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

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Mears, Michigan, within Golden Township. However, they are heavily regulated under Golden Township Ordinance #52 (as amended June 8, 2021). STRs are permitted for single-family and two-family dwellings, but operators must obtain an annual permit and comply with strict operational requirements. The township has designated STR violations as public nuisances per se, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Golden Township

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Before purchasing or converting property, ensure it qualifies under Golden Township's STR regulations. STRs are defined as single-family or two-family dwellings leased for non-agricultural rental purposes for periods of 30 days or less, operating from April 1 through March 31 each calendar year.

Step 2: Annual Permit Application Process

Submit your annual STR permit application to the Zoning Administrator by February 28 each year. The application requires comprehensive documentation and a $150 non-refundable fee.

Step 3: Compliance Verification

Ensure your property meets all structural, safety, and zoning requirements before applying. Properties must comply with State of Michigan and Oceana County building codes.

Step 4: Display Permit

Upon approval, display the Short-Term Rental Permit Card where visible from the road at all times during operation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Documents for Annual Application:

1. Completed Short-Term Rental Annual Application Form
2. Tenant Property Rules (comprehensive house rules)
3. Site Plan showing:
   • Property layout
   • Dwelling layout with room sizes
   • All sleeping facilities (beds, hide-a-beds, futons, cots, bunk beds)
4. Certificate of Septic System Inspection (within last 5 years, based on number of sleeping facilities)
5. Proof of Insurance (coded as Rental)
6. Application Fee: $150.00

Additional Requirements:

• Emergency Access: Maintain unobstructed emergency access minimum 20 feet wide from road right-of-way to primary structure
• Parking Compliance: Meet parking space requirements based on lot size
• Building Code Compliance: Property must meet State of Michigan and Oceana County building codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements:

1. Annual Permit Cycle

• Application deadline: February 28
• Permit valid for one year
• Permit may be revoked for ordinance violations during its term
• Annual review and renewal required

2. Property Standards

• Minimum square footage: 720 square feet for single-family dwellings; 720 square feet per unit for two-family dwellings
• Overcrowding prohibition: No sleeping facility shall provide less than 300 cubic feet of air space per occupant (exclusive of bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, and kitchens)
• Emergency access: Maintain 20-foot wide unobstructed access from road to structure

3. Parking Requirements Based on lot size:

• Up to 5,000 sq ft: Maximum 4 spaces
• 5,001 to 8,000 sq ft: Maximum 6 spaces
• 8,001+ sq ft: Maximum 10 spaces
• Each space must be 9 feet wide by 20 feet long
• Vehicle and trailer combinations require 2 spaces
• Spaces must be off-street, not within setbacks or right-of-way

4. RV Rental Specific Requirements (if applicable)

• RV sanitary system must connect to on-site waste treatment system approved by District Health Department #10
• RV must meet all zoning setback requirements
• Separate permit from District Health Department #10 required with STR application

Violations and Penalties:

1. Prohibited Activities

• Renting or leasing STR unit without permit
• Accepting payment for future STR without permit
• Advertising STR without permit

2. Enforcement Actions

• Civil violations for each day of unpermitted operation
• Each day constitutes separate violation with separate fines
• Court may award injunctive relief to stop violations
• Court shall award costs and attorney fees
• Violations declared public nuisance and nuisance per se

State-Level Regulations for Michigan

While Golden Township provides the primary regulatory framework, Michigan state law also impacts STR operations:

General Michigan Considerations:

• Properties must comply with Michigan Uniform Dwelling Code
• Local zoning regulations must be followed
• Tax implications include potential sales tax, use tax, and income tax obligations
• Insurance requirements may vary based on rental frequency and jurisdiction

Contact Information

Primary Authority:

Golden Township Zoning Administrator

• Address: 5527 W. Fox Rd. / P.O. Box 26, Mears, MI 49436
• Phone: (231) 873-4413
• Application Submission: Submit to Zoning Administrator by February 28 annually

Supporting Agencies:

District Health Department #10 (for septic permits, especially RV rentals)

• Contact information not provided in source materials
• Required for RV STR septic hookup permits

Township Board:

Golden Township Board

• Meeting location: Township offices
• Regular meetings held with public notice
• Final authority for ordinance enforcement and amendments

Source Links

1. Golden Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance #52 (Revised 2021): www.goldentownshipmi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ORD52-Revised-2021-6-8-Short-Term-Rental.pdf

2. Golden Township STR Annual Application Form: www.goldentownship.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Annual-short-term-rental-app.pdf

3. Previous Golden Township STR Ordinance #50 (Superseded): www.goldentownshipmi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ordinance50.pdf

Important Note: Golden Township Ordinance #52, adopted January 16, 2018, and amended June 8, 2021, is the current governing document for STR operations in Mears. The previous Ordinance #50 was replaced by this current version. All STR operators must comply with the requirements outlined in the current ordinance.

For specific questions about application requirements or compliance issues, contact the Golden Township Zoning Administrator directly at (231) 873-4413.