Kalkaska, Michigan

Short-term rentals are permitted in Kalkaska with no well-publicized dedicated licensing requirement at the county or township level. The broader Kalkaska County market, including Kalkaska Township, is generally described by industry and real estate professionals as open and unregulated relative to many Michigan markets.

The Village of Kalkaska operates under its own zoning ordinance (Chapter 152, adopted May 2022, amended September 2023), separate from the surrounding township. The specific provisions for short-term rentals within the village ordinance could not be fully verified in available sources; investors should confirm allowance and any registration requirements directly with the Village zoning administrator before purchasing within village limits.

On the tax side, Michigan imposes a 6% state use (lodging) tax on accommodations rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Airbnb collects and remits this automatically. Hosts using VRBO or managing direct bookings are responsible for remitting the tax themselves. No Kalkaska County local accommodation or excise tax was identified.

No owner-occupancy requirement, primary-residence requirement, annual night cap, or formal permit fee was found at the village or township level. Enforcement is minimal given the rural setting and the absence of a defined enforcement program. However, the regulatory landscape in Northern Michigan is shifting: MSU Extension has run short-term rental policy sessions specifically for Kalkaska County, and neighboring Clearwater Township has moved to restrict STRs. Investors should verify current status with the appropriate jurisdiction before closing.