Overview: Are STRs allowed?

• Short-term rentals are allowed in Henrietta Township (unincorporated Henrietta, MI) as a matter of state law under Michigan’s Short-Term Rental Rental Act, MCL 125.3101 et seq., administered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You may operate a short-term rental without local township approval; however, the property must comply with zoning (residential uses must remain consistent with the district’s allowed uses), building, fire, and health codes.
• “Tourist home” is a defined use in the Henrietta Township Zoning Ordinance (see Section 201.100) but is not explicitly listed as a permitted use by-right or as a conditional use in the provided ordinance text. As a practical matter, the State registration governs STRs; if the township later clarifies “tourist home” status (by-right or conditional), you should follow that pathway.
• Start with Michigan STR registration (required), ensure zoning compliance, and verify building/fire/health compliance.

How to start a short-term rental in this market

1. Confirm zoning fit

• Confirm the parcel is in an appropriate zoning district for residential use (e.g., R-1 One-Family Residential, R-2 Multiple Family, AG-1 Agricultural). STRs must operate as a residential use.
• If the STR would materially change the residential character (e.g., converting a single-family home into lodging with shared facilities and frequent guest turnover), consult the Zoning Administrator and, if applicable, pursue any required approvals (e.g., conditional use if required for “tourist home”).

2. Register with the State of Michigan (mandatory)

• Create a Short-Term Rental account and register your property online with LARA (Michigan Short-Term Rental program). You will receive a STR Registration Number for each unit.
• Decide whether you are a Resident Host (you live on the property) or Operator (property is not your principal residence). Your registration status and duties differ slightly.
• Fee: Michigan imposes a registration fee per unit (commonly cited as around $45 per unit at the state level; confirm the current fee on LARA’s site).

3. Verify and install required safety equipment

• Provide and maintain compliant smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms per Michigan requirements.
• Have a fire extinguisher readily available and properly maintained.
• Post the registered STR address, maximum occupancy, and local emergency contact information in a conspicuous location.
• Maintain clear egress pathways and address any exterior hazards.

4. Obtain a sales tax certificate (if renting for 30 days or fewer)

• Register for a Michigan sales, use, and withholding tax account with the Michigan Department of Treasury if you rent for 30 days or fewer. You must collect and remit Michigan sales tax on transient rentals. If you rent for more than 30 days, sales tax generally does not apply; see Treasury guidance for details.

5. Confirm building, fire, and health code compliance

• Do not proceed without verifying applicable building, electrical, plumbing, fire, and health requirements (including, if meals are served, Michigan Food Code/Food Establishment licensing).
• A building permit is required for structural alterations, additions, or significant interior changes. Property must meet setback, height, sewer/water, and foundation standards in Henrietta Township.

6. Insurance and contracts

• Obtain appropriate short-term rental property and liability insurance.
• Use professional rental agreements listing occupancy limits, quiet hours, parking rules, trash/recycling, and local regulations.

7. Ongoing compliance and guest communications

• Comply with state registration renewal and any updates in safety equipment, occupancy limits, and posting requirements.
• Provide guests with house rules that reflect township ordinances (quiet hours, parking, nuisances, lake setbacks if waterfront).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• State-level mandatory requirements:
  • Michigan Short-Term Rental Registration (per unit), including:
    • STR Registration Number (LARA).
    • Proof of smoke and CO alarm compliance.
    • Fire extinguisher presence and maintenance verification.
    • Occupancy limit posting.
    • Local emergency contact information posted.
  • Michigan Sales Tax Certificate (if renting for 30 days or fewer) with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
  • Food service licensing (if breakfast or meals are provided), under Michigan Food Law; contact the Jackson County Health Department.
• Local requirements:
  • Zoning compliance letter or determination (from Henrietta Township Zoning Administrator).
  • Building permits and approvals for any structural changes (Henrietta Township/Zoning Administrator as applicable).
  • Home occupation permit (only if STR is pursued as a small “home business” structure; generally not applicable to STRs under state law unless specifically required).
  • Proof of legal water and sewer connections (public utilities preferred or approved private systems per Jackson County Health Department).
• Federal considerations (where applicable):
  • IRS 1099 reporting rules for platforms/hosts; consult IRS guidance for annual reporting thresholds.

Specific regulations applicable to STRs in Henrietta Township, Jackson County, and the State of Michigan

• Henrietta Township zoning notes:
  • The township zoning ordinance defines “Tourist Home” (Section 201.100) and includes detailed standards for “Home Occupation” (Section 119), which are stricter than typical STR operations. STRs should be reviewed under state STR rules and the township’s general residential zoning allowances. Where “tourist home” is not explicitly listed as a permitted or conditional use, the property’s principal use must remain residential, consistent with the district.
  • Use and building standards to confirm for any property modification:
    • Residential districts: R-1 (Section 500) and R-2 (Section 600), including permitted uses and dimensional requirements (setbacks, height, lot coverage, floor area).
    • Sewage disposal: All dwellings should connect to public sewer/water or approved private systems (Sections 508 and 410).
    • Dimensional standards: Heights limited to 2.5 stories or 35 feet unless provided otherwise for certain districts (Section 109).
    • Lakefront/waterfront: 40-foot waterfront yard setback from ordinary high water mark (Section 105). If accessory deck projection is necessary, follow permeability and permitting standards (Section 104, Table 1).
  • Home Occupation constraints (Section 119) are stricter than typical STRs: limited customer visit hours (8 a.m.–8 p.m.), signage limits (4 sq ft), off-street parking, limited square footage, and no external storage or character-altering alterations. STRs should follow state STR rules unless zoning approval is obtained for “tourist home.”
• State of Michigan (Short-Term Rental Rental Act):
  • STRs must be registered online with LARA; each unit receives a STR Registration Number.
  • Safety equipment and posting requirements apply.
  • Sales tax collection and remittance required for rentals 30 days or fewer (Michigan Department of Treasury).
• Health and Food Service:
  • If meals are served to guests on-site, a Food Establishment license may be required under the Michigan Food Law. Contact the Jackson County Health Department for requirements and inspections.
• County-level notes (Jackson County):
  • Jackson County Health Department enforces food service, sewage disposal, and private well/water systems approvals. Confirm septic/well compliance for properties not served by public utilities.
  • The Jackson County Road Commission governs road access and private road standards; ensure adequate legal access per Section 117 (Access to Public Streets).

Local authority contacts (STR-related)

• Henrietta Township Zoning Administrator
  • Phone: 517-536-8182
  • Email: Not listed; contact via township office.
  • Address: Henrietta Township, 12450 East Road, Henrietta, MI 49241
  • Website: henriettatownshipmi.gov
• Michigan LARA Short-Term Rental Program
  • Website: michigan.gov/shorttermrentals (official registration and rules)
  • Email/Phone: See LARA program page for current contact details.
• Michigan Department of Treasury (Sales Tax for STRs)
  • Website: michigan.gov/taxes
• Jackson County Health Department
  • Phone: 517-788-4420
  • Website: co.jackson.mi.us (or michigan.gov/mdhhs → county health departments)
• Jackson County Planning & Zoning
  • Phone: 517-788-4310
  • Website: co.jackson.mi.us/Departments/Planning-and-Conservation
• Jackson County Building Department (permitting and inspections)
  • Phone: 517-788-4320
  • Website: co.jackson.mi.us/Departments/Building
• Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency)
  • Phone: 517-788-4100
  • Website: co.jackson.mi.us/Sheriff
• Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Food Establishment licensing)
  • Website: michigan.gov/mdard
• Emergency: Dial 911

Links to source pages

• Henrietta Township Zoning Ordinance (Jan 2023): henriettatownshipmi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Zoning-Ordinance.pdf
• Michigan Short-Term Rental Registration (LARA): www.michigan.gov/shorttermrentals
• Michigan Department of Treasury (Sales/Use Tax for STRs): www.michigan.gov/taxes
• Michigan Food Law and Food Establishments (MDARD): www.michigan.gov/mdard

Additional practical investor notes

• Hennepin/Harrietta spelling: The township’s official spelling is “Henrietta Township,” with a single “r.” Confirm the mailing address and property records use the same spelling.
• Time to open: State registration is generally fast if safety equipment is in place; obtaining a sales tax account can be completed online; building permits vary by scope of work.
• Occupancy and parking: Confirm maximum occupancy with STR registration. Avoid onsite overflow parking that violates Residential District standards or creates public nuisances.
• Noise and nuisances: Guests must comply with quiet hours; adopt house rules aligned with Township’s general standards on nuisances.
• Lakefront properties: If you own waterfront parcels, confirm required setbacks and any deck projection rules; plan signage and amenities to avoid zoning violations.
• If you plan meals: Food service licensing, kitchen equipment, and sanitation requirements must be addressed before opening.

Disclaimer

• This guide reflects the provided documents and the Michigan Short-Term Rental Rental Act. Municipal and county regulations change. Always verify current requirements with LARA, Henrietta Township, the Jackson County Health Department, and the Jackson County Planning/Building Department before opening or expanding an STR.