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 April 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 March 2026 edition.
Status Key:
Open — Permitted
Capped / Restricted
Moratorium
Banned / Prohibited
Unconfirmed
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| New Buffalo Township |
City of New Buffalo, Village of Grand Beach, Village of Michiana |
Capped / Restricted |
Rental License Ordinance in place. New STRs in residential zones restricted. Annual license required. |
| City of New Buffalo |
New Buffalo |
Capped / Restricted |
Allowed in commercial/resort zones. Banned in residential zones. Active enforcement. |
| 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. New applications now accepted up to the cap. |
| Lincoln Charter Township |
Stevensville, Bridgman |
Open — Permitted |
STRs allowed with occupancy, noise, and parking restrictions in place. Annual permit required. |
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| Covert Township |
Covert, Hagar Shores |
Open — Permitted |
Annual Rental Certificate required since May 2024. Initial inspection required. Functional and active program. |
| City of South Haven |
South Haven |
Open — Permitted |
Registration required. Active STR licensing program. City and township operate separate programs — confirm which applies to your parcel. |
| South Haven Charter Township |
South Haven area, Kibbie |
Open — Permitted |
Ordinance updated Aug 2025. Min 3-night stay, max 27 nights, one rental per week per property. Annual permit required. |
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| Casco Township |
Glenn, Pullman, Kibbie area |
Open — Permitted |
$325/yr registration fee. Min 3-night stay. Max 12 occupants. One turnover per week. Straightforward, functional program. |
| Ganges Township |
Pier Cove, Fennville shoreline |
Moratorium |
Active moratorium on all new STR permits. Township actively exploring caps and permanent regulation. Following same trajectory as Laketown Township. Confirm status directly before pursuing. |
| Laketown Township |
Unincorporated (Holland to Saugatuck corridor) |
Moratorium |
Updated Moratorium on new standalone STR permits remains in effect through June 30, 2026. Public hearing held April 1, 2026 on proposed ordinance to permanently ban freestanding STRs in residential and agricultural zones — Planning Commission voted to recommend the ban to the Township Board of Trustees. Final board vote pending. Only owner-occupied ADUs and mixed-use zone properties would be permitted under the proposal. Extremely high risk for prospective buyers — do not proceed without confirming current status. |
| Saugatuck Township |
City of Douglas |
Open — Permitted |
Annual Rental Certificate required. Fire inspection mandatory. No hard density cap at the township level. One of the stronger remaining opportunities in this corridor. |
| City of Saugatuck |
Saugatuck |
Capped / Restricted |
License caps by zoning district (e.g. R-1 max 76 licenses). Existing STRs grandfathered. Ordinance amended April 2025 and again Feb 2026. License transferability limited — confirm availability with city prior to purchase. As of the Feb 2026 application window, very few licenses remain available in residential districts. |
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| Park Township |
Holland (west), Holland State Park area |
Banned / Prohibited |
Banned outside C-2 Commercial zone since March 2024. Court upheld the ban Nov 2025. Federal constitutional lawsuit filed Jan 2026 by Park Township Neighbors (claiming due process violations and improper grandfathering denial) — currently pending in federal court. Township continues active enforcement and fines regardless. |
| Holland Charter Township |
Holland (suburban/eastern) |
Banned / Prohibited |
STRs prohibited in all residential zones. Owner-occupied B&Bs allowed only with Special Land Use Permit. Stays of 15+ days require rental inspection program enrollment. |
| Grand Haven Charter Township |
Grand Haven area, Ferrysburg |
Banned / Prohibited |
Updated A limited STR Overlay Zone exists within the township, but permits only principal-residence rentals of 6–14 days, not to exceed 14 days total per calendar year — not a viable framework for investment STRs. Rentals of fewer than 6 days remain absolutely prohibited. Ordinance 605 amendment had a first reading Jan 12, 2026 with further refinements ongoing. No near-term path for investor STRs outside the overlay zone. |
| 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. |
| Spring Lake Township |
Spring Lake, Ferrysburg |
Banned / Prohibited |
Banned in residential zones including R-3 Cottage classification. Michigan Supreme Court upheld local authority to restrict STRs. |
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| City of Muskegon |
Muskegon |
Capped / Restricted |
4% of housing stock per district cap. County-wide 5% accommodation tax on all stays of 30 nights or fewer. Active STR licensing program. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| Hamlin Township |
Ludington area, Stearns Park, Lakeshore Drive corridor |
Open — Permitted |
Licensing system implemented Sept 2025. Registration and permit required. Newly established framework provides clarity for buyers. |
| City of Ludington |
Ludington |
Unconfirmed |
City operates independently of township. STR rules not confirmed. Contact City of Ludington Planning & Zoning directly to verify current status. |
| Township / Municipality |
Cities & Communities |
STR Status |
Notes |
| City of Manistee |
Manistee |
Capped / Restricted |
Chapter 868 adopted July 2025. $100/yr registration, $150 inspection every 3 years. Cap of 165 units outside certain zones. Newer framework with remaining capacity. |
| 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. |
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 April 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 April 2026 | Brian Elmore at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate | For informational use only | Verify all information with local municipalities prior to use.