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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Grand Rapids, MI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in Grand Rapids are limited to renting individual rooms within the owner’s principal residence (no entire-home or accessory-unit rentals). Owner must be in residence while renting; rooms must be within the main dwelling; a maximum of 2 adult guests per room; condos/HOAs may prohibit rentals; zoning confirmation from the Planning Department is required; the city issues a capped number of one-room licenses (200 per year).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Confirm property zoning with the Planning Department (616-456-4100). 2) Apply online via the City’s Citizen Access portal or submit the paper Home Occupation Class B (one-room) or Class C (multi-room/bed & breakfast) application to the City Clerk; pay stated application fees (Class B: $587 new / $212 renewal; Class C: $598 new / $176 renewal). 3) Fire Department will schedule inspections as needed; licenses are issued for one year and must be displayed on the property.

Regulatory Updates — Grand Rapids

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedMarch 2023

Grand Rapids STR Rental Registration Requirement

City requires annual STR registration with safety inspection compliance and liability insurance. Operators must display registration number in all platform listings.

PassedAugust 2024

Kent County Hotel/Motel Tax Compliance Audit

County completed audit of STR operator hotel/motel tax compliance; operators reminded to collect and remit tax monthly. Audit identified significant non-compliance among smaller operators.

ProposedNovember 2025

Michigan Statewide STR Regulatory Framework

State legislation proposed for a uniform Michigan STR licensing framework; does not include state preemption provisions. Grand Rapids and other cities would retain local regulatory authority.

Official Resources

Official Grand Rapids STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local chamber supporting Grand Rapids' business community including vacation rental operators who accommodate visitors to ArtPrize, craft breweries, and medical conferences.

Michigan Lodging and Tourism AssociationStatewide

Statewide lodging industry association monitoring Michigan STR legislation and providing compliance resources for operators statewide.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Grand Rapids, MI?
STRs in Grand Rapids are limited to renting individual rooms within the owner’s principal residence (no entire-home or accessory-unit rentals). Owner must be in residence while renting; rooms must be within the main dwelling; a maximum of 2 adult guests per room; condos/HOAs may prohibit rentals; zoning confirmation from the Planning Department is required; the city issues a capped number of one-room licenses (200 per year).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Grand Rapids?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Grand Rapids. 1) Confirm property zoning with the Planning Department (616-456-4100). 2) Apply online via the City’s Citizen Access portal or submit the paper Home Occupation Class B (one-room) or Class C (multi-room/bed & breakfast) application to the City Clerk; pay stated application fees (Class B: $587 new / $212 renewal; Class C: $598 new / $176 renewal). 3) Fire Department will schedule inspections as needed; licenses are issued for one year and must be displayed on the property.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Grand Rapids?
1) Confirm property zoning with the Planning Department (616-456-4100). 2) Apply online via the City’s Citizen Access portal or submit the paper Home Occupation Class B (one-room) or Class C (multi-room/bed & breakfast) application to the City Clerk; pay stated application fees (Class B: $587 new / $212 renewal; Class C: $598 new / $176 renewal). 3) Fire Department will schedule inspections as needed; licenses are issued for one year and must be displayed on the property.
What does Grand Rapids require for STR operation?
Annual city STR rental registration with safety inspection compliance and liability insurance. Kent County hotel/motel tax registration and monthly remittance is also required. Registration number must appear in all platform listings.
What taxes apply to Grand Rapids STRs?
Michigan state use tax (6%) and Kent County hotel/motel tax apply to short-term rentals. Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury and Kent County. Verify whether your booking platform remits state and local taxes on your behalf.
Does Michigan have state preemption for STRs?
No. Michigan has no statewide STR preemption law. Proposed state legislation (2025) would create a uniform licensing framework but would not preempt local rules. Grand Rapids retains full authority to regulate STRs within city limits.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction