Purpose and Scope This guide synthesizes publicly available information from the provided sources to give short‑term rental (STR) investors a practical, compliance‑oriented blueprint for two geographies in Michigan:

• West Branch (Ogemaw County) — investor‑ready path with clear steps.
• Branch County/Coldwater — what is known and what requires direct verification.

It does not cover other Michigan municipalities unless cited.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

• West Branch (Ogemaw County). Short‑term rentals are permitted provided you comply with state tax obligations and local zoning. There are no city‑specific STR ordinances in West Branch referenced in the source; county zoning governs use‑type and site‑specific restrictions. Source.
• Branch County (City of Coldwater). Short‑term rentals (called “vacation rentals” in local practice) are legal in the city but must obtain a certificate of compliance and comply with safety/building code requirements. The City of Coldwater’s Building Commissioner enforces registration, inspections, and local representation. Source.

Bottom line: Yes, both markets allow STRs, but compliance mechanisms differ. West Branch is largely zoning‑ and tax‑driven. Coldwater is ordinance‑driven with a formal inspection/certification pathway.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Step‑by‑step for West Branch (Ogemaw County)

1. Verify Zoning and Land Use

• Confirm your property’s zoning district permits lodging uses. Short‑term rentals are commonly treated as commercial activity in Michigan and may be restricted in purely residential zones.
• Contact Ogemaw County Planning Commission (see Contact section) to confirm:
  • Permitted use status for STRs in your zoning district.
  • Any site‑plan, parking, or occupancy standards that apply.
  • Whether a conditional use permit (CUP) or special use is required. Source.

2. Check Deed Restrictions and HOAs/Condominium Rules

• Review covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and HOA bylaws. Even if zoning allows lodging, private restrictions can prohibit short‑term rentals. Source.

3. Set Up State Tax Compliance (Use Tax)

• Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury for “Use Tax on Lodging” to collect and remit the 6% tax on stays of 30 days or less.
• Track occupancy tax expectations by contacting the local municipality/tourism bureau for any additional assessments (e.g., CVB fee) applicable to lodging in the area. Source.

4. Insurance and Risk Management

• Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes or limits short‑term rental exposures (e.g., property damage by guests, liability claims). Obtain a short‑term rental‑specific policy with property and liability coverage tailored to nightly rentals. Source.

5. Operations

• Implement guest screening, quiet hours, and on‑call response protocols to reduce neighbor complaints and regulatory risk.
• Establish safety, cleanliness, and maintenance standards appropriate for a mixed‑use environment.

6. Local Government Liaison (if applicable)

• If your municipality requires a local business license, contact the clerk for requirements. (No city‑specific STR license was found for West Branch in the sources; verify locally.)

Step‑by‑step for Branch County/Coldwater

1. Determine Jurisdiction and Compliance Pathway

• The City of Coldwater administers STR compliance through the Building Commissioner.
• Properties must obtain a certificate of compliance and be ready for inspections and ongoing oversight. Source.

2. Prepare for Compliance

• Safety/Building: Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency exit signage, and any other code‑required devices are installed and functional. Source.
• Representation: Maintain a local representative/manager available for compliance and complaint response. Source.
• Registration: Complete the city’s registration requirements as prescribed. Source.

3. Zoning Verification

• Confirm your property’s zoning permits the intended STR use in Coldwater. Source (general zoning principle).

4. Insurance and Taxes

• Obtain STR‑appropriate insurance coverage.
• Register for and remit Michigan use tax (6% on stays ≤30 days). Source.

5. Maintain Compliance

• Cooperate with inspections, renew registrations/certificates, and respond promptly to any violations or complaints.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

West Branch (Ogemaw County) — expected typical requirements (verify locally)

• Zoning compliance confirmation (zoning permit/CUP if applicable).
• Site plan showing parking and access (if requested by the county).
• Michigan Department of Treasury registration for Use Tax on Lodging.
• Short‑term rental insurance (property and liability).
• HOA/condo board approval or compliance with applicable covenants.

Branch County (City of Coldwater) — known requirements

• Certificate of compliance (safety/building code compliance).
• Registration with the City of Coldwater (process handled via the Building Commissioner’s office).
• Property inspections as required by the city.
• Local representation/manager designation.
• Ongoing adherence to safety and building standards. Source.

Statewide (Michigan)

• 6% use tax on lodging for stays of 30 days or less; register with the Michigan Department of Treasury to collect and remit. Source.

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

West Branch (Ogemaw County)

• No city‑specific STR ordinances were identified in the provided content for West Branch. STRs are instead governed by county zoning and state tax law.
• Zoning may classify STRs as a commercial or lodging use; approval may be discretionary or require a CUP depending on the district.
• HOA/condo covenants can prohibit short‑term rentals outright. Source.

Branch County/City of Coldwater

• STRs (vacation rentals) are legal with city oversight.
• Certificate of compliance is required; inspections verify safety and building code adherence.
• The Building Commissioner enforces registration and ongoing compliance; local representation is expected. Source.

Statewide (Michigan)

• No statewide registration requirement for STRs.
• No statewide definition of STR; local ordinances vary. Most define STR as 30 days or less.
• 6% use tax applies to lodging rentals of one month or less; hosts must register and remit. Additional local lodging taxes/assessments may apply by municipality and should be verified case by case. Source.

Contact Information

West Branch/Ogemaw County

• Ogemaw County Planning Commission
  • Address: 806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661
  • Phone: (989) 345‑6222
  • Fax: (989) 345‑3626
  • Website: ogemawnet.org/planning (verifies zoning compliance)
• Michigan Department of Treasury — Use Tax on Lodging
  • Phone: (517) 636‑4660
  • Website: treasury.michigan.gov/taxes/business-taxes/use-tax (register to collect/remit 6% on lodging ≤30 days)

Branch County/City of Coldwater

• City of Coldwater — Building Commissioner
  • Address: 1 E. Chicago St., Coldwater, MI 49036
  • Phone: (517) 278‑6929
  • Website: coldwatermi.org/building (certificates, registration, inspections)

Links to Source Pages

• Lodge Compliance — Branch County overview (vacation rentals legal in Coldwater with certificate of compliance and inspections): lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/branch-county-mi
• Summer — West Branch/Ogemaw County STR market and regulations overview (no city ordinance; Ogemaw County zoning may apply; Michigan 6% use tax): gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/west-branch-michigan
• Lodge Compliance — Michigan state STR laws and tax overview (6% state use tax, no statewide registration/definition): lodgecompliance.com/states/michigan
• Proper Insurance — Michigan STR law overview and risk/insurance considerations (commercial activity classification in residential zones): proper.insure/regulations/airbnb-laws-michigan

Notes and Investor Reminders

• Michigan courts often treat short‑term rentals as commercial activity, which can conflict with purely residential restrictions; verify both zoning and private covenants before acquisition.
• Where local lodging taxes/assessments exist (e.g., CVB fees), rates and remittance processes vary; contact the relevant municipality/tourism bureau to confirm.
• Insurance gaps are common; do not rely on standard homeowners policies for STR exposures.

If you are targeting West Branch, start with zoning confirmation at Ogemaw County, set up state tax compliance, and secure appropriate insurance. For Coldwater, align with the Building Commissioner’s compliance pathway, complete inspections, and maintain local representation.