If you own — or are considering buying — a vacation property in Chikaming Township, Michigan, understanding the short-term rental permit process is essential. Chikaming is home to some of the most sought-after vacation real estate in Harbor Country, and the Township has established a clear regulatory framework for property owners who want to rent their homes. Here's everything you need to know as of 2026.
What Is a Short-Term Rental in Chikaming Township?
A short-term rental (STR) is defined as any dwelling rented for a period of less than 30 days. If you plan to list your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or any other platform for weekend getaways or weekly stays, you are operating a short-term rental and are required to obtain a permit from Chikaming Township before accepting any guests.
The New Ordinance — Effective March 23, 2026
Chikaming Township recently adopted a new short-term rental ordinance in effect on March 23, 2026. This updated ordinance introduced a permit cap, stricter operating rules, and a clearer enforcement structure. If you are purchasing a property with the intent to rent it short-term, understanding this new framework is critical before you close.
The Permit Cap: 550 Licenses
One of the most significant changes under the new ordinance is a hard cap of 550 short-term rental permits Township-wide. This is not a small detail — once the cap is reached, no new STR permits will be issued. If you are purchasing a property specifically for its rental income potential, confirming permit availability before closing is an important part of your due diligence.
Permit Fees
The permit fee structure is based on the number of bedrooms in the property. The base fee is $500 for the first bedroom, plus $250 for each additional bedroom. A three-bedroom property, for example, would carry a permit fee of $1,000.
Permits expire on January 15th each year. Renewals not submitted by February 1st are subject to a $100 late fee.
What the Permit Requires
To obtain a short-term rental permit in Chikaming Township, property owners must submit a completed application, a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and a floor plan of the rental property. All new short-term rentals require an initial inspection. Renewals may be inspected at the Township's discretion.
Operating Rules Under the New Ordinance
The new ordinance includes several important operating requirements that all permitted short-term rental owners must follow:
A designated local agent must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and must be located within 30 miles of the property. Minimum stay requirements apply — rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day require a minimum three-night stay, while a two-night minimum applies the rest of the year. Additional rules govern on-site parking, guest and visitor limits, trash and pet management, and noise standards. Permits are non-transferable, meaning they do not convey with the sale of the property.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Township has established an escalating penalty structure for violations. Operating without a valid permit carries fees triple the standard permit cost. Additional fines of $500, $1,000, and $1,500 apply for repeat violations, and permits can be revoked for ongoing non-compliance.
What This Means for Buyers
If you are purchasing a property in Chikaming Township — which includes communities like parts of Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer along the Harbor Country shoreline — and short-term rental income is part of your investment thesis, there are several key questions to ask before making an offer:
Because STR permits are non-transferable, a buyer cannot assume or inherit an existing permit — even if the current owner holds one. That makes the threshold question straightforward: is a new permit currently available under the Township's 550-permit cap? Beyond availability, it's worth asking whether the property has been operated in compliance with Township rules, since a history of violations could affect a new application's approval. And if the seller does hold an active permit, confirming it remains in good standing through closing ensures there's no gap in lawful operation for a buyer who intends to rent immediately upon taking ownership.
These are questions I help my clients navigate as part of every vacation property transaction in this market. The short-term rental landscape in Southwest Michigan is evolving quickly, and having an agent who understands the local regulatory environment is as important as finding the right property.
Thinking About Buying in Chikaming Township?
Whether you're looking for a personal retreat, a rental investment, or both, I'd love to help you find the right property and guide you through every step of the process — including the permit landscape.
Reach out today. There's a perfect Harbor Country home waiting for you.
Heidi Picard | Heidi Picard Properties @properties Christie's International Real Estate (773) 960-3031 | [email protected] | heidipicardproperties.com
