Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sanilac County, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Sanilac County, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are permitted only where allowed by local municipal zoning and licensing rules (Sanilac Township allows STRs in designated zoning districts; Port Sanilac requires village registration). Key constraints include overnight occupancy limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, a required local agent within 30 miles, safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers), and a township-wide license cap of 160. 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 (STRs) are permitted only where allowed by local municipal zoning and licensing rules (Sanilac Township allows STRs in designated zoning districts; Port Sanilac requires village registration). Key constraints include overnight occupancy limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, a required local agent within 30 miles, safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers), and a township-wide license cap of 160.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sanilac County. 1) Submit the STR license application to the Township (or Village) including owner/agent contact, floor plans, and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Pay the required fee ($200 for the Village). 3) Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Building Official to receive a one-year license, which must be renewed annually.

1) Submit the STR license application to the Township (or Village) including owner/agent contact, floor plans, and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Pay the required fee ($200 for the Village). 3) Schedule and pass a safety inspection by the Building Official to receive a one-year license, which must be renewed annually.

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