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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in New Buffalo, MI

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are restricted to entire dwelling units only; partial/room rentals are prohibited. Operators must designate a local agent residing within 20 miles who is available 24/7 to respond within 30 minutes. Occupancy is limited to the lesser of 14 people, two per bedroom plus two per finished story, or four per off-street parking space.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the City-provided STR permit application including owner/agent contact info, parking details, and safety certifications. 2. Pay the required fees (totaling $1,525.00 for new registrations) and schedule a mandatory annual safety inspection. 3. Upon successful inspection and approval, receive the permit which must be renewed annually and posted in a prominent first-floor window.

Official Resources

Official New Buffalo STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in New Buffalo, MI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in New Buffalo, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to entire dwelling units only; partial/room rentals are prohibited. Operators must designate a local agent residing within 20 miles who is available 24/7 to respond within 30 minutes. Occupancy is limited to the lesser of 14 people, two per bedroom plus two per finished story, or four per off-street parking space. 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 New Buffalo, MI?
Short-term rentals are restricted to entire dwelling units only; partial/room rentals are prohibited. Operators must designate a local agent residing within 20 miles who is available 24/7 to respond within 30 minutes. Occupancy is limited to the lesser of 14 people, two per bedroom plus two per finished story, or four per off-street parking space.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in New Buffalo?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in New Buffalo. 1. Complete the City-provided STR permit application including owner/agent contact info, parking details, and safety certifications. 2. Pay the required fees (totaling $1,525.00 for new registrations) and schedule a mandatory annual safety inspection. 3. Upon successful inspection and approval, receive the permit which must be renewed annually and posted in a prominent first-floor window.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in New Buffalo?
1. Complete the City-provided STR permit application including owner/agent contact info, parking details, and safety certifications. 2. Pay the required fees (totaling $1,525.00 for new registrations) and schedule a mandatory annual safety inspection. 3. Upon successful inspection and approval, receive the permit which must be renewed annually and posted in a prominent first-floor window.
Is Vrbo legal in New Buffalo, MI?
Vrbo is permitted in New Buffalo, 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 New Buffalo?
Short-term rental hosts in New Buffalo 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 New Buffalo?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for New Buffalo. 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