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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ludington, MI

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted to a maximum of 50 licenses city-wide with a limit of one license per owner. Specific districts (Downtown Core, Downtown Edge, and Waterfront) allow up to three units per building and are exempt from separation and ownership interest limits.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) File the city-provided short-term rental application form with the Building Department. 2) Provide written confirmation that the owner does not have an interest in more than one licensed STR. 3) Pay applicable fees and comply with all safety and inspection standards required by the Building Department.

Official Resources

Official Ludington STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Ludington, MI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Ludington, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to a maximum of 50 licenses city-wide with a limit of one license per owner. Specific districts (Downtown Core, Downtown Edge, and Waterfront) allow up to three units per building and are exempt from separation and ownership interest limits. 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 Ludington, MI?
Short-term rentals are restricted to a maximum of 50 licenses city-wide with a limit of one license per owner. Specific districts (Downtown Core, Downtown Edge, and Waterfront) allow up to three units per building and are exempt from separation and ownership interest limits.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ludington?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ludington. 1) File the city-provided short-term rental application form with the Building Department. 2) Provide written confirmation that the owner does not have an interest in more than one licensed STR. 3) Pay applicable fees and comply with all safety and inspection standards required by the Building Department.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ludington?
1) File the city-provided short-term rental application form with the Building Department. 2) Provide written confirmation that the owner does not have an interest in more than one licensed STR. 3) Pay applicable fees and comply with all safety and inspection standards required by the Building Department.
Is Vrbo legal in Ludington, MI?
Vrbo is permitted in Ludington, 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 Ludington?
Short-term rental hosts in Ludington 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 Ludington?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ludington. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction