Grand Haven, Michigan

Short-term rentals are legal in the City of Grand Haven, but new certifications are tightly constrained by geography. Every rental unit must be registered annually under City Code Chapter 9 and must display a Certificate of Compliance inside the unit. The annual registration fee is $165 per STR unit, due by February 15 each year, with a $50 per unit, per month late fee. First-time registrations, and registrations after a change of ownership, pay an Initial Registration Fee of $525 per unit, which includes one inspection.

New STR certifications are only allowed in limited zoning districts: Southside (Franklin between 5th and Harbor only), Old Town (Key Street segments, with special use approval), the Central Business District, Dune Residential (special use approval required) and Waterfront-2. Specific developments also qualify, including Grand Landing, The Elliott on Seventh and Harbourfront Condos. The property must be a legal conforming use with sufficient off-street parking. Existing certified STRs may continue and transfer to new owners. A short-term rental is defined as transient lodging for periods under one month, more than three times per year.

The city does not require owner occupancy or a primary residence, and no annual night cap was found. Lodging guests pay Michigan’s 6% state tax plus a 2% local Convention and Visitors Bureau assessment.

Recent changes: City Council approved opening the Center Town District to short-term rentals, with conditions that ground-floor space be retail or commercial and that rental-unit parking be at the rear of the building. Michigan lawmakers have also proposed legislation allowing local accommodation taxes of up to 3%, subject to voter approval. Enforcement severity is rated moderate. Confirm current rules with the city before buying.