Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Marlette, MI

Short-term rentals are permitted in Marlette, MI under specific conditions. The city recognizes two main categories:

1. Home occupations with room rental (up to 2 rooms)
2. Bed & Breakfast establishments (requiring special use permits)

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Marlette, MI

Option 1: Simple Room Rental (Up to 2 Rooms)

• Rent rooms in your primary residence
• Maximum 2 rooms to non-transient persons
• Must follow residential zoning district requirements
• No special permits required beyond standard zoning compliance

Option 2: Bed & Breakfast Operation

• Full lodging business with meals
• Requires Special Use Permit approval
• Subject to more extensive regulations
• Must distinguish from boarding houses, hotels, motels

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

For All Short-Term Rentals:

1. Zoning Compliance Verification
2. Building Permit (for any construction-related modifications)
3. Water and Sewage Compliance with County Health Department requirements
4. Fire Safety and Building Code Compliance

Additional Requirements for Bed & Breakfast:

1. Special Use Permit Application
2. Site Plan Review
3. Detailed operational plan
4. Compliance with state licensing requirements for lodging establishments
5. Food service permits (if meals are provided)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations:

Room Rental Limitations:

• Maximum 2 rooms can be rented to non-transient persons
• Must be in dwelling unit otherwise occupied
• Renting must comply with district residential use requirements

Bed & Breakfast Standards:

• Located in dwelling providing lodging and meals
• Occupancy by prearrangement for periods not exceeding one week
• Must be distinguished from boarding houses, hotels, motels
• Subject to special use permit conditions

Zoning Districts Where Permitted:

• R1-A, R1-B, R1-C (Residential): Room rentals allowed; Bed & Breakfast requires special use permit
• R-2 (Two Unit Residential): Room rentals may be permitted; Bed & Breakfast requires special use permit
• RM (Multi-Unit): Room rentals subject to district regulations; Bed & Breakfast requires special use permit
• Commercial District: May allow lodging uses; check specific district requirements

Operational Requirements:

• Must comply with health department requirements
• Fire safety and building code compliance required
• Parking requirements must be met
• Noise and nuisance regulations apply
• Property maintenance standards must be maintained

County and State Regulations:

• Must comply with Sanilac County Health Department water and sewage requirements
• Follow Michigan Department of Health licensing requirements for lodging establishments
• Comply with Michigan Food Code if providing meals
• Meet Michigan Building Code requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contacts:

• Zoning Administrator: City of Marlette
• Building Department: City of Marlette
• City Clerk: Sandra Cargill
• City Manager: Lou LaPonsie
• City Attorney: Greg Stremers

Key Departments:

• Planning Commission: Reviews special use permits
• Zoning Board of Appeals: Handles variances and appeals
• County Health Department: Water and sewage compliance

Application Process and Timeline

For Room Rentals:

1. Verify zoning compliance with current use
2. Obtain any necessary building permits
3. Ensure compliance with health department requirements

For Bed & Breakfast:

1. Submit Special Use Permit application to Planning Commission
2. Complete Site Plan Review process
3. Meet all operational and safety requirements
4. Obtain necessary state and county licenses

Important Considerations

• Definition Compliance: Ensure your operation clearly falls within permitted categories
• Neighborhood Impact: Consider residential character preservation requirements
• Parking and Access: Adequate parking must be provided per district requirements
• Health and Safety: Regular inspections may be required
• Tax Implications: Business licensing and tax registration may be required

Source Document Reference

City of Marlette Zoning Ordinance - Adopted July 14, 2014, effective August 8, 2014

The complete zoning ordinance contains the detailed regulatory framework, application procedures, and enforcement provisions for short-term rental operations in Marlette, MI. Investors should review the full ordinance and consult with city officials to ensure full compliance with all applicable requirements.