | 269-377-6693 |
| Valley Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | Future Land Use Map | — | 269-673-5962 | Zoning: 269-673-3239 |
| Wayland Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Ordinances | — | 616-877-2000 |
| Muskegon County | ||||
| Blue Lake Township | STRs must register; cap at 35 units; annual license; non-transferable. | Zoning Ordinance | Fee indicated in code | (231) 894-6335 • frontdesk@bluelaketownship.org |
| Casnovia Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Ordinance | Zoning Map | — | 616-675-4064 |
| Cedar Creek Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Ordinance | Special Land Use Application | — | (231) 821-0014 x107 |
| Dalton Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Ordinance | Special Land Use Application | $600 special use application | 231-766-3043 (x2016) or 231-332-6706 • zoningadministrator@daltontownship.org |
| Egelston Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Unclear on cost/process | 231-788-2308 |
| Fruitland Township | No specific STR ordinance; considering future regulations. Likely needs Special Use Permit. | Special Land Uses (Zoning) | Full Zoning Ordinance | Zoning Map | Unclear on cost/process | (231) 766-3208 |
| Fruitport Charter Township | No specific STR ordinance; discussions ongoing. Certificate of compliance required. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Unclear on cost/process | (231) 865-3151 |
| Holton Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Ordinances | — | (231) 821-2168 |
| Laketon Township | Residential purpose excludes STRs (<31 days / 1 month). Check Planning/Zoning for zone restrictions. | Ordinances | Zoning Map | Special Land Use Permit | Special land use fee $650 | 231-744-2454 |
| Montague (City) | STRs allowed; must be registered. Max 120 rental days annually. | Ordinance | Code of Ordinances | Rental Application | $50 registration | 231-893-1155 |
| Montague Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Forms | Unclear; contact township | 231-894-9088 |
| Moorland Township | No STR-specific language; all rental dwellings must be registered. | Zoning Ordinances (Sec. 15.000) | Special Use Application | $400 (fee schedule) | 231-853-2015 |
| Muskegon (City) | STR overlay district (2024) with caps per zone; annual renewal. No parcel may have more than two STRs abutting. Some districts exempt. | STR Application | Ordinance | STR Guide | STR Info | — | (231) 724-6766 |
| Muskegon Charter Township | Rental property must be registered. | Zoning Map | Ordinance (Art XIII §6-273) | Rental Registration Form | $70 per unit | (231) 777-2555, x1132 |
| Muskegon Heights (City) | No STR policy; rentals must be registered. | Zoning Map | Rental Registration | — | 231-733-8999 |
| North Muskegon (City) | STRs permitted; Special Land Use required in specified districts (R-2, R-3, NC) under conditions. | Zoning Map | Special Land Use Form | $350 fee | (231) 744-1621 |
| Norton Shores (City) | No current STR regs; draft language under consideration (SUP, setbacks, quadrant caps, 1,000-ft spacing). Rentals must be registered. | Zoning Ordinance | Zoning Map | Permit Form | $350 Special Use permit | (231) 798-4391 |
| Ravenna Township | No STR language; check if special land use is necessary. | Zoning Map | Ordinances | — | 231-853-6205 or 231-853-5154 |
| Roosevelt Park (City) | No specific STR rules; all rentals must be registered; non-owner-occupied inspected annually. | Zoning Ordinances | Rental Guidelines | Rental Registration | $70 per unit | (231) 777-2555 |
| Sullivan Township | No STR language; Special Land Use appears required. | Ordinances | Special Land Use Application | $750 Special Land Use Permit | 231-853-6900 | office@sullivantownship.com |
| White River Township | STRs regulated and capped at 55 township-wide (no limit in Commercial district). Limited to one family at a time. | STR Ordinance | Zoning Map | Special Use Permit | Registration fee not listed | Township website | Zoning info |
| Whitehall (City) | No STR rules in code; unclear if STRs register under rental rules; discussions on affordability and caps. | Ordinances | Rental Registration | — | (231) 894-4048 |
| Whitehall Township | No STR permitted without prior township approval. | Landlord Guide | Zoning Map | Zoning Ordinance | Unknown (no form evident) | 231-894-9088 x33 |
Disclaimer: This information is provided as a guide courtesy of the West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® (WMLAR). Since local ordinances may change, please always confirm with the municipality for current requirements.