Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Muskegon, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Muskegon, MI, but with restrictions. STRs are defined as rentals of 24 hours to 28 days without a host present. They are restricted to a designated Short-Term Rental Overlay District consisting of 11 zones, each with a specific cap on the number of licenses; properties within the Downtown Development Authority, Lakeside BID, and Lakeside CIA are exempt from these caps. 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.

STRs are defined as rentals of 24 hours to 28 days without a host present. They are restricted to a designated Short-Term Rental Overlay District consisting of 11 zones, each with a specific cap on the number of licenses; properties within the Downtown Development Authority, Lakeside BID, and Lakeside CIA are exempt from these caps.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Muskegon. 1. Submit a completed Short-Term Rental application packet to Building & Inspections Services, including proof of ownership, 24/7 local agent contact (if non-resident), and insurance certificates. 2. Pay the $500 registration fee and pass a safety inspection. 3. Comply with the Good Neighbor Guide and renew the license annually.

1. Submit a completed Short-Term Rental application packet to Building & Inspections Services, including proof of ownership, 24/7 local agent contact (if non-resident), and insurance certificates. 2. Pay the $500 registration fee and pass a safety inspection. 3. Comply with the Good Neighbor Guide and renew the license annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Muskegon, 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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.