Overview: Are STRs allowed in Harrison, MI?

• Yes, but only through uses that are expressly permitted by the City of Harrison Zoning Ordinance.
• The Zoning Ordinance does not contain a separate “short‑term rental” use category. STR operations are legally feasible under the “Bed and Breakfast” use (if offering transient lodging with limited rooms) or under “Hotels/Motels” (if operating a lodging facility with multiple guest rooms).
• Bed and Breakfasts are allowed as a Special Land Use in R‑1, R‑2, and R‑3 districts, and as Permitted uses in certain Commercial districts depending on the district (see the Land Use and Zoning District Table above).
• Hotels/Motels are Permitted in C‑1 and Special Land Uses in CR; other commercial districts vary by specific zoning (check the land use table for your property).
• Bed and Breakfasts are subject to very specific standards (operator must live on site, 14‑day maximum stay, guest logs, five rentable rooms unless justified, etc.). Hotels/Motels must meet height and fire service agreements for buildings over 35 feet.
• Before operating, confirm with the Zoning Administrator which use category applies to your intended operation and whether the property’s zoning allows that use (as of right or as a Special Use). Source: City of Harrison Zoning Ordinance.

Important note: This guide focuses on Harrison city‑specific regulations (Clare County does not appear to have county‑level STR ordinances in the provided content). For statewide rules (e.g., Michigan sales tax on lodging), see the state‑level section below.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Harrison, MI

A practical pathway for an STR in Harrison depends on whether your operation more closely fits the “Bed and Breakfast” or “Hotels/Motel” use. Many small, whole‑home or few‑room listings in residential districts will be evaluated as a Bed and Breakfast. Larger multi‑room lodging operations typically require Hotel/Motel treatment.

Step‑by‑step approach:

1. Confirm zoning and allowable use.
   • Identify the base zoning district of your property (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, CR, C‑1, C‑2, etc.) using the official zoning map or by contacting the City.
   • Determine whether Bed and Breakfast or Hotels/Motels is allowed in that district:
     • Bed and Breakfast: Special Use [S] in R‑1/R‑2/R‑3; appears as “S” or “P” in several Commercial/Resort districts depending on the district.
     • Hotels/Motels: Permitted [P] in C‑1; Special Use [S] in CR; check the Land Use Table for other commercial districts.
2. If a Special Use Permit (SUP) is required:
   • Submit an SUP application to the Zoning Administrator (see Required Documents below).
   • Prepare a detailed site plan per Article 9 and any operating plan required by the Planning Commission.
   • Attend a public hearing before the Planning Commission; the Commission may approve, deny, or approve with conditions.
   • If approved, proceed to building permit and Certificate of Occupancy (CO) processes.
3. Secure building permits and a Certificate of Occupancy.
   • All work must comply with the State Construction Code and local building regulations; CO is required prior to occupancy.
   • For Bed and Breakfasts: confirm compliance with building code, sanitary regulations, and zoning standards; no garage operations, no cooking in rooms, and no restaurant activity (only breakfast to overnight guests).
4. Parking and site development.
   • Provide off‑street parking per Section 7.1:
     • Nursing homes guideline (1 space/200 sq ft usable floor area) is given in the ordinance; however, Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels/Motels have no explicit parking ratio in the ordinance. Follow Planning Commission guidance and site plan review standards.
     • Screen parking areas as required (e.g., lighting, buffers, drainage, landscaping).
5. Operational compliance.
   • Maintain a guest log (Bed and Breakfast).
   • Limit stays to 14 days (Bed and Breakfast).
   • Confirm maximum number of rentable rooms (Bed and Breakfast: five rooms unless justified by site plan).
   • Comply with any conditions placed on the SUP (e.g., exterior modifications, signage, lighting).
6. Business tax and registration.
   • Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury and collect/remit Michigan sales tax on lodging (see State‑Level Regulations below).
   • Use tax and withholding may apply depending on your business structure.
7. Contact local authorities.
   • Coordinate with the Zoning Administrator, Building Official, and City Clerk for permit status, CO issuance, zoning questions, and tax registration.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Documents typically required for an STR depend on whether you are operating as a Bed and Breakfast or Hotel/Motel. Key requirements:

• Application and process.
  • Special Use Permit (SUP) application if required by zoning (see “Administration and Procedure” Section 4.2):
    • Submit to the Zoning Administrator on the prescribed form.
    • Include a site plan (per Article 9), plans/drawings, and a written statement detailing the use, size, location, and estimated occupancy timeline.
  • Site plan review (Article 9).
    • Minor site plan or full site plan depending on the scope (see “Information Requirements” for minor vs. full site plans).
    • Full site plan is required for special uses and certain non‑single‑family uses.
• Building permits and Certificate of Occupancy.
  • Building permit(s) for any construction/alterations.
  • Certificate of Occupancy issued only after SUP approval and compliance with codes.
• Compliance documents.
  • Building code compliance documentation (e.g., egress, fire protection, sanitation).
  • Sanitary compliance (septic/wastewater as applicable).
  • Parking and stormwater management plans per Section 7.1 and 7.4 (drainage, pavement standards, tree requirements).
  • Lighting plans (permitted types, shielding, setbacks).
• Ongoing operational requirements (Bed and Breakfast).
  • Guest log showing names and arrival/departure dates (must be available for City inspection).
  • 14‑day maximum stay for guests other than the owner and family.
  • Five rentable rooms maximum unless justified by site plan and special approval.
  • Operator must live on the premises when the operation is active.
• Licensing and tax registration.
  • Michigan Department of Treasury registration for sales tax on lodging; other tax obligations as applicable.
• Signage.
  • Sign regulations are governed by City Ordinance 22.050; coordinate sign permits with the City.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals in Harrison, MI (City, County, State)

City‑level regulations (as derived from the Zoning Ordinance):

• Zoning and allowable uses.
  • Bed and Breakfasts: Special Land Uses in R‑1, R‑2, R‑3; also permitted/special in various commercial/resort districts depending on the district.
  • Hotels/Motels: Permitted in C‑1; Special Land Use in CR; other commercial districts vary by the Land Use Table.
• Special Use Permit (SUP) procedures (Article 4).
  • SUP required for Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels/Motels where designated.
  • General standards (compatibility with Master Plan, adjacent uses, traffic, public services, environmental impacts, licensing).
  • Planning Commission holds a public hearing and may approve, deny, or approve with conditions.
  • Additional conditions and stipulations may be imposed; violations can invalidate the CO.
• Specific Bed and Breakfast standards (Article 4.11).
  • Operator must live on the premises.
  • Comply with building and sanitary regulations.
  • Minimal outward modifications; architectural review may be required.
  • Guest log required; maximum stay 14 days.
  • No garage operations; no cooking facilities in rentable rooms; no restaurant activity.
  • Maximum five rentable rooms unless justified by size/site plan.
• Parking (Article 7.1).
  • Off‑street parking and loading standards apply.
  • Provide and maintain parking areas with adequate drainage, surfacing, and lighting.
  • Screening requirements (e.g., fencing/landscaping) and yard setbacks apply to parking areas near residential uses.
• Site plan review (Article 9).
  • Required for special uses and non‑single‑family uses.
  • Standards address traffic, public safety, drainage, hazardous waste management, and conformance with the Master Plan.
• Signage.
  • Sign regulations are addressed in City Ordinance 22.050; obtain sign permits as required.
• Industrial and nuisance standards (Article 4.15).
  • Odors, gases, glare/heat, and noise limits are provided (useful as context when planning site operations and mitigation).
• Overlay districts (Article 2.4).
  • Wellhead Protection Overlay (W‑1) and Downtown Development Authority Overlay (Article 5) impose additional design standards and restrictions; confirm applicability to your site.

Clare County level:

• No county‑level short‑term rental ordinances were identified in the provided content. Harrison municipal zoning governs STR operations unless otherwise noted by the County.

State‑level (Michigan):

• Sales tax on lodging: Short‑term rentals (STRs) are treated as lodging for Michigan tax purposes. Operators must register with the Michigan Department of Treasury, collect 6% sales tax on room charges, and remit according to Treasury guidance.
• Use tax and withholding: Depending on your business structure and activities, you may also have Michigan use tax and withholding obligations.
• Building and safety codes: All construction/alterations must comply with the Michigan Residential/Building Code, as applicable, and local enforcement.

Contact Information (Phone, Email, Website)

Use the following contacts for zoning questions, SUP applications, building permits, CO issuance, and general city information. Email addresses are not specified in the provided content; use the website contact forms or phone for routing.

• City of Harrison – City Hall
  • Address: 1589 S. Half Rd, Harrison, MI 48625
  • Phone: (989) 539‑5355
  • Website: cityofharrison‑mi.gov
• Zoning Administrator / Planning
  • Route via City Hall: (989) 539‑5355
  • Location: City Hall office (Zoning Administrator)
• Building Department / Building Official
  • Route via City Hall: (989) 539‑5355
• City Clerk
  • Route via City Hall: (989) 539‑5355
• Planning Commission
  • Meeting coordination via City Hall: (989) 539‑5355
• Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Route via City Hall: (989) 539‑5355
• Harrison Area Economic Development Corporation (Economic Development)
  • Route via City Hall: (989) 539‑5355
• Michigan Department of Treasury
  • Website: www.michigan.gov/treasury
  • Phone: Customer Service (for tax registration, collections): Not specified in provided content.

Note: When emailing, use the City’s website contact form or call City Hall to identify the correct staff member for your matter.

Links to Source Pages

• City of Harrison Zoning Ordinance (PDF):
  • cityofharrison‑mi.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/125/2022/02/Zoning-Ordinance-Updated-3-23-2020.pdf

Practical Compliance Checklist for Investors

• Confirm zoning district and allowable use (Bed and Breakfast vs. Hotels/Motels).
• If SUP is required, prepare a complete application and a full site plan per Article 9.
• Submit SUP application to the Zoning Administrator; attend Planning Commission hearing.
• Secure building permits; complete any interior/exterior work; schedule inspections.
• Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after SUP approval and code compliance.
• Prepare parking, lighting, stormwater, and signage plans as required by Articles 7.1 and 7.4.
• For Bed and Breakfast operations:
  • Implement guest logging; enforce 14‑day maximum stay; limit rentable rooms (default five).
  • Confirm operator residence and no garage/cooking‑in‑rooms/restaurant activity.
• Register for Michigan sales tax on lodging; set up collection/remittance processes.
• Maintain ongoing compliance with SUP conditions, City ordinances (including signs via Ordinance 22.050), and state codes.

This guide uses only the provided content and the Zoning Ordinance PDF link above. If your intended operation differs significantly from a Bed and Breakfast (e.g., large‑scale hotel, event‑oriented lodging, or non‑traditional formats), confirm with the Zoning Administrator whether an alternative use category or a Planned Unit Development pathway applies.