| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | Michigan 6% Sales/Use Tax applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts must register with Michigan Department of Treasury for lodging tax remittance. |
| Night / Day Cap | STR defined as rental for less than 31 consecutive days. No explicit annual day cap stated in Ordinance 240229-B, but zoning caps on number of license |
| Minimum Stay | No stated minimum stay; STR definition applies to rentals under 31 consecutive days. |
| Permit Fee | STR license fee per city schedule; fire inspection fee required (conducted by Saugatuck Township Fire District). Annual renewal required under Sec. 99 |
| Penalties | License suspension or revocation procedures included in the ordinance. Occupants and visitors may be individually cited for violations of Chapter 99.5 |
| Occupancy Limit | Maximum occupancy determined by Saugatuck Township Fire District following required fire inspection. Cap: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 per finished |
Short-term rentals in Saugatuck, Michigan are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are STR license fee per city schedule; fire inspection fee required (conducted by Saugatuck Township Fir.
Short-term rental operators in Saugatuck should be aware of these tax obligations: Michigan 6% Sales/Use Tax applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts must register with Michigan Department of Treasury for lodging tax remittance..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Saugatuck include: Rental day cap: STR defined as rental for less than 31 consecutive days. No explicit annual day cap stated in Ordinance 240229-B, but zo. Occupancy limit: Maximum occupancy determined by Saugatuck Township Fire District following required fire inspection. Cap: 2 occupants pe. Minimum stay: No stated minimum stay; STR definition applies to rentals under 31 consecutive days..
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Saugatuck: STRs must comply with Saugatuck City Zoning Ordinance at all times (Sec. 99.57(F)). Ordinance No. 240826-A (August 2024) imposed maximum license caps in specific R-1 zoning districts. Other zoning dis. Density rules: Caps on number of STR licenses in specific R-1 residential zoning districts enacted by Ordinance No. 240826-A (August 26, 2024), following an STR Task.
Hosts who fail to comply with Saugatuck's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. License suspension or revocation procedures included in the ordinance. Occupants and visitors may be individually cited for violations of Chapter 99.5 and the Noise Ordinance (Sec. 94.04). City retain.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Saugatuck: License holder must provide all occupants with: license holder contact info, local agent contact info, Good Neighbor Guide (noise, trash, parking, max occupancy), noise ordinance notice (Sec. 94.04), .
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Saugatuck but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. City of Saugatuck Chapter 99.5 (SHORT-TERM RENTALS) governs all STRs. License required before advertising or renting (Sec. 99.54). Fire inspection required (Sec. 99.56) conducted by Saugatuck Township
Yes. Saugatuck requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Saugatuck are subject to the following tax obligations: Michigan 6% Sales/Use Tax applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts must register with Michigan Department of Treasury for lodging tax remittance..
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Saugatuck may face enforcement. License suspension or revocation procedures included in the ordinance. Occupants and visitors may be individually cited for violations of Chapter 99.5 and the Noise Ordinance (Sec. 94.04). City retains full range of available legal remedies..
Saugatuck is a popular tourist destination where STRs play a vital role in the local economy. The city established a comprehensive licensing framework in February 2024, followed by density caps in August 2024. Legal challenges (Saugatuck Neighbors v. City of Saugatuck) were filed contesting the cap ordinances. Saugatuck Township (surrounding the city) operates a separate rental certificate program
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