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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in South Haven, MI

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in South Haven must be registered and comply with either the legacy Article X certificate (expiring by 5/1/2026) or the new Article V (Chapter 14) rules. New STRs in the designated overlay require Zoning Compliance Review and a Special Land Use application; properties must pass bi-annual inspections under Article V. Two license classes apply: Class I (unlimited rentals but limited to no more than 2 rental stays per 7-day period; $1,000,000 liability insurance required) and Class II (limited to 6 rental terms or 28 rental days per calendar year).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Complete and submit the STR License Application (and Special Land Use Application for new overlay units) along with a Zoning Compliance Review if required; 2) Provide documentation including proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance (Class I) or specific rental dates (Class II) and pay licensing fees; 3) Schedule and pass a bi-annual inspection (Article V). Note that Zoning Compliance Review can take approximately 4 months.

Regulatory Updates — South Haven

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJanuary 2025

Article X to Article V Transition Deadline Set — May 1, 2026

South Haven confirmed that all legacy Article X STR certificates expire on May 1, 2026. Operators must complete the transition to new Article V (Chapter 14) registration, including Zoning Compliance Certificate approval, before the deadline to maintain legal STR status.

PassedSeptember 2024

Article V Overlay Zone Map Published

South Haven published its STR overlay zone map identifying which areas of the city qualify for Article V registration. Properties outside the overlay zone cannot obtain new registrations under the updated system.

PassedMay 2024

Zoning Compliance Certificate Requirement for New Permits

South Haven confirmed that all new Article V STR registrations require a Zoning Compliance Certificate, adding a review step to determine whether the specific property and its proposed STR use are consistent with the overlay zone standards.

Official Resources

Official South Haven STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals navigating South Haven's Article X to Article V permit transition.

Michigan RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring South Haven's STR permit transition and advocating for reasonable standards for Michigan vacation property owners.

South Haven Area Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Local tourism organization for South Haven, monitoring STR availability during the Article X-to-Article V transition and its impact on Lake Michigan visitor accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in South Haven, MI?
STRs in South Haven must be registered and comply with either the legacy Article X certificate (expiring by 5/1/2026) or the new Article V (Chapter 14) rules. New STRs in the designated overlay require Zoning Compliance Review and a Special Land Use application; properties must pass bi-annual inspections under Article V. Two license classes apply: Class I (unlimited rentals but limited to no more than 2 rental stays per 7-day period; $1,000,000 liability insurance required) and Class II (limited to 6 rental terms or 28 rental days per calendar year).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in South Haven?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in South Haven. 1) Complete and submit the STR License Application (and Special Land Use Application for new overlay units) along with a Zoning Compliance Review if required; 2) Provide documentation including proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance (Class I) or specific rental dates (Class II) and pay licensing fees; 3) Schedule and pass a bi-annual inspection (Article V). Note that Zoning Compliance Review can take approximately 4 months.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in South Haven?
1) Complete and submit the STR License Application (and Special Land Use Application for new overlay units) along with a Zoning Compliance Review if required; 2) Provide documentation including proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance (Class I) or specific rental dates (Class II) and pay licensing fees; 3) Schedule and pass a bi-annual inspection (Article V). Note that Zoning Compliance Review can take approximately 4 months.
My South Haven STR has an Article X certificate. What do I need to do before May 1, 2026?
You must complete the transition to South Haven's new Article V (Chapter 14) registration system before May 1, 2026, when all Article X certificates expire. This includes obtaining a Zoning Compliance Certificate and verifying your property is within the STR overlay zone. Start the process immediately — do not wait until the deadline.
What if my South Haven property is outside the new STR overlay zone?
Properties outside the Article V overlay zone cannot obtain new STR registrations. If your property falls outside the overlay and your Article X certificate expires on May 1, 2026, you will not be able to legally operate as an STR. Check the overlay map immediately and consult with the city's planning office if your eligibility is uncertain.
What is a Zoning Compliance Certificate in South Haven?
It's a city-issued document confirming your property and proposed STR use are consistent with Article V overlay zone standards. It is required for all new Article V STR registrations. The review process can take several weeks — begin early to ensure you have your certificate before the May 2026 transition deadline.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction