Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mackinac County, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Mackinac County, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are regulated at the municipal level within Mackinac County; municipalities like St. Ignace and Moran Township require municipal zoning compliance, registration/permits, and periodic safety/health inspections. St. Ignace distinguishes between Category 1 and 2 STRs with specific inspection cadences (initial, then every 3 years). 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 regulated at the municipal level within Mackinac County; municipalities like St. Ignace and Moran Township require municipal zoning compliance, registration/permits, and periodic safety/health inspections. St. Ignace distinguishes between Category 1 and 2 STRs with specific inspection cadences (initial, then every 3 years).

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Mackinac County. 1) Submit the municipal STR registration/permit application via the municipality's official portal or to the township/city zoning administrator. 2) Pay the required permit and inspection fees (e.g., St. Ignace fees range from $300-$500 plus a $150 inspection fee). 3) Schedule and pass an initial safety inspection, then comply with the renewal cycle (every three years in St. Ignace).

1) Submit the municipal STR registration/permit application via the municipality's official portal or to the township/city zoning administrator. 2) Pay the required permit and inspection fees (e.g., St. Ignace fees range from $300-$500 plus a $150 inspection fee). 3) Schedule and pass an initial safety inspection, then comply with the renewal cycle (every three years in St. Ignace).

Vrbo is permitted in Mackinac 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Mackinac 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.

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