Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Alger County, MI

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated at the municipal level within Alger County. Common requirements include occupancy limits (typically 2-3 persons per bedroom), mandatory off-street parking, and the designation of a local contact person available 24/7 within a specific radius (e.g., 25 miles). Some areas, like Burt Township and specific zones in the City of Munising, impose caps or waitlists on the number of permitted units.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit a Short-Term Rental or Zoning Compliance application to the specific municipality (City of Munising, Burt, Munising, or Au Train Township) including a site plan and floor plan. 2) Pay the required fee (ranging from $50 to $100 depending on the jurisdiction). 3) Undergo a review by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator for compliance with safety, parking, and occupancy standards. Permits typically require annual renewal or notification by January 31st.

Official Resources

Official Alger County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Alger County, MI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Alger County, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated at the municipal level within Alger County. Common requirements include occupancy limits (typically 2-3 persons per bedroom), mandatory off-street parking, and the designation of a local contact person available 24/7 within a specific radius (e.g., 25 miles). Some areas, like Burt Township and specific zones in the City of Munising, impose caps or waitlists on the number of permitted units. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Alger County, MI?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are regulated at the municipal level within Alger County. Common requirements include occupancy limits (typically 2-3 persons per bedroom), mandatory off-street parking, and the designation of a local contact person available 24/7 within a specific radius (e.g., 25 miles). Some areas, like Burt Township and specific zones in the City of Munising, impose caps or waitlists on the number of permitted units.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Alger County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Alger County. 1) Submit a Short-Term Rental or Zoning Compliance application to the specific municipality (City of Munising, Burt, Munising, or Au Train Township) including a site plan and floor plan. 2) Pay the required fee (ranging from $50 to $100 depending on the jurisdiction). 3) Undergo a review by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator for compliance with safety, parking, and occupancy standards. Permits typically require annual renewal or notification by January 31st.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Alger County?
1) Submit a Short-Term Rental or Zoning Compliance application to the specific municipality (City of Munising, Burt, Munising, or Au Train Township) including a site plan and floor plan. 2) Pay the required fee (ranging from $50 to $100 depending on the jurisdiction). 3) Undergo a review by the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator for compliance with safety, parking, and occupancy standards. Permits typically require annual renewal or notification by January 31st.
Is Vrbo legal in Alger County, MI?
Vrbo is permitted in Alger County, MI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Alger County?
Short-term rental hosts in Alger County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Alger County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Alger County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction