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Boyne City, MI

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STR Regulations for Boyne City, Michigan

Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Boyne City, MI with specific regulations and licensing requirements. The city adopted its dedicated Short-Term Rental Ordinance on December 13, 2022, following extensive public input and analysis of local housing impacts. As of November 2023, the city has implemented a cap of 130 short-term rental units in residential areas, representing approximately 10% of the total homes in the traditional residential district.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Boyne City?

Boyne City hosts earn a median $36,457/year with $339 ADR and 46% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $54,428+ per year.

See the full Boyne City market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Boyne City

Step 1: Property Analysis and Zoning Compliance

  • Verify that your property is located within an allowable zoning district for short-term rentals
  • Review the city's zoning map and confirm your property's classification
  • Understand that most residential areas allow STRs but may have density limitations

Step 2: License Application Process

  • Submit a short-term rental license application to the Planning & Zoning Department
  • Pay the initial license fee of $300
  • Complete any required inspections or documentation as specified by the city

Step 3: Ongoing Compliance

  • Maintain current license renewal (check with city for renewal frequency and fees)
  • Adhere to all operational guidelines and nuisance regulations
  • Monitor and respond to any violations or complaints

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Licensing

  • Short-Term Rental License: Required before operation
  • Initial Fee: $300 (approved December 13, 2022)
  • Application Process: Submit to Planning & Zoning Department

Documentation Requirements

  • Property ownership verification
  • Proof of insurance coverage
  • Contact information for responsible party/manager
  • Emergency contact information
  • Property address and legal description

Operational Guidelines

  • Must comply with all nuisance provisions
  • Public safety standards apply
  • Year-round housing availability considerations are factored into regulations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Boyne City)

Licensing and Fees

  • License Required: Yes, before operation
  • Initial License Fee: $300
  • Renewal: Annual renewal required (confirm current schedule)
  • Violation Penalties:
    • First Offense: $100 fine
    • Second Offense: $150 fine
    • Third Offense: $250 fine

Density Limitations

  • Residential Area Cap: 130 short-term rental units maximum
  • Coverage: Approximately 10% of the 1,320 homes in traditional residential district
  • Implementation: Effective November 2023

Zoning Districts

Based on city data provided:

  • Traditional Residential District: Primary residential area (54% of housing units)
  • Central Business District: Commercial area with some residential components
  • Waterfront Residential: 5% of housing units
  • Rural Estates: 6% of housing units
  • Multi-family Residential: 23% of housing units

County-Level Regulations

  • Located in Charlevoix County
  • County-level short-term rental regulations may also apply
  • Consult Charlevoix County planning office for additional requirements

State-Level Regulations (Michigan)

  • Michigan state law allows short-term rentals with local municipality regulations
  • State-level occupancy and safety requirements may apply
  • No comprehensive state-wide STR licensing system currently in place

Contact Information for Local Authority

Boyne City Planning & Zoning Department

Key Personnel

  • Planning Department: Direct inquiries regarding zoning and STR regulations
  • Building Department: Inspection and compliance questions
  • City Clerk: Licensing and permit processing

Source Links

  1. Boyne City Short-Term Rental Page: www.boynecity.gov/services/planning_zoning/short_term_rentals.php
  2. Adopted Ordinance Document: [Boyne City Short Term Rental Ordinance](Documents/Services/Planning and Zoning/Short Term Rentals/fs76-1671563452-55688.pdf)
  3. Zoning Map: [Boyne City Zoning Map](Documents/Services/Planning and Zoning/fs04-1579621261-77950.pdf)
  4. Meeting Minutes and Presentations: Available through city website with audio and video recordings from 2022 public meetings
  5. Petoskey News Coverage:
  6. Municode Legal Code: library.municode.com/mi/boyne_city/codes/code_of_ordinances

Investment Considerations

Market Dynamics

  • Boyne City has experienced a 39% increase in short-term rentals over spring and summer 2022
  • The city implemented the cap to balance tourism economic benefits with year-round housing availability
  • Traditional residential district contains 54% of city's total housing units

Compliance Priorities

  • Immediate: Secure STR license before operation
  • Ongoing: Monitor cap limitations to ensure continued eligibility
  • Long-term: Track any ordinance amendments or regulatory changes

Risk Management

  • Three-tier fine structure for violations
  • Potential impact from future policy changes regarding the 130-unit cap
  • Balance between tourist demand and residential housing concerns remains a policy focus

This guide represents the current regulatory landscape as of late 2023. Investors should verify current requirements and any recent changes directly with the Boyne City Planning & Zoning Department before making investment decisions.

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Boyne City

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
9/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Boyne City Market Analysis

Photos of Boyne City

Overview of Boyne City

Boyne City is a small lakeside community nestled on the southern shore of Lake Charlevoix in Charlevoix County, in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The city has a population of roughly 3,800 residents and carries the relaxed, walkable charm of a Northern Michigan resort town, with a compact downtown, a public marina, and easy access to both water and forest. It functions as a quieter, less-developed alternative to nearby Charlevoix and Petoskey, while still serving as a convenient base for exploring the Petoskey region and the chain of inland lakes that draws visitors year-round. The city sits roughly three hours north of Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest metropolitan area, and a little over four hours north of Detroit.

One of the defining features of the area is Lake Charlevoix, the second-largest inland lake in Michigan and one of the deepest in the state. The lake draws boaters, kayakers, anglers, and beachgoers in summer, while snowmobilers and ice anglers use its frozen surface in winter. The Boyne City lakefront, including the public beach and Veterans Memorial Park, sits within a short walk of the downtown core and offers public access to the water just minutes from most short-term rentals.

Just a few miles south of town, Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls is a year-round recreation hub with downhill skiing, the Avalanche Bay indoor waterpark, two golf courses, and a spa. Drive time from the city is roughly 10 to 15 minutes, and the resort is one of the most cited reasons visitors choose to stay in the Boyne City area in any season.

For visitors who want a lower-key outdoor day, Young State Park sits on the western shore of Lake Charlevoix about five minutes from downtown. The park offers a sandy swimming beach, campsites, and hiking trails, and provides a gentler alternative to the resort crowds for families and casual day-trippers.

The surrounding region opens up further excursions in every direction. Charlevoix, known for its round lake and ferry to Beaver Island, lies about 20 minutes to the northwest, while Petoskey, famous for its Petoskey stones and Gas Light District, is roughly 30 minutes north. Petoskey State Park and the scenic M-119 Tunnel of Trees along Lake Michigan are both within an hour's drive, expanding the day-trip options for guests staying in Boyne City.

Boyne City stands out as a short-term-rental market because it pairs small-town atmosphere with genuine four-season appeal. Visitors can spend a morning on Lake Charlevoix, an afternoon skiing or riding the waterpark at Boyne Mountain, and an evening dining along the waterfront or browsing the downtown, all without long drives. That combination of natural setting, nearby resort amenities, and proximity to the broader Petoskey–Charlevoix–Lake Michigan corridor makes the city a versatile year-round base for travelers and a strong fit for owners looking to capture both summer and winter bookings.

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