Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Beulah, MI?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Beulah, Michigan as of the adoption of Ordinance Number 2021-003, which was initially enacted on November 4, 2021, and subsequently amended on November 11, 2022. However, these rentals are strictly regulated and require annual registration and licensing with the Village of Beulah before operation.

The Village explicitly states that this ordinance does not supersede their Zoning Ordinance and that short-term rentals must be an allowed use within the specific zoning district where the property is located. Additionally, the ordinance does not apply to short-term rentals totaling no more than 14 days in any calendar year.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Beulah

Step 1: Confirm Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding with any rental activity, verify that short-term rentals are an allowed use in your property's zoning district under the Village of Beulah Zoning Ordinance. Properties must be used for residential purposes as defined in the ordinance.

Step 2: Complete Annual Registration Process

All owners of short-term rentals must register their properties annually with the Village of Beulah. Registrations must be completed prior to the start of any short-term rentals in any calendar year and expire on December 31 of each year.

Step 3: Pay Required Fees

Submit the annual registration fee of $200.00 (subject to modification by Village Council resolution) along with your completed application.

Step 4: Designate a Local Contact Person

Appoint a local property manager or agent who will be available 24/7 by phone or text messaging to respond to emergencies and complaints.

Step 5: Display Registration Number

Once approved, display your registration number prominently on all advertisements and rental contracts.

Step 6: Maintain Compliance

Continuously comply with all ordinance requirements, local laws, and the terms of your license throughout operation.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Documents

• Short-Term Rental Registration Application (Current form available for 2025)
• Signed registration form by the property owner
• Annual registration fee of $200.00

Required Information for Registration

1. Owner Information:

   • Full name(s) and permanent address
   • Phone numbers (including personal cell phone)
   • Email address(es)
   • Legal name of property owner (including LLCs, trusts, or other legal structures)

2. Property Details:

   • Physical address of the short-term rental
   • Maximum number of persons permitted to occupy the unit
   • Number of on-site parking spaces provided and their location

3. Local Contact Person Information:

   • Full name and permanent address
   • Business phone and cell phone numbers
   • Email address
   • Must be available 24/7 by phone or text messaging

Supporting Documents

• Village Visitor Guide (recommended to post in rental unit)
• Documentation confirming zoning compliance for short-term rental use
• Property insurance documentation (recommended)
• Proof of on-site parking arrangements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements

Occupancy and Use:

• Short-term rentals are defined as facilities used for sleeping, cooking, eating, and bathing purposes for lease periods of less than 30 days
• Maximum occupancy must be clearly established and enforced
• Property must form a single habitable unit

Parking Requirements:

• Must provide designated on-site parking for overnight guests
• Parking must be legally available for the rental's use
• Overnight parking within public right-of-ways is prohibited

Local Contact Requirements:

• Local contact person must be available 24/7 by phone or text
• Contact person should attempt to resolve complaints before involving law enforcement
• Immediate contact information updates required when changes occur

Compliance Obligations

Guest Education Requirements: Owners must ensure guests are fully informed of all local ordinances, including:

• Quiet Hours: Ordinance 88-3 establishing quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• Fireworks Regulations: Fireworks and Unlawful Discharge (Ordinance No. 2019-3)
• Animal Control: Benzie County Animal Control and Enforcement Ordinance
• Park Regulations: Ordinances 96-1, 98-6, 98-7, 98-8, 2001-3, and 2010-1 prohibiting alcoholic beverages and animals (except service animals) in parks, beaches, and docks
• Watercraft Regulations: Prohibition of watercraft on village beaches or bottomlands and standing restrictions at the T-Dock

Property Management Requirements:

• Provision for proper trash disposal in sealed receptacles
• Posting of trash collection day information
• Recommendation to post the Village Visitor Guide in the rental unit

Registration and Licensing Details

License Validity:

• Annual registration required (expires December 31 each year)
• Separate registration required for each short-term rental property
• License and registration number must be displayed on all advertisements and contracts

Multi-Property Ownership:

• Separate registration forms and fees required for each individual short-term rental
• Each property must maintain independent compliance

Enforcement and Penalties

Municipal Civil Infractions:

• Violations of registration requirements result in municipal civil infractions
• Minimum fine of $100.00 plus costs per violation
• Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense

Suspension and Revocation:

• Village Zoning Administrator may suspend licenses for cause, noncompliance, or false material statements
• Suspension effective upon certified mailing to owner
• One-year ineligibility period following suspension
• More than two suspensions in three years results in permanent ineligibility

Appeal Process:

• Suspensions may be appealed to Village Council within 30 days
• Village Council decisions may be appealed to court of competent jurisdiction

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Beulah Contact Details

• Village Clerk Email: clerk@villageofbeulah.net
• Phone: 231-882-4451
• Mailing Address: Village of Beulah Office, 7228 Commercial St., P.O. Box 326, Beulah, MI 49617
• Office Location: 7228 Commercial St., Beulah, MI 49617

Key Personnel

• Village Zoning Administrator (licensing authority)
• Village Clerk (registration and compliance inquiries)

Public Records

• Current list of registered short-term rentals available upon request
• Includes property addresses, registration numbers, and local contact information

Source Links

Official Village Documents

1. Village of Beulah Short-Term Rentals Page: www.villageofbeulah.net/short_term_rentals/index.php
2. Complete STR Ordinance (as amended): webgen1files1.revize.com/beulahmi/Documents/Short%20Term%20Rentals/STR%20Ordinance%20Amendment%2011.10.2022_001.pdf
3. 2025 Registration Application: www.villageofbeulah.net/Documents/Short%20Term%20Rentals/Registration%202025.pdf
4. STR Visitor Guide: www.villageofbeulah.net/Documents/Short%20Term%20Rentals/STR%20Visitor%20Guide_v5.pdf
5. Ordinance Information Portal: www.villageofbeulah.net/government/ordinance_info.php

Important Note: This guide is based on the Village of Beulah's official ordinances and regulations. Property owners should regularly verify current requirements with the Village Clerk or Zoning Administrator, as regulations may be amended. Always consult the most current versions of all ordinances and registration forms before proceeding with any short-term rental operations.