This snapshot summarizes the current short-term rental (STR) regulatory environment for Lake Michigan-bordering townships and municipalities from Michiana (Berrien County) north to Manistee (Manistee County). The regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly — most jurisdictions that were previously unregulated or permissive are now implementing caps, moratoriums, or outright bans. Status is current as of May 2026 and subject to change without notice. Always confirm directly with the local zoning or planning department before relying on any information in this document. Entries flagged Updated reflect changes since the April 2026 edition.
May 2026 Update Summary: 6 rows updated, 1 row added (City of Ferrysburg). Key changes: Laketown Township enacted a freestanding STR ban in residential and agricultural zones, effective May 26, 2026; Chikaming Township’s 550-permit cap is fully subscribed through the 2027 renewal cycle; South Haven is mid-transition to a new Article V conditional licensing regime (~500 properties operating under conditional licenses); Park Township federal lawsuit (5th & 14th Amendment challenge) active with state appeal also pending; City of Saugatuck’s Boutique Inn zoning hearing scheduled June 18, 2026. Note: The Laketown visitor cap is 50% of overnight occupants — not 150% as reported in error by the Commercial Record.
May 2026 Update Summary: 6 rows updated, 1 row added (City of Ferrysburg). Key changes: Laketown Township enacted a freestanding STR ban in residential and agricultural zones, effective May 26, 2026; Chikaming Township’s 550-permit cap is fully subscribed through the 2027 renewal cycle; South Haven is mid-transition to a new Article V conditional licensing regime (~500 properties operating under conditional licenses); Park Township federal lawsuit (5th & 14th Amendment challenge) active with state appeal also pending; City of Saugatuck’s Boutique Inn zoning hearing scheduled June 18, 2026. Note: The Laketown visitor cap is 50% of overnight occupants — not 150% as reported in error by the Commercial Record.
Status Key:
Open — Permitted
Capped / Restricted
Moratorium
Banned / Prohibited
Unconfirmed
Berrien County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Buffalo Township | City of New Buffalo, Village of Grand Beach, Village of Michiana | Capped / Restricted | Annual license required; permit is tied to the property — transfer on sale is not confirmed. No new permit caps identified. ⚠️ Verify transfer policy directly with township before any purchase decision. Contact: (269) 469-1011 | ebrinkman@newbuffalotownship.org |
| City of New Buffalo | New Buffalo | Capped / Restricted | STRs restricted to certain commercial and mixed zoning districts per ordinance. City posted an STR page update January 21, 2026 — no new residential expansion confirmed. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact for current zone map before any decision. Contact: aschroeder@cityofnewbuffalomi.gov (Amber Schroeder, Zoning Coordinator) |
| Chikaming Township | Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, Union Pier | Capped / Restricted | Updated Moratorium lifted. New ordinance effective March 23, 2026. Permits capped at 550 township-wide. Tiered fee structure: $500 for first bedroom, $250 per additional bedroom. Existing permit holders renewed for 2026. As of May 2026, the 550-permit cap is full — new applications are not being accepted for 2026. Remaining permits, if any, will be announced after the February 2027 renewal cycle. No waitlist will be established. Licenses do not appear to transfer automatically on sale — confirm transfer process with township before purchase. Contact: (269) 231-3400 (Rental Hotline) | chikamingtownship.org |
| Lincoln Charter Township | Stevensville, Bridgman | Unconfirmed | Updated No dedicated STR ordinance confirmed in recent public records. STRs likely governed by general zoning provisions. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact with township zoning administrator to confirm current status before any decision. Contact: (269) 983-7111 | lctberrien.org |
| City of St. Joseph | St. Joseph | Capped / Restricted | STRs permitted only in the W (Water Recreation) and D (Downtown) zoning districts as conditional use, and in R3 (Multi-family Residential) as special use. Annual business license required; registration updated March 2025. Residential neighborhoods are not eligible. ⚠️ Confirm zone eligibility for any specific parcel with the Building Department before any purchase decision. Contact: (269) 983-1212 (Building) | sjcity.com |
| Coloma Charter Township | Coloma, Paw Paw Lake | Open — Permitted | Dedicated STR ordinance in place; updated ordinance introduced March 2025. Annual registration required — Rental Registration Packet and Schedule of Fees available at colomatownship.org. No hard permit cap identified. Note: township serves the Paw Paw Lake area, a popular inland vacation market in Berrien County (not directly Lake Michigan-facing). ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current fee schedule and any zoning restrictions before proceeding. Contact: (269) 468-7212 | colomatownship.org |
Van Buren County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covert Township | Covert, Hagar Shores | Open — Permitted | STR ordinance in place; enforcement handled by Safe Built. Annual Rental Certificate required. No 2025–2026 changes identified. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current fee schedule. Contact: (269) 729-9244 | zoning@coverttwp.com |
| City of South Haven | South Haven | Capped / Restricted | Updated City Council approved a conditional license mechanism beginning March 27, 2026 to manage a 500+ property backlog. All old Article X licenses expired May 1, 2026. Conditional licenses under Article V (up to two years) are now being issued for properties that were registered as of March 17, 2025 and have submitted complete applications and fees — approximately 500 properties are operating under conditional licenses while the city works through its inspection backlog. 1:4 density cap (~20% of housing stock) remains in effect. Major regulatory transition actively underway — confirm license status on any specific property before proceeding. City and township operate separate programs; confirm which applies to your parcel. Contact: (269) 637-0791 | str@southhavenmi.gov (Megan Blodgett, STR Coordinator) |
| South Haven Charter Township | South Haven area, Kibbie | Open — Permitted | Ordinance No. 169 adopted August 13, 2025. Min 3-night stay, max 27 nights. Community Service Commercial district rentals now exempt from the one-rental-per-calendar-week requirement per 2025 amendment. Annual permit required. Contact: (269) 637-3305 | southhaventwp.com (Tasha Smalley, Zoning Administrator) |
Allegan County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Township | Glenn, Pullman, Kibbie area | Unconfirmed | Updated STR provisions were added via a 2022 zoning amendment; no 2025–2026 changes confirmed in public records. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact with the township zoning administrator to verify current status and fee schedule before proceeding. Contact: (269) 673-3239 | mtsallegan@frontier.com (Tasha Smalley, Michigan Township Services) |
| Ganges Township | Pier Cove, Fennville shoreline | Unconfirmed | Updated April 25, 2025 zoning ordinance confirmed — no explicit STR or vacation rental provisions. Bed & Breakfast establishments are defined as a distinct special use (not a home occupation), but district-level approval standards were not reproduced in public sources. STRs are neither affirmatively permitted nor banned. ⚠️ High ambiguity — contact the zoning administrator before purchase to determine whether STR use is permissible in the target district. Contact: (800) 626-5964 | mtsallegan@frontier.com (Tasha Smalley, Michigan Township Services) |
| Laketown Township | Unincorporated (Holland to Saugatuck corridor) | Restricted — Ban in Effect | Updated New ordinance adopted May 13, 2026 (4–1 vote), effective May 26, 2026. Standalone STRs banned in all residential (R-1 through R-3) and Agricultural zones. ADUs permitted in R-1/R-1.5 with owner on-site and Planning Commission special use approval; attached ADUs only in R-2/R-3; standalone homes and ADUs permitted in MU Mixed-Use district. Existing licensed STRs (~100) continue as legal non-conforming uses regardless of zone. Daytime visitor cap: 50% of overnight occupants (10am–10pm). Moratorium on new licenses expires June 30, 2026; enforcement details under development. Do not proceed without confirming current license and zone eligibility directly with the township. Contact: (616) 335-3050 | office@laketowntwp.org |
| Saugatuck Township | City of Douglas | Open — Permitted | STR ordinance in place with licensing and nuisance standards. Annual Rental Certificate and fire inspection required. No hard density cap at the township level. No 2025–2026 changes confirmed. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current fee schedule. Contact: (269) 857-7721 | info@saugatucktownshipmi.gov |
| City of Saugatuck | Saugatuck | Capped / Restricted | Updated STR complaint hotline in place; annual license required. License caps apply by zoning district. Transferability limited — confirm availability with city before any purchase. February 2026 ordinance amendments adjusted the license renewal date, application window, and added a one-time amnesty period for existing license holders. ⚠️ WATCH: Wickwood Inn has applied for a new “Boutique Inn” land use category — Planning Commission public hearing June 18, 2026. If approved, this could create a new classification separate from STRs for small inns operating in R-1 districts. Recommend direct contact for current fee, cap, and renewal status. Contact: (269) 237-1823 | gmoore@saugatuckcity.com (Grayson Moore, Director of Planning & Zoning) |
| City of Douglas | Douglas | Open — Permitted | Updated STR licensing in place. No 2025–2026 ordinance changes found. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current requirements. Contact: (269) 857-1438 | douglasmi.gov |
Ottawa County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Township | Holland (west), Holland State Park area | Banned / Prohibited | Updated Banned outside C-2 Commercial zone per Ordinance 2024-01. Federal lawsuit filed January 14, 2026 by Park Township Neighbors alleging due process violations under the 5th and 14th Amendments; seeking damages and an injunction. State appeal to Michigan Court of Appeals also pending. May 2026 petition presented to Board of Trustees — no action taken. Active enforcement and fines continue in residential zones regardless of litigation. ⚠️ WATCH: Monitor federal and state court proceedings before purchase. Contact: (616) 738-4239 | cwarden@parktownship.org (Chad Warden, Building Official) |
| Holland Charter Township | Holland (suburban/eastern) | Open — Permitted | Updated STR licensing confirmed in place as of this review. No 2025–2026 ordinance changes identified. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current permit requirements and any zoning restrictions before proceeding. Contact: (616) 395-0151 | hct.holland.mi.us |
| City of Holland | Holland | Capped / Restricted | STR ordinance in place. Non-owner-occupied rentals permitted with no cap in commercial/mixed-use zones (NMU, CMU, RMU, GMU, I). In residential zones (LDR, CNR, MDR, TNR) there is a hard cap of 25 units with a 500-foot separation distance required between units. The residential zone cap of 25 has been reached — no new residential non-owner-occupied STRs are available. Certificate of Compliance required; rental units inspected on 3- or 6-year cycle. "Three strikes" enforcement program. ⚠️ Confirm zone classification and cap status for any specific parcel before proceeding. Contact: (616) 355-1330 | cns@cityofholland.com (Community & Neighborhood Services) |
| Grand Haven Charter Township | Grand Haven area | Capped / Restricted | Updated STRs permitted only within the Short-Term Rental Overlay Zone; annual registration required (~$160 fee). Limited STRs (≤14 days/year) permitted township-wide for owner-occupied homes with principal residence exemption (PRE). Re-registration required on ownership transfer within 30 days. No 2025–2026 ordinance changes found. Not a viable framework for investment STRs outside the overlay zone. Contact: (616) 842-5988 | ghtmi.gov |
| City of Grand Haven | Grand Haven | Capped / Restricted | STRs restricted to specific overlay zones only. Eligible zones: Centertown Overlay (added Sept 9, 2025, ~23 parcels between Columbus & Franklin Ave.), Old Town (Key Street segments, special use approval required), Central Business District, Dune Residential (special use approval), Waterfront-2, and within Grand Landing, The Elliott on Seventh, and Harbourfront Condos. Annual registration $165; initial registration (including first inspection) $525. Short-term Rental Eligibility Map available at grandhaven.org. Standard residential neighborhoods are not eligible. ⚠️ Verify parcel eligibility using the city's STR eligibility map before any purchase decision. Contact: (616) 935-3276 | grandhaven.org (City Planner — Brian Urquhart) |
| Port Sheldon Township | West Olive, Lakeshore area | Open — Permitted | STR ordinance effective January 1, 2025. Annual registration required. Single-family dwellings only. Minimum 2 off-street parking spaces required; no street or lawn parking. Functional, active program. Contact: (616) 399-6121 | ryan@portsheldontwp.org |
| Spring Lake Township | Spring Lake area | Capped / Restricted | Updated STRs permitted only within the Strawberry Point STR Overlay District — a limited area with approximately 221 eligible homes. All other residential zones are prohibited, including the R-3 (Medium Density Residential–Cottage) district. $100 registration fee, 3-year term; currently only 22 STRs are registered within the overlay. Cove Street addresses are geographically outside the Strawberry Point overlay and are not eligible. Properties with a “Ferrysburg City” municipality designation are governed by Ferrysburg City ordinances, not Spring Lake Township rules — see the Ferrysburg row below. Michigan Supreme Court upheld local restriction authority. Contact: (616) 842-1340 | lhill@springlaketwp.org (Lukas Hill, Community Development Director) |
| City of Ferrysburg | Ferrysburg | Open — Permitted | Updated Rental permit application, property inspection, and annual registration required (2026 Rental Registration Form available at ferrysburg.org). City actively monitors for unlicensed listings using Host Compliance software. Permits do not auto-transfer on ownership change — new owner must complete the Change of Ownership Permit Checklist. Fee amount unconfirmed. Note: Properties with a “Ferrysburg City” municipality designation are subject to this ordinance, not Spring Lake Township rules. Contact: (616) 842-5803 | info@ferrysburg.org |
Muskegon County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Muskegon | Muskegon | Capped / Restricted | STR Overlay District with 11 zones, each with its own license cap. Licenses are non-transferable upon ownership change. County-wide 5% accommodation tax on all stays of 30 nights or fewer. No 2025–2026 changes identified. Contact: (231) 724-6766 | MUSKEGON@SAFEBUILT.COM |
| Muskegon Township / Norton Shores | Norton Shores, Roosevelt Park, Muskegon Heights | Unconfirmed | County accommodation tax applies. Township-specific rules generally less restrictive than Ottawa County. Confirm zoning classification and local ordinance directly before proceeding. Muskegon Township: (231) 777-2555 ext. 1132 | bwerschem@muskegontwp.org Norton Shores: (231) 799-6800 |
Oceana County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benona Township | Silver Lake, Mears | Open — Permitted | Dedicated STR ordinance in place since Sept 2022. Registration and permit required. Strong seasonal rental market. One of the better-established frameworks on the lakeshore. Contact: (231) 861-2154 | benonazoning@gmail.com (Sara Bizon, Zoning Admin; Wed 10am–2pm) |
| Golden Township | Hart, Crystal Valley, New Era area | Open — Permitted | Active STR portal and annual permit application required. Properties must comply with state and county building codes. Functional, accessible program. Contact: (231) 873-4413 | info@goldentownshipmi.gov |
| Village of Pentwater | Pentwater | Open — Permitted | Annual license required and must be displayed on property. Ordinance amended 2023. Occupancy limits enforced. Strong seasonal rental market. Contact: (231) 869-8301 ext. 4 | zoning@pentwatervillage.org (Aaron Bigelow, Zoning Admin) |
Mason County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamlin Township | Ludington area, Stearns Park, Lakeshore Drive corridor | Unconfirmed | Updated No dedicated STR ordinance confirmed in public sources. May operate under general zoning provisions. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact with Mason County or Hamlin Township zoning administrator to confirm current status. Contact: (231) 845-7801 ext. 1 | hamlintownship.org (Zak Iverson, Zoning Admin; Mon–Fri 8am–12:30pm) |
| City of Ludington | Ludington | Capped / Restricted | Updated Ordinance 429-20 in effect. Hard cap of 30 STR licenses city-wide; maximum 2 per city block. Cap has been full since at least 2022 — no licenses currently available for new applicants. City operates independently of Hamlin Township. Contact City of Ludington Planning & Zoning directly to confirm current availability before pursuing. Contact: (231) 845-6237 | sreed@ci.ludington.mi.us (Shaun Reed, Zoning & Building Official) |
| Pere Marquette Charter Township | Lake Michigan shoreline north of Ludington | Open — Permitted | Dedicated STR ordinance in place (§109-3.48). Permit required. Local agent must reside or maintain a business within 45 miles of the property. Maximum occupancy: lesser of 16 total, or 2 per bedroom plus 2 per finished story. Property must make applicable township ordinance sections available to guests. No hard permit cap identified. Functional framework covering the Lake Michigan shoreline north of the City of Ludington. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current permit fees and requirements. Contact: (231) 845-1277 ext. 2 | kristin@pmtwp.org (Kristin Lange, Zoning Admin) |
Manistee County
| Township / Municipality | Cities & Communities | STR Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia Township | Arcadia, Lake Michigan shoreline (south Manistee County) | Open — Permitted | Dedicated STR ordinance in place with annual license renewal and application process. Zoning ordinance updated October 2025. Zoning administration handled by Manistee County Planning Department. No hard permit cap identified. ⚠️ Recommend direct contact to confirm current license requirements and fees before proceeding. Contact: (231) 398-3587 | planning@manisteecountymi.gov (Manistee County Planning Dept.) |
| City of Manistee | Manistee | Capped / Restricted | Updated First formal STR ordinance (Chapter 868) adopted July 2025. $100/yr registration fee, $150 inspection fee every 3 years. Cap of 165 STRs outside downtown/beach overlay districts. Insurance and local contact requirements apply. Ownership transfer requires re-registration within 30 days. Newer framework with remaining capacity. Contact: (231) 398-2805 | manisteemi.gov (Planning & Zoning) |
| Manistee Township | Onekama, Bear Lake area | Unconfirmed | Township operates independently of city. Generally less restrictive than the city. Specific STR ordinance status not confirmed — contact Manistee Township directly. Contact: (231) 723-6507 | manisteetwp@gmail.com (Karen Clouse, Zoning Admin) |
Important Disclaimer: This document is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently and without notice. The information contained herein is based on publicly available sources and research current as of May 2026, and may not reflect recent ordinance changes, moratorium extensions, court decisions, or amendments. All information must be independently verified directly with the relevant municipality, township planning or zoning department, your licensed real estate attorney, and/or your CPA or financial advisor before making any purchase, investment, or operational decision. Brian Elmore, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, and their agents make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Research current as of May 2026 | Brian Elmore at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate | For informational use only | Verify all information with local municipalities prior to use.