Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Dexter, MI?

• Dexter Township: Short-term rentals are explicitly not permitted. The Township Zoning Ordinance does not list STRs as a permitted use in any district, and the Township Board has maintained the prohibition while shifting enforcement to a complaint-driven basis. [Source 1][Source 3][Source 4]
• City of Dexter: Short-term rentals are allowed as an “Accessory Short-Term Rental” with a required Zoning Compliance Permit and compliance with occupancy, parking, and structural rules. City rules are separate from the Township’s. [Source 2]

If your property is in Dexter Township, STRs are prohibited. If your property is in the City of Dexter, you must obtain a permit and meet City standards.

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

If the property is in Dexter Township:

• Currently, you cannot legally operate a short-term rental. The Township’s Zoning Ordinance does not allow STRs. The Planning Commission and Board are considering clarifying the zoning text to reaffirm the prohibition and revisiting definitions (e.g., “bed and breakfast”) for consistency. Any change would require a formal zoning amendment and public process. [Source 1][Source 3][Source 4]

Practical steps while the prohibition remains:

1. Monitor Township meetings and the Short-Term Rentals Committee for any ordinance changes.
2. Consider alternative uses consistent with the Zoning Ordinance (e.g., long-term rentals, home occupations, bed and breakfast if you can meet the owner-residence criteria and applicable zoning).
3. If you are already operating, be aware the Township has lifted the enforcement moratorium and is addressing STR activity on a complaint-driven basis. [Source 3]

If the property is in the City of Dexter:

You can operate an Accessory Short-Term Rental if:

1. You are the Permanent Resident of the dwelling unit.
2. You obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit before operating.
3. You renew annually (permits expire December 31) and comply with all structural, occupancy, parking, and administrative requirements. [Source 2]

Step-by-step:

1. Confirm zoning and Permanent Resident status:
   • The applicant must be the Permanent Resident (established via two of: motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, voter registration, tax documents showing the unit as primary residence for homestead credit, or utility bill).
2. Prepare permit application materials:
   • Completed Zoning Compliance Application for Accessory Short-Term Rental Housing.
   • Dimensioned floor plan of the unit.
   • Plot Plan survey (prepared, signed and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer or Surveyor) including setbacks, structures, parking, hydrants, and right-of-way details.
   • Exterior and interior photos.
   • Proof of Permanent Residency (two qualifying documents).
3. Submit the application and fees to the City of Dexter Zoning Administrator:
   • Permits expire December 31; renew annually through administrative review.
   • Permits are not transferable; new ownership requires a new permit.
4. Comply with operational rules:
   • Occupancy and bathroom rules (see “City of Dexter Specific Regulations” below).
   • Parking requirements (resident + one space per guest bedroom; on-street may be allowed with conditions).
   • Structural restrictions (no separate cooking in guest bedrooms; lodging only in the primary dwelling; no tents/RVs).
5. Maintain records and notify the City of any changes within 30 days. [Source 2]

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Documents (City of Dexter — Accessory STR)

• Zoning Compliance Application for Accessory Short-Term Rental Housing.
• Plot Plan survey (8½” x 14” format, drawn to scale with north arrow, benchmark, hydrants, driveways, parking, setbacks).
• Dimensioned floor plan layout of the unit.
• Exterior and interior photographs.
• Proof of Permanent Residency (two qualifying items from the approved list).
• Application and annual renewal fees (set by City Council resolution). [Source 2]

Compliance Standards (City of Dexter)

• Permits required before operation; annual renewal by December 31.
• Not transferable; new ownership must re-apply.
• Lodging must be within the dwelling; no RVs, tents, or temporary structures.
• Guest bedroom minimum sizes and bathroom access rules.
• Parking: one off-street for the resident plus one per guest bedroom; on-street may be permitted with conditions. [Source 2]

Note: For Dexter Township, no STR permits are available under the current Zoning Ordinance. [Source 1][Source 3][Source 4]

Specific Regulations for STRs

• Dexter Township (Washtenaw County): STRs are prohibited in all zoning districts. The Township is enforcing on a complaint-driven basis and will clarify zoning text to confirm the prohibition. Lake communities and other areas are subject to the same prohibition; there are no carve-outs in the current ordinance. [Source 1][Source 3][Source 4]
• City of Dexter (independent municipality within Washtenaw County): STRs are permitted as an Accessory Short-Term Rental with a permit, Permanent Resident requirement, and compliance with structural, occupancy, and parking standards. [Source 2]

Contact Information

• Dexter Township Planning & Zoning:

  • Phone: (734) 426-3767
  • Address: 6880 Dexter-Pinckney Road, Dexter, MI 48130
  • Email: aabott@dextertownship.org (Alicia Abbott); officemanager@dextertownship.org (Samantha Edwards)
  • Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Fridays by appointment only [Source 1]

• City of Dexter Zoning Administrator:

  • Phone: (734) 580-8303
  • Address: 8123 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Dexter, MI 48130-1092
  • Permits and applications are filed with the Zoning Administrator [Source 2]

Links to Source Pages

• Dexter Township Short-Term Rental Survey and STR prohibition statement: www.dextertownshipmi.gov/dexter-township-short-term-rental-survey/
• City of Dexter Zoning Compliance Application (Accessory Short-Term Rental): dextermi.gov/short-term%20rental%20zc%20application.2022-05-25.pdf
• The Sun Times News coverage on Township STR decisions and enforcement posture: thesuntimesnews.com/short-term-rentals-dexter-township-to-stick-with-current-ordinance-for-now/
• MLive article confirming STRs are prohibited in Dexter Township: www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/09/airbnbs-short-term-rentals-prohibited-in-lake-community-near-ann-arbor.html

Operational Notes for Investors

• Jurisdiction clarity: Confirm whether your parcel is in the City of Dexter or Dexter Township before planning an STR. The rules differ materially.
• Enforcement (Township): While a moratorium on enforcement was lifted, the Township is addressing STRs on a complaint-driven basis. Non-compliant operations may be subject to code enforcement. [Source 3]
• Policy watch: The Planning Commission and Short-Term Rentals Committee may revisit definitions and standards; monitor public meetings for any future ordinance changes. [Source 1][Source 3][Source 4]

Sources: [1] www.dextertownshipmi.gov/dexter-township-short-term-rental-survey/ [2] dextermi.gov/short-term%20rental%20zc%20application.2022-05-25.pdf [3] thesuntimesnews.com/short-term-rentals-dexter-township-to-stick-with-current-ordinance-for-now/ [4] www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2025/09/airbnbs-short-term-rentals-prohibited-in-lake-community-near-ann-arbor.html