Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Saugatuck, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Saugatuck, MI, but with restrictions. STRs are allowed only pursuant to a city-issued annual license with zoning-district caps in specified R-1 districts (caps enumerated for several Peninsula and Maple Street districts); maximum occupancy is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 per finished floor (not to exceed 12) and visitors limited to 1.5× occupants (7:00am–11:00pm); advertising must display the STR license number; local agent within 25 miles required and rental property insurance is mandatory. Fire inspection and compliance with city zoning, noise, trash, and parking rules are required; Good Neighbor Guide must be posted in each STR. 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 allowed only pursuant to a city-issued annual license with zoning-district caps in specified R-1 districts (caps enumerated for several Peninsula and Maple Street districts); maximum occupancy is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 per finished floor (not to exceed 12) and visitors limited to 1.5× occupants (7:00am–11:00pm); advertising must display the STR license number; local agent within 25 miles required and rental property insurance is mandatory. Fire inspection and compliance with city zoning, noise, trash, and parking rules are required; Good Neighbor Guide must be posted in each STR.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Saugatuck. 1) Complete and submit the City’s STR License Application (city accepts mail, email, or in-person submissions) with the stated annual application fee ($540.00) and required attachments (proof of ownership/authorization, floor plan, occupancy, parking plan, proof of insurance, completed Saugatuck Township Fire District inspection certificate). 2) The Saugatuck Township Fire District will perform an annual fire inspection (applicant must submit approved inspection certificate; reinspection fee stated $175.00). 3) City staff review for completeness and ordinance compliance; upon approval the City issues a one-year Short-Term Rental License.

1) Complete and submit the City’s STR License Application (city accepts mail, email, or in-person submissions) with the stated annual application fee ($540.00) and required attachments (proof of ownership/authorization, floor plan, occupancy, parking plan, proof of insurance, completed Saugatuck Township Fire District inspection certificate). 2) The Saugatuck Township Fire District will perform an annual fire inspection (applicant must submit approved inspection certificate; reinspection fee stated $175.00). 3) City staff review for completeness and ordinance compliance; upon approval the City issues a one-year Short-Term Rental License.

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