Based on the provided content from Attica Township, Michigan, I must first address a critical point. The information pertains to Attica Township, Michigan, not Attica, Indiana. As the user requested information specific to Attica, Indiana, the provided content is not applicable to that location. Therefore, I cannot create a guide for short-term rentals (STRs) in Attica, Indiana, using these documents.

However, to fulfill the user's request to the best of my ability with the given material, I will provide an analysis of what the content says about short-term rentals in Attica Township, Michigan. I will clearly label this analysis as being for Michigan, not Indiana.

Analysis of Short-Term Rental Regulations in Attica Township, Michigan

The provided Attica Township Zoning Ordinance does not contain a specific article or detailed section dedicated exclusively to short-term rentals (STRs). However, the information relevant to STRs can be derived from the definitions and general zoning provisions.

Key Sections from the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Definition of "Short Term Rental" (Section 2.40 S-Z):

   • "Short Term Rental. Any single-family dwelling and accessory buildings leased or occupied for nonagricultural rental purposes for periods of fourteen (14) days or less."
   • This is the primary and most important definition for understanding how the township classifies this type of activity.

2. Definition of "Tourist Home" (Section 2.40 S-Z):

   • "Tourist Home. Any dwelling used or designed in such a manner that certain rooms in excess of those used by the family, and occupied as a dwelling unit are rented to the public for compensation and shall cater primarily to the public traveling by motor vehicle."
   • This is a broader category that could include some STRs but also traditional tourist homes or rooming houses.

3. Definition of "Bed and Breakfast Inn" (Section 2.10 A-D):

   • "Bed and Breakfast Inn. A single family dwelling with not more than eight (8) guest rooms in which the owner / operator provides overnight accommodations to guests in return for payment, and without kitchen facilities for serving or preparing meals for the overnight guests which are separate from those for the residence."
   • This is a specific, defined use that is distinct from the general "Short Term Rental" definition.

Regulatory Implications:

The ordinance does not explicitly state that STRs are a permitted, special land use, or prohibited use in any residential zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3, RM-1). The key to understanding their status lies in the zoning district tables of uses (Article 3) and how these definitions are interpreted.

• Potential Interpretation: The "Short Term Rental" definition is very broad, encompassing the rental of an entire single-family dwelling for 14 days or less. This type of use is inherently different from a "Bed and Breakfast Inn" (which is an owner-occupied residence with a limited number of rooms) or a "Tourist Home" (which may have multiple rented rooms).
• Likely Status: Given the definition, an STR that involves leasing an entire single-family dwelling for short periods would likely be considered a primary residential use. The owner-occupied requirement in the "Bed and Breakfast Inn" definition suggests that a non-owner-occupied rental would not fall under that category.
• The Crucial Requirement - "Local Agent": Section 2.20 (E-L) defines "Local Agent" as a critical requirement for STRs.
  • "Local Agent. An individual designed to oversee the short-term rental of a dwelling unit and to respond to calls from renters, concerned citizens, and representatives of the Township. The local agent must live or maintain a physical place of business within forty-five (45) miles of the dwelling unit used for short-term rentals. A property owner who meets these criteria may be the local agent."
  • This requirement is mandatory for anyone operating an STR in the township.

Important Conclusion for Michigan

The zoning ordinance recognizes and defines short-term rentals but does not provide a clear, single pathway for their operation. The primary requirement is the designation of a Local Agent who lives within 45 miles. Before operating an STR in Attica Township, Michigan, a property owner would need to:

1. Confirm Zoning Compliance: Verify with the Zoning Administrator that leasing their single-family dwelling as a short-term rental is a permitted use in their specific zoning district (R-1, R-2, etc.). This would likely require a Zoning Compliance Certificate.
2. Appoint a Local Agent: Ensure a responsible party meets the 45-mile proximity requirement and is capable of handling guest issues and township inquiries.
3. Obtain All Necessary Permits: This could include a standard Zoning Permit and potentially a Certificate of Occupancy (Article 12, Section 12.130), depending on the proposed use and any associated alterations.

Disclaimer for Indiana: This entire analysis is based on the Michigan zoning ordinance. It has no relevance to the laws, regulations, or zoning codes of Attica, Indiana. Anyone interested in investing in or operating an STR in Attica, Indiana, must research the specific municipal and county regulations for that location. A reliable first step would be to contact the Attica City Hall or the Fountain County Courthouse directly.

Source

• Attica Township Zoning Ordinance (Adopted November 14, 2024)