Executive Summary: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Grand Haven, Michigan, but with significant restrictions. The market is split between two jurisdictions: Grand Haven Charter Township and the City of Grand Haven, each with different regulatory frameworks. Short-term rentals are permitted in specific zones and require proper registration, inspections, and compliance with local ordinances. The City of Grand Haven allows approximately 350 registered short-term rental units across the city, while Grand Haven Charter Township operates under a separate overlay zone system.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Step 1: Determine Your Jurisdiction

First, identify whether your property falls within Grand Haven Charter Township or the City of Grand Haven. This determines your regulatory pathway, fees, and allowed zones.

Step 2: Verify Zoning Eligibility

For City of Grand Haven properties:

• Confirm your property is located in an eligible zoning district:
  • Southside (only properties fronting Franklin between 5th and Harbor)
  • Old Town (Key Street Segments with special use approval)
  • Central Business District
  • Dune Residential (with special use approval)
  • Waterfront-2
  • Grand Landing, The Elliott on Seventh, Harbourfront Condos
  • NEW: Centertown Overlay District (upper-level units only, above first-floor retail)

For Grand Haven Charter Township properties:

• Property must be located within the Short-Term Rental Overlay Zone
• Limited Short-Term Rentals allowed for principal residences (6-14 days, max 14 days/year)

Step 3: Complete Registration Process

Both jurisdictions require annual registration with specific forms and fees.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Grand Haven Charter Township Requirements

Registration Documents:

• Annual Rental Application Form
• Short-Term Rental application for overlay zone properties
• Limited Short-Term Rental Notice of Intent Form (for principal residences)

Inspection Requirements:

• Initial inspection required
• Reinspection fees: $50 (first), $100 (second), $150 (third)
• Heating system inspection required
• International Property Maintenance Code compliance

Compliance Documents:

• Certificate of compliance display
• Ordinance adherence (parking, noise, occupancy limits)
• Knox Box installation may be required

City of Grand Haven Requirements

Registration Documents:

• Rental Registration Form
• Certificate of Compliance
• Short-Term Rental eligibility verification

Inspection Requirements:

• Initial inspection included in registration fee
• Annual compliance verification
• Property maintenance code compliance

Mandatory Display Requirements:

• Certificate of Compliance displayed inside rental property
• City ordinance summary posted (trash, noise, occupancy, parking)
• Maximum occupancy load limit posted

Specific Regulations

Occupancy Limits

• City: Maximum occupants listed on Rental Certificate of Compliance
• Township: Determined by International Property Maintenance Code
• No occupancy exceeding what endangers life, health, safety, or welfare

Parking Requirements

City Requirements:

• Minimum 2 paved parking spaces for short-term rentals
• No parking on city streets December 1 - March 31, 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM
• No parking in city lots 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM year-round (except Downtown Residential Parking Program)
• Recreational vehicles/boats/trailers: maximum 5 consecutive days in front yard per 30-day period
• Storage on street/front yard prohibited for more than 48 hours

Township Requirements:

• Off-street parking required
• Paved surface parking mandatory

Noise Ordinances

Both Jurisdictions:

• No unnecessary noise that disturbs others
• Musical instruments/amplified sound prohibited 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM
• Street noise prohibited 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM
• Vehicle sound systems: clearly audible at 50 feet (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM), 25 feet (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM)

Fire and Safety

• Recreational fires allowed in contained structures 25+ feet from buildings
• Wood only (no leaves, cardboard, grasses, construction materials, petroleum)
• Constant attendance required until extinguished
• Fireworks permitted only before/during/after approved holidays, not 1:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Fees and Costs

Grand Haven Charter Township

• Short-Term Rentals: $500 annually
• Long-Term Rentals: $150 (single family), multi-family $25/unit
• Initial Inspection: $0
• Reinspection: $50 (first), $100 (second), $150 (third)
• Complaint Inspection: $50
• Attorney Warning Letter: $600
• Late Fees: 50% of total fees

City of Grand Haven

• Short-Term Rental Registration: $165/unit annually
• Long-Term Rental Registration: $115/unit annually
• Initial Registration Fee: $525/unit (new rentals/ownership transfer, includes inspection)
• Late Fee: $50/unit/month after February 15

Contact Information

Grand Haven Charter Township

Community Development Department

• Address: 13300 168th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
• Phone: (616) 842-5988
• Fax: (616) 842-9419
• Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Friday 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Key Contacts:

• Rental Clerk, Alexis Buckley: (616) 604-6344
• Associate Planner/Permit Technician, Harrison Hill: (616) 604-6319
• Senior Planner, Cassandra Chaphalkar: (616) 604-6340
• Assistant Manager/HR Director, Karen Sherwood: (616) 604-6309
• Ordinance Enforcement Officer/Rental Inspector, Eric VanderMeulen: (616) 604-6308

City of Grand Haven

Community Development Department

• Address: 519 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417
• Phone: (616) 847-3490
• City Hall: (616) 842-3210
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Non-Emergency Police: (616) 842-3460 Emergency: 911

Source Links

Grand Haven Charter Township

• Rental Guidelines
• Rental Regulations Ordinance 605
• International Property Maintenance Code 607
• Short-Term Rental Overlay Map
• Annual Rental Application Form
• Limited Short-Term Rental Notice of Intent

City of Grand Haven

• Rental Housing Program
• Rental Registration Form
• City Regulations for Rental Property
• Short Term Rental Eligibility Map
• Chapter 9, Article X - Short Term Rental Requirements

Recent Updates

• MLive: Grand Haven approves short-term rentals in commercial district

Important Notes for Investors

1. Jurisdiction-Specific Rules: Ensure you understand which governing body oversees your property
2. Zoning Compliance: Verify eligibility before purchasing or investing
3. Annual Renewals: Both jurisdictions require annual registration renewal
4. Recent Changes: The City of Grand Haven recently approved STRs in the Centertown Overlay District (August 2025)
5. Limited Short-Term Rentals: Township allows principal residence exemptions with strict time limits (max 14 days/year)
6. Compliance Monitoring: Both jurisdictions actively enforce ordinances with potential penalties up to $1,000

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Grand Haven's STR regulatory landscape. Investors should consult directly with the appropriate jurisdiction before making investment decisions and maintain ongoing compliance to avoid penalties or certificate suspension.