Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Chatham, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Chatham, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are treated as permitted or conditional uses depending on the zoning district. Standards include a limit of two rental houses per lot, a minimum size of 750 sq ft for rental houses, and a requirement that the rental be accessory to a principal single-family dwelling. Compliance with setbacks, site plans, and health department (well/septic) approvals is mandatory. 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.

Short-term rentals are treated as permitted or conditional uses depending on the zoning district. Standards include a limit of two rental houses per lot, a minimum size of 750 sq ft for rental houses, and a requirement that the rental be accessory to a principal single-family dwelling. Compliance with setbacks, site plans, and health department (well/septic) approvals is mandatory.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Chatham. 1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit application to the Zoning Administrator including a signed form, site plan, and fee. 2) Attend a public hearing scheduled by the Planning Commission within 45 days of application. 3) Obtain necessary building permits and health department (well/septic) approvals from Alger County prior to occupancy.

1) Submit a Conditional Use Permit application to the Zoning Administrator including a signed form, site plan, and fee. 2) Attend a public hearing scheduled by the Planning Commission within 45 days of application. 3) Obtain necessary building permits and health department (well/septic) approvals from Alger County prior to occupancy.

Vrbo is permitted in Chatham, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Chatham 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Chatham. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.