Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Richmond, MI?

• Short‑term rentals are allowed in Richmond Township, Michigan, subject to zoning and general land‑use rules. The township Zoning Ordinance (May 2013, updated July 2, 2024) does not include a separate “short‑term rental” use category; however, STR operations that provide transient lodging with breakfast service are regulated as a “Bed and Breakfast” use—defined as a use subordinate to the principal single‑family dwelling, offering lodging and breakfast without separate cooking facilities for guests. This is the closest local definition that accommodates STRs in the township.
• Bed and Breakfast is treated as an accessory use to the principal single‑family dwelling. For this reason, owner‑presence on site and the provision of breakfast are the defining factors for compliance. The ordinance also allows certain home occupations and limits commercial intensity; ensure your STR does not exceed those thresholds.
• Because the township classifies STRs as Bed and Breakfast (when breakfast is provided), investors should plan to operate under that framework and confirm any special‑use permit (SUP) requirements with the Zoning Administrator before listing.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

1. Verify zoning eligibility and Bed and Breakfast definition

• Confirm your property is in a zoning district where a Bed and Breakfast (as an accessory to a single‑family home) is either permitted by right or requires a Special Use Permit.
• If your STR will not provide breakfast, re‑classify as a “Home Occupation” or a “Dwelling, Accessory Apartment,” and check the stricter use restrictions in the ordinance. The Bed and Breakfast route is typically more permissive for transient lodging.

2. Confirm local Bed and Breakfast allowances and apply if required

• Check with the Zoning Administrator for: (a) whether an SUP is required in your district; (b) inspection requirements; (c) posted rules; and (d) contact‑person obligations if the township adopts further STR‑specific conditions in the future.

3. Prepare the property for hospitality

• Safety and amenities: Ensure functional smoke/CO detectors, safe egress, and reasonable guest amenities.
• Parking: Provide on‑site parking and comply with the township’s residential parking standards (Section 5.3).
• Occupancy: Design stays around family‑scale occupancy typical of a Bed and Breakfast; avoid commercial‑scale party houses.

4. Insurance and liability

• Obtain specialized short‑term rental insurance that covers property, liability, and loss of income. Traditional homeowners or landlord policies often exclude STR exposure. Ensure the policy aligns with township standards and any SUP conditions.

5. Tax registration and compliance

• State Transient Rental Tax (room tax): Register and collect Michigan’s 6% tax on transient rentals; file returns with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
• Local lodging taxes (if any): Verify with Osceola County or the township whether additional lodging taxes apply and register as required.

6. Operations and guest management

• Establish quiet hours, occupancy caps, parking rules, and contact‑person information. Maintain a guest directory and emergency procedures.

7. Renewal and inspections

• If operating under a Bed and Breakfast classification, plan for annual renewals or inspections, as the township may require periodic compliance checks.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

• Zoning/SUP determination
  • Use the Richmond Township Zoning Ordinance (Definitions, Chapter 2; Special Use Permits, Chapter 7) to determine whether an SUP is needed for Bed and Breakfast in your district.
  • Application forms and site plan requirements are provided in the Appendix (e.g., “Application for Special Use Permit,” “Zoning Compliance Permit,” “Occupancy Permit”).
• Occupancy and zoning compliance
  • Zoning Compliance Permit and Occupancy Permit as applicable.
  • Site plan submission may be required for Bed and Breakfast or for any accessory structure changes.
• Taxes
  • Michigan Department of Treasury registration for the 6% Transient Rental Tax and periodic filings.
• Health and safety
  • No additional state‑level health permits are required solely for STRs; ensure standard residential safety measures.
• Insurance
  • Provide certificate of insurance with liability limits appropriate for hospitality operations.

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals in Richmond Township, Osceola County, and Michigan

• Richmond Township (Osceola County)
  • Short‑term rentals are accommodated under the Bed and Breakfast definition: lodging with breakfast, subordinate to the principal single‑family dwelling, without separate cooking facilities for guests.
  • Zoning process: Bed and Breakfast may be permitted by right or as a Special Use Permit depending on district; SUP criteria and review process are detailed in Chapter 7.
  • Home occupations: Strictly limited uses incidental to the dwelling and non‑intrusive. Do not rely on a home occupation to run a commercial‑scale STR if breakfast is not provided; you will likely exceed those thresholds.
  • General regulations: Off‑street parking required; signage is regulated (Chapter 6); nonconformities and performance standards are in Chapters 4 and 8; administration and enforcement are covered in Chapter 9.
• County/state level
  • Michigan does not license STRs at the state level. State-level tax obligations (6% Transient Rental Tax) apply to short‑term rentals, with filings through the Department of Treasury.
  • Osceola County has not enacted a separate STR registration program that applies to Richmond Township.

Contact information (local authority in charge of STRs)

• Richmond Township (Zoning Administrator/Clerk)
  • Phone: (231) 832‑4462
  • Address: 4575 Park St., Reed City, MI 49677
  • Website/Email: Not listed in the provided Zoning Ordinance
• Michigan Department of Treasury (room tax registration)
  • Phone/Website: Not provided in the source documents; see the Department of Treasury’s official site for registration and filing instructions

Important links (source pages)

• Richmond Township Zoning Ordinance (Richmond Township, Osceola County, Michigan): cms4files.revize.com/osceolami/Township_Richmond/Richmond_Township_Zoning_Ordinance%2020240702.pdf
• State‑by‑state STR map/overview (Michigan highlights): www.proper.insure/regulations/
• Michigan STR overview (state and municipal context): govos.com/blog/michigan-short-term-rental-report/

Notes for investors:

• The Bed and Breakfast classification is the practical pathway to operate STRs in Richmond Township. Confirm whether an SUP is required in your district and plan for modest occupancy, on‑site parking, and owner‑presence or local management.
• File for the 6% Michigan Transient Rental Tax with the Department of Treasury, and check for any local lodging taxes before launch.