Overview: STR Status in Clarkston, MI

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Clarkston, MI, but with significant restrictions and specific zoning requirements. According to the Village's zoning ordinance amendment adopted in January 2022, short-term rentals are explicitly permitted as a use in the Village Commercial District. However, there are comprehensive regulations that investors must navigate carefully.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Clarkston

Step 1: Zoning Compliance

• Primary Requirement: Your STR must be located in the Village Commercial District to be permitted
• Residential Areas: Based on available information, short-term rentals face significant restrictions in residential areas, with discussion of potential bans in these zones

Step 2: Business Registration Process

Based on the Planning Commission's proposed regulations (adopted by reference in subsequent ordinances):

1. Annual Registration: All STR properties must be registered annually with the City
2. Renewal Period: Permits must be renewed between January 2nd and January 15th each year
3. Advertisement Requirements: All STR advertisements (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) must include the City's assigned short-term rental permit registration number

Step 3: Host Requirements

• Residency: STR host must be a resident of the Village of Clarkston
• Property Limit: Each host may only establish one permitted STR property within the Village
• Local Presence: Required for compliance monitoring and issue resolution

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documentation

1. Annual STR Permit (mandatory)
2. $150 Annual Operating Fee (payable during permit application)
3. Building Safety Inspection Certificate (required for each permit application/renewal)
4. Property Registration Documents (proving ownership and legal use)
5. Host Verification Documents (proof of Clarkston residency)

Compliance Requirements

• Advertisement Compliance: Include permit number in all marketing materials
• Occupancy Documentation: Maintain records demonstrating compliance with occupancy limits
• Nightly Rental Records: Track and report rental nights (90-night annual limit)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Limits

• Maximum Rental Nights: 90 nights per calendar year (consecutive or collective)
• Minimum Stay: 2 nights minimum
• Occupancy Limit: Maximum guests equals twice the number of bedrooms (e.g., 3-bedroom house = maximum 6 guests)

Spacing Requirements

• Distance Requirement: No STR may be located within 2,000 feet of another approved STR property
• Property Concentration Control: Designed to prevent clustering and maintain neighborhood character

Safety and Inspection Requirements

• Building Department Safety Inspection: Required during each permit application and renewal
• Compliance Monitoring: Regular inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards

Enforcement and Penalties

• Permit Revocation: Non-compliance may result in loss of City permit
• Regulatory Oversight: City maintains authority to enforce all established regulations

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact

City of Clarkston Administrative Offices

• Address: 375 Depot Rd, Clarkston, MI 48346
• Phone: 248-625-1559
• Office Hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Friday: Office Closed (DPW Open)

Key Departments

• City Manager: Jonathan Smith (for policy questions)
• Building Department: For safety inspections and permit applications
• Clerk's Office: Jennifer Speagle (for registration and documentation)

Meeting Information

• City Council Meetings: Held at City Hall; check city website for current schedule
• Planning Commission Meetings: For zoning and regulatory discussions

State-Level Regulations (Michigan)

As noted in local discussions, Michigan state legislation has been evolving regarding municipal control of STRs. Specifically:

• House Bill 4722 and Senate Bill 446: Would limit local municipalities' ability to regulate STRs
• House Bill 4985: Considered a compromise proposal supported by Michigan Municipal League
• State Preemption Concerns: Future state legislation may override local STR regulations

Important Note: The Village Attorney has advised that Clarkston can proceed with local ordinances and "unwind" them if conflicting state legislation is approved.

Source Links

1. Clarkston Zoning Ordinance Amendment (2022): https://clarkstonnews.com/articles/public-notices/public-notice-clarkston-zoning-ordinance-amendments-re-short-term-rentals/

2. Planning Commission Minutes (2020): https://cms3.revize.com/revize/clarkston/Documents/Government/Boards%20Committees%20Commissions/Planning%20Commission/Agenda%20Minutes/2020/Minutes/_02032020-696.pdf

3. Oakland Press Article (2021): https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2021/06/29/neighbors-complain-about-short-term-rentals-in-clarkston/

4. Village of Clarkston Official Website: https://villageofclarkston.org/government/ordinances_charter/index.php

Investment Recommendation: Clarkston offers a regulated but viable STR market with significant compliance requirements. The commercial district restriction and 90-night annual limit substantially impact revenue potential. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence regarding specific property locations, current market conditions, and potential future state legislative impacts before committing to this market.