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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ishpeming, Michigan. As of April 16, 2025, the Ishpeming City Council formally updated the rental registration ordinance to require short-term rental properties to register with the city. While STRs are permitted, they must follow specific registration requirements and are currently exempt from the inspection fees that apply to traditional long-term rentals.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ishpeming

Step 1: Understand Your Legal Requirements

Short-term rentals (defined as properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days) must now register with the City of Ishpeming. This requirement was clarified in April 2025 to eliminate previous ambiguity about whether STRs fell under existing rental regulations.

Step 2: Complete Registration Process

• Obtain and complete the City of Ishpeming Rental Registration Form
• Submit completed registration to the Residential Rental Inspector
• Pay any associated registration fees (contact city for current fee schedule)
• If owning multiple buildings, file separate registration for each building

Step 3: Designate Local Agent (If Required)

If you reside outside Marquette County, Michigan, or outside the county for more than 90 days per calendar year, you must designate a local agent who has a place of residence or business within Marquette County. This agent will be responsible for the operation of your rental property.

Step 4: Maintain Compliance

• Keep registration current and updated
• Respond to city inquiries promptly
• Monitor for any future regulatory changes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core Documents Required:

1. Completed Rental Registration Form - Available from the city website or city hall
2. Proof of Property Ownership - Recorded deed or land contract
3. Local Agent Designation (if applicable) - Document appointing Marquette County-based agent
4. Certificate of Compliance - Required for long-term rentals, currently exempt for STRs under 2025 amendments

Exemptions from Inspection Requirements:

• Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast establishments
• Properties inspected by HUD or FHA (with proof provided)
• Homeless shelters
• Short-term rentals (as of 2025 council decision)

Regional Permit Context:

While not city-specific, property owners should be aware that electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are issued by Marquette County. Building permits are typically required for work beyond redecorating.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Ishpeming Regulations:

Registration Requirements:

• Mandatory Registration: All STR properties must register with the city
• Separate Registration: Each building containing STR units requires individual registration
• Information Gathering: Registration focuses on collecting current contact information for property managers
• No Current Caps: While under discussion, no specific numerical limits on STRs have been enacted as of 2025

Inspection Status:

• Currently Exempt: STRs are not subject to the tri-annual inspection requirements that apply to long-term rentals
• Voluntary Compliance: Enforcement relies primarily on voluntary compliance rather than proactive inspections
• Future Review: City officials indicated further review is needed before potentially implementing inspection requirements for STRs

Key Definitions:

• Residential Rental Dwelling Unit: Individual living quarters occupied by persons other than the owner for remuneration
• Short-Term Rental: Typically defined as rentals under 30 consecutive days
• Local Agent: Individual/company representing owner with Marquette County residence/business

Marquette County Context:

Marquette County handles electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits through their Construction Codes Department at 232 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette (Telephone: 906-225-8180).

State of Michigan Regulations:

While no specific state-level STR regulations were provided in the source material, Michigan communities generally follow state health, safety, and zoning codes that may indirectly affect rental operations.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

Russell Kilgren
Rental Inspector/Code Enforcement
City of Ishpeming
100 E. Division Street
Ishpeming, MI 49849

Phone: 906-485-1091, Extension 208
Fax: 906-485-6246
Email: rentalregistration@ishpemingcity.org

City Hall Information:

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Summer Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Memorial Day through Labor Day)

Additional Resources:

• Marquette County Construction Codes: 232 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
• Phone: 906-225-8180 (for electrical, mechanical, plumbing permits)

Links to Source Pages

Primary City Resources:

• Rental Inspector Department: ishpemingcity.org/departments/rental-inspector/
• Rental Registration Form: ishpemingcity.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Rental-Registration-Form.pdf
• Ordinance 7-400 (Rental Registration): ishpemingcity.org/?wpfb_dl=816
• Ordinance 7-500 (Rental Inspection): ishpemingcity.org/?wpfb_dl=445
• City Permits/Applications: ishpemingcity.org/our-city/permits/
• Complete City Website: ishpemingcity.org/

Recent Meeting Documentation:

• Planning Commission STR Discussion (April 2025): citizenportal.ai/articles/3073504/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-accelerates-short-term-rental-ordinance-registration-and-inspection-updates
• City Council STR Registration Update (April 2025): citizenportal.ai/articles/3073503/Ishpeming/Marquette-County/Michigan/City-Council-updates-rental-registration-ordinance-to-include-short-term-rentals

Regional Context:

• UP Communities STR Regulations Article: www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/02/07/up-communities-look-short-term-rental-regulations-response-housing-shortage/

Important Notes for STR Investors

Current Regulatory Environment:

• Registration Now Required: As of April 2025, STRs must register (previously ambiguous)
• Inspection Exemption: STRs currently exempt from inspection fees that apply to long-term rentals
• Voluntary Enforcement: Compliance monitoring relies on voluntary reporting
• Under Discussion: Potential caps and additional regulations being studied by planning commission

Financial Considerations:

• Registration Fees: Contact city for current fee schedule (not specified in source material)
• Inspection Fees: Currently not charged for STRs (unlike $60-$50/unit for long-term rentals)
• Permit Costs: County permits may be required for electrical, mechanical, plumbing work

Compliance Strategy:

1. Register Immediately: Complete registration to ensure legal compliance
2. Monitor Updates: Stay informed about potential future regulations
3. Maintain Records: Keep registration documents accessible for city officials
4. Designate Local Agent: If residing outside Marquette County, ensure local representation

This regulatory landscape represents a moderate approach to STR oversight, allowing operation while establishing basic registration requirements for accountability and emergency response purposes.