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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Iosco County, MI

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted by municipal ordinances. Key constraints include occupancy limits (often 2 per bedroom plus 2), mandatory 24/7 local agents within 45 minutes, and permit caps (e.g., 30 total in East Tawas; 10% of residential districts in Alabaster). Parking must be off-street, and safety plans/inspections are generally required.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete the municipal-specific STR Application/Zoning Permit packet and pay the required fee (e.g., $300 in Alabaster). 2) Submit required documentation including site plans, floor plans, fire escape plans, and proof of insurance. 3) Complete a self-inspection or schedule a safety inspection and renew the permit annually (typically by November 1st for the following year).

Official Resources

Official Iosco County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Iosco County, MI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Iosco County, MI, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by municipal ordinances. Key constraints include occupancy limits (often 2 per bedroom plus 2), mandatory 24/7 local agents within 45 minutes, and permit caps (e.g., 30 total in East Tawas; 10% of residential districts in Alabaster). Parking must be off-street, and safety plans/inspections are generally required. 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 Iosco County, MI?
STRs are restricted by municipal ordinances. Key constraints include occupancy limits (often 2 per bedroom plus 2), mandatory 24/7 local agents within 45 minutes, and permit caps (e.g., 30 total in East Tawas; 10% of residential districts in Alabaster). Parking must be off-street, and safety plans/inspections are generally required.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Iosco County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Iosco County. 1) Complete the municipal-specific STR Application/Zoning Permit packet and pay the required fee (e.g., $300 in Alabaster). 2) Submit required documentation including site plans, floor plans, fire escape plans, and proof of insurance. 3) Complete a self-inspection or schedule a safety inspection and renew the permit annually (typically by November 1st for the following year).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Iosco County?
1) Complete the municipal-specific STR Application/Zoning Permit packet and pay the required fee (e.g., $300 in Alabaster). 2) Submit required documentation including site plans, floor plans, fire escape plans, and proof of insurance. 3) Complete a self-inspection or schedule a safety inspection and renew the permit annually (typically by November 1st for the following year).
Is Vrbo legal in Iosco County, MI?
Vrbo is permitted in Iosco 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 Iosco County?
Short-term rental hosts in Iosco 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 Iosco County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Iosco 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