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Saint Clair

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Saint Clair, MI

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STR Regulations for Saint Clair, Michigan

Are short‑term rentals allowed in St. Clair, MI?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in St. Clair, Michigan (St. Clair City) and broadly permitted across St. Clair County. Lodge Compliance’s St. Clair County page explicitly states that STRs are legal and regulated, that an ordinance exists, and that the Building Inspector (under the planning department) oversees registration and compliance. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi.

However, regulatory details differ by municipality. If your property is in St. Clair City, you will follow city ordinances, inspection and registration rules, and local enforcement. If you are located in a township within St. Clair County (e.g., Clay Township), the township’s STR ordinance governs. See state‑level policy context at: www.mackinac.org/blog/2023/michigan-cities-ban-short-term-rentals-a-black-market-is-sure-to-follow.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Saint Clair?

Saint Clair hosts earn a median $15,471/year with $183 ADR and 41% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $30,253+ per year.

See the full Saint Clair market breakdown

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

  1. Confirm location and zoning
  • Identify whether your property sits inside St. Clair City limits or within a township (e.g., Clay Township). The rules, permitting requirements, and contact agencies differ.
  • Verify that STR use is permitted in the zoning district of the property. If you’re in a township, review its zoning map or contact the planning/zoning office.
  1. Determine licensing/registration requirements
  • City of St. Clair: The Lodge Compliance overview cites registration and safety compliance overseen by the Building Inspector as part of the city’s planning department. Confirm the specific registration steps, fees, and inspection timeline with the city. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi and City website at www.cityofstclair.com.
  • Townships (example: Clay Township): Clay requires an STR permit, an application, insurance, and adherence to the township ordinance. See links below.
  1. Apply for licenses/permits
  • Submit required application(s) to the local authority (city building/planning or township office).
  • If an inspection is required, schedule it with the Building Inspector (city) or the designated township official.
  1. Set up tax obligations
  • Michigan’s 6% sales tax applies to transient lodging and is generally collected by the platform (Airbnb/Vrbo) and remitted by the host (if the host files returns) or through the platform’s automated system. Additionally, local lodging taxes (e.g., county/regional taxes) may apply and could be collected via the platform. Verify current rates and collection methods with the Michigan Department of Treasury and your local tax administrator.
  1. Draft house rules and marketing content
  • Incorporate local noise, parking, waste, event/party, and occupancy restrictions into your listing and guest materials.
  • Include emergency contacts and quiet hours per local ordinance.
  1. Prepare the property
  • Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, egress, and any other safety equipment meet local codes.
  • Provide welcome information that covers trash schedules, pet policies, parking, and neighbor‑friendly behavior.
  1. Maintain records
  • Keep guest logs, complaint records, and inspection/permit documentation on file in case of inquiries or inspections.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

City of St. Clair (overview only)

Township example: Clay Township (St. Clair County)

  • Permit required before operating.
  • Required at time of application (per Clay ordinance):
    • Completed STR application.
    • Proof of property ownership or written authorization from the owner.
    • Site plan (showing parking, entrance/exit, refuse area).
    • Proof of insurance/liability coverage as required by the ordinance.
    • Any additional documentation specified in the application or ordinance.
  • Annual permit fee may apply (exact amount not provided).
  • Inspection or verification of safety standards may be required.
  • Keep a copy of the issued permit on site and available for inspection.
  • Links:

Marketing/advertising

  • All listings should include required permit/registration numbers (if applicable), local rules (quiet hours, occupancy limits, parking), and local tax registration numbers where required.

Tax filings

  • Michigan Sales Tax (currently 6% on transient lodging). Coordinate with the Michigan Department of Treasury regarding filing and remittance responsibilities and whether your booking platform is collecting on your behalf.
  • Local lodging taxes may apply in St. Clair County. Confirm applicability, rates, and filing procedures with the local tax administrator (often the County Treasurer or designated agency).

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, and state)

City of St. Clair (overview)

St. Clair County (policy framework)

Township example: Clay Township (specific rules)

State of Michigan (taxes and general constraints)

  • Michigan Sales Tax applies to transient lodging and is typically collected/remitted as described above.
  • Municipal authority over land use, zoning, and local ordinances is broad; municipalities can enact STR rules and enforcement mechanisms. As a policy note, some Michigan cities have imposed bans or moratoriums. This underscores why verifying the exact local ordinance for your property address is essential. See: www.mackinac.org/blog/2023/michigan-cities-ban-short-term-rentals-a-black-market-is-sure-to-follow.

Contact information

Local authority in charge of STRs

  • City of St. Clair (City Hall / Building Inspector – Planning Department)
    • Website: www.cityofstclair.com
    • Phone/Email: Not listed in the provided materials; use the city’s website to find the Planning Department and Building Inspector contact details.

Township example: Clay Township

  • Website: www.claytownship.org
  • Phone/Email: Not listed in the provided materials. Use the township website for Building/Planning/Zoning contacts and STR permit instructions.

County planning/zoning (St. Clair County)

  • For broader county context and general planning inquiries, consult county planning and zoning departments. Specific contact information was not included in the provided materials.

Michigan Department of Treasury (taxes)

Complaints and enforcement

Links to source pages (IMPORTANT)

Notes

  • For St. Clair City, precise details on fees, occupancy caps, and inspection requirements were not in the provided materials. Contact the city directly via its website for the current ordinance and application forms.
  • Municipal rules in Michigan vary widely. Confirm zoning, permits, inspections, taxes, and operating conditions for the exact address of your property.

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Saint Clair

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
6/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Saint Clair Market Analysis

Photos of Saint Clair

Overview of Saint Clair

Saint Clair is a small, riverfront city in St. Clair County, Michigan, home to a population of roughly 5,500 residents. It sits along the western bank of the St. Clair River, directly across from Corunna, Ontario, and has the laid-back atmosphere of a traditional Midwestern river town, with a walkable downtown that opens onto the water. Best known for its scenic riverfront and access to some of southeastern Michigan's most popular boating waters, Saint Clair functions as a quiet gateway to the St. Clair Flats and the broader Thumb region along Lake Huron. The city is located about 50 miles northeast of Detroit and roughly 15 miles south of Port Huron, placing it within easy striking distance of larger regional amenities while retaining a small-town pace.

The St. Clair River waterfront is the heart of the city and a major draw for visitors. A pleasant promenade, riverside parks, and a marina offer easy access to boating, fishing, and views of passing Great Lakes freighters, one of the more distinctive features of this stretch of the international waterway. The downtown is just steps from the water, and visitors can stroll between local restaurants, small shops, and public spaces that overlook the river and the Canadian shoreline beyond.

Just south of Saint Clair lies the St. Clair Flats, a broad delta area where the river opens up into Lake St. Clair, dotted with islands, channels, and protected wetlands. The St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area provides public access for fishing, bird-watching, and paddling, and is only a short drive from the city. Anglers are drawn to the flats for walleye, bass, and perch, while nature lovers come for the marshy habitat that supports waterfowl and other wildlife.

A short drive north along the river brings visitors to Port Huron and the Blue Water Bridge, the second-busiest border crossing between the United States and Canada. Port Huron's revitalized waterfront, maritime history, and access to the southern tip of Lake Huron make it a popular complement to a stay in Saint Clair. The lake itself is within easy reach, offering beaches, lighthouses, and small harbor towns that define Michigan's eastern coastline.

Saint Clair makes a compelling base for short-term rentals precisely because of this balance. Visitors can enjoy a quiet, characterful river town with genuine small-town charm, yet remain within a short drive of boating, birding, international border experiences, and Lake Huron's coastal scenery. Its proximity to both Detroit and Port Huron adds flexibility for travelers, while the riverfront itself provides the kind of scenic, walkable setting that tends to resonate with guests looking for a relaxed Michigan getaway.

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