Overview: Are STRs Allowed in Saint Ignace?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in Saint Ignace, Michigan, but only under a city‑issued Short‑Term Rental Permit (Ordinance No. 38‑364, adopted March 31, 2021). Saint Ignace also caps the total number of STR permits in residential districts at 50. When that cap is reached, a chronological waiting list is used to issue new permits. Category 1 and Category 2 operations are recognized on the current application and fee schedule; Categories 3 and 4 require a zoning variance in most residential zones and may not be actively accepted without that variance. The city’s ordinance defines a short‑term rental as any dwelling (or portion) rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Ordinance sources:

• 2021 STR Ordinance No. 38‑364 (current): www.stignacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/St-Ignace-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-03312021.pdf
• 2020 STR Ordinance No. 38‑358 (superseded): www.stignacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-02-07-St-Ignace-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-3.pdf

1) How to Start an STR in Saint Ignace

• Confirm zoning eligibility:
  • Residential R1/R2/R3 districts: Only Category 1 and Category 2 STRs are permitted without a variance; Category 3 and Category 4 require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
  • Non‑residential/mixed‑use districts: Typically suitable for STRs but still subject to city permit, safety, and nuisance standards.
• Choose the applicable operation category:
  • Category 1: Owner‑occupied single‑family dwelling; owner lives on the premises when the STR is active.
  • Category 2: Owner does not live in the rented unit but lives in a unit under the same roof or on the same parcel (e.g., duplex, ADU) when the STR is active.
  • Category 3: Owner resides within 30 minutes but not on the same property during STR use.
  • Category 4: Owner resides more than 30 minutes away.
• Prepare and submit the application to the City Manager (or designee):
  • Use the city’s Application for Short‑Term Rental License (2023 update).
  • Provide owner and designated representative contact details, property info (bedrooms, max occupancy, parking), and certify compliance with applicable codes.
  • Pay the applicable fee (see “Permits and Fees” below). A $60 neighbor notification fee applies to Category 2 in residential zones; notification is completed once and does not need renewal annually.
• Comply with safety and property standards:
  • Install required smoke alarms, ensure emergency egress, and place operable fire extinguishers per code.
  • Maintain appearance consistent with neighborhood character and zoning standards.
  • Designate legal parking for guests.
• Obtain city permit; display permit and required guest information inside the unit:
  • Permit displays owner/designated representative contact (24‑hour), maximum occupancy, and a prohibition on camping.
  • Provide guest information on emergency egress, parking rules, campfire restrictions, trash pickup, and applicable ordinances.
• Meet operating requirements:
  • Maintain a guest register.
  • Make the property available for rent within 30 days of permit issuance and for at least four months during the permit year (June 1–May 31).
  • Avoid simultaneous long‑term (30+ consecutive days) and short‑term use on the same unit.
• Track deadlines:
  • STR permits expire May 31 annually and must be renewed each year.
  • Owner may not hold more than three permits during the same permit period.
• Manage violations:
  • Three separate incidents/violations on three separate days within the permit year can lead to revocation; a 12‑month bar follows revocation before re‑application (Ordinance 38‑364).

2) Permits, Licenses, and Fees (What You Need)

• Permit required: Short‑Term Rental Permit issued by the City of Saint Ignace.
• Application: Application for Short‑Term Rental License (2023).
  • Owner information (name, address, phone, email).
  • Designated Representative information (name, address, phone—must be available 24/7 and able to respond within 30 minutes).
  • Property information (category of operation, bedrooms, maximum occupancy, parking spaces).
  • Affidavit/certifications confirming compliance with zoning, building, fire, and safety codes; agreement to display permit and provide guest information.
• Fees (2023 schedule; subject to change):
  • Category 1 (owner‑occupied): $250.00/year.
  • Category 2 (not owner‑occupied on same parcel): $350.00/year.
  • Neighbor notification fee (Category 2 in residential zones): $60 (one‑time).
  • Enhanced fee may apply if previously operating without a permit (city council resolution).
  • Permit duration: June 1 through May 31.
• State‑level compliance:
  • Michigan requires transient accommodation providers to register for and remit the state use tax (currently 6%) on rental charges. Confirm current rates and registration with the Michigan Department of Treasury (Revenue Online: www.michigan.gov/taxes/revenue-online).
• Permit display and guest information:
  • Permit must be displayed within the unit and include 24‑hour contact and maximum occupancy.
  • No camping or temporary shelters on the STR parcel.
  • Provide guests emergency egress, parking, campfire, trash, and ordinance information.

3) Zoning, Operating, and Safety Regulations

• Categories and zoning:
  • Category 1 and 2: Permitted in residential R1/R2/R3 districts; Category 2 requires neighbor notification in residential zones.
  • Category 3 and 4: Not permitted in R1/R2/R3 districts without a variance; obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Safety standards:
  • Smoke detectors/alarms (UL approved) in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each story; installed per Michigan Residential Code and NFPA standards.
  • Emergency egress: Every bedroom must have an egress door or window meeting fire code; basement bedrooms require specific ceiling height and direct outside access or compliant window.
  • Fire extinguishers: Operable unit at each exit door on every floor (including basement) and in the kitchen.
• Parking:
  • Owner must designate legal off‑street/on‑street parking for all guests.
• Property appearance:
  • Must maintain residential character; comply with city Appearance and Environment ordinances.
• Guest register:
  • Keep a list of registered guests and total number of occupants.
• Availability:
  • Unit must be made available for rent within 30 days of permit issuance and must be available for rent for at least four months of the permit year.
• Non‑concurrent use:
  • No unit may hold both a long‑term (30+ days) rental permit and an STR permit at the same time.

4) Permit Operations and Renewals

• Permit validity: June 1–May 31 (annual).
• Transfers:
  • Permits cannot be transferred between units; permit is void upon sale/transfer of the property. New owner must apply for a new permit.
  • Permits cannot be assigned to third parties except heirs and assigns.
• Permit cap and waiting list:
  • Cap of 50 STR permits in residential districts R1, R2, R3, and R4.
  • When cap is reached, a chronological waiting list is established; include address and pay application fee to be placed on the list.
• Ownership limit:
  • No owner may hold more than three STR permits during the same permit period.
• Renewal:
  • Must be renewed annually before May 31; inspections may be required within five years (city administrative practice).

5) Violations, Enforcement, and Revocation

• Violations as municipal civil infractions:
  • Each day of violation is a separate offense; penalties per Chapter 1 of city code.
• Revocation trigger:
  • Three or more separate incidents/violations on three or more days within the permit year can result in permit revocation.
  • Revocation notice is sent by certified mail; property owner may request a hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days.
  • Post‑revocation bar: 12 months before re‑applying for an STR permit.
• Enforcement officials:
  • City Manager (or designee), Ordinance Enforcement Officer, Building Inspector, Fire Marshal, and City police officers.
• Civil action:
  • City may pursue abatement in the 92nd District Court; violators may be responsible for attorney fees and costs, which become a lien on the property.

6) Contact Information (Local Authority)

• City of Saint Ignace
  • Address: 396 N State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781
  • Phone: (906) 643‑9671
  • Website: www.cityofstignace.com
• Short‑Term Rental Permits:
  • Applications and inquiries are submitted to the City Manager or designee (use the address/phone above).
• Zoning Board of Appeals:
  • Variance requests for Category 3/4 STRs and other zoning relief are filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals (contact the city for filing details).
• State of Michigan (Revenue/Taxes):
  • Michigan Department of Treasury—Revenue Online: www.michigan.gov/taxes/revenue-online
  • Register and remit use tax on transient accommodations.

7) Source Links (Primary Regulatory Documents)

• City of Saint Ignace Short‑Term Rental Ordinance No. 38‑364 (March 31, 2021): www.stignacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/St-Ignace-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-03312021.pdf
• City of St. Ignace—Application for Short‑Term Rental License (2023): www.cityofstignace.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif6821/f/uploads/updated_str_application_2023_0.pdf
• City of Saint Ignace Short‑Term Rental Ordinance No. 38‑358 (February 7, 2020—superseded): www.stignacenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-02-07-St-Ignace-Short-Term-Rental-Ordinance-3.pdf

Notes