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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Houghton, MI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted only in specific zoning districts: Owner-occupied STRs are allowable in R-1 (Single-Family) and R-2 (Two-Family) districts; Non-owner-occupied STRs are allowable in R-3 (Multiple-Family), R-4 (Redevelopment Ready Residential), and business-group zoning districts. Operators must adhere to parking and maximum-occupancy rules and comply with Chapter 14 housing/rental code requirements; rental properties are required to be registered and undergo annual inspection.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the City of Houghton Rental Housing License & Registration form to the City (form available on the Building/Planning/Zoning page). 2) Schedule/submit to the required inspection by the City’s Code Enforcement Officer and pay the stated fee (form lists Owner-Occupied $100 and Non-Owner-Occupied $350). 3) Maintain annual renewal (annual inspection and license fee) and comply with Chapter 14 and any zoning/site conditions.

Official Resources

Official Houghton STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Houghton, MI?
STRs are permitted only in specific zoning districts: Owner-occupied STRs are allowable in R-1 (Single-Family) and R-2 (Two-Family) districts; Non-owner-occupied STRs are allowable in R-3 (Multiple-Family), R-4 (Redevelopment Ready Residential), and business-group zoning districts. Operators must adhere to parking and maximum-occupancy rules and comply with Chapter 14 housing/rental code requirements; rental properties are required to be registered and undergo annual inspection.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Houghton?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Houghton. 1) Complete and submit the City of Houghton Rental Housing License & Registration form to the City (form available on the Building/Planning/Zoning page). 2) Schedule/submit to the required inspection by the City’s Code Enforcement Officer and pay the stated fee (form lists Owner-Occupied $100 and Non-Owner-Occupied $350). 3) Maintain annual renewal (annual inspection and license fee) and comply with Chapter 14 and any zoning/site conditions.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Houghton?
1) Complete and submit the City of Houghton Rental Housing License & Registration form to the City (form available on the Building/Planning/Zoning page). 2) Schedule/submit to the required inspection by the City’s Code Enforcement Officer and pay the stated fee (form lists Owner-Occupied $100 and Non-Owner-Occupied $350). 3) Maintain annual renewal (annual inspection and license fee) and comply with Chapter 14 and any zoning/site conditions.
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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