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

Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in East Jordan, Michigan, subject to city registration, zoning compliance, and ongoing operational requirements. East Jordan has a formal Short-Term Rental (STR) registration process administered by the Office of Planning and Zoning. Registration is required annually and includes several explicit conditions for operations, including designation of a local agent, posting of contact information, and adherence to city code and zoning standards.

Note: The city references an adopted Short Term Rental Ordinance and provides registration forms, mapping, and online permitting systems. The current “Short Term Rental Map” (Adopted STR Map 6-15-2021) indicates specific STR zones/locations, and zoning compliance is required. Always confirm the most recent ordinance, zoning map, and fees with the city before proceeding.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in East Jordan, MI

Investors and hosts should follow this step-by-step path:

1. Confirm zoning eligibility and STR eligibility zone

• Use the East Jordan Zoning Map and the Adopted STR Map (6-15-2021) to confirm that your property is in an area where STRs are permitted or conditionally permitted.
• If uncertain, contact the Planning & Zoning office to validate zoning and any overlay districts.

2. Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration Application

• Submit the official Short Term Rental Registration Application to the Office of Planning and Zoning.
• Pay the annual registration fee ($100.00) with your application. The permit expires at the end of the calendar year and must be renewed each year.

3. Appoint a local agent and post required information

• Designate a Local Agent who will be available 24/7 during occupied periods, can respond to issues, and has a key to the unit or an arranged response plan.
• Post the property address and the local agent’s contact information in a prominent first-floor door or window of each STR unit.

4. Post-registration compliance and operations

• Maintain compliance with the East Jordan City Code and all conditions attached to your registration.
• Retain records demonstrating agent availability and compliance with posting requirements.

5. Consider online workflows for efficiency

• Permits can be applied for and paid online through the city’s BS&A Online portal.
• Registration and zoning permits are processed through the Planning & Zoning office.

Note: The STR Registration Application explicitly states that it is not a zoning permit and does not convey rights under building codes, deed restrictions, or other property rights. Separately ensure building code compliance and any homeowner association restrictions, if applicable.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Registration Application

  • Issued by: City of East Jordan, Office of Planning and Zoning
  • Fee: $100.00
  • Expiration: December 31 of the issue year
  • Key application elements: property owner information; local agent details; property address; parcel number; dwelling units and bedroom counts; intended availability; prior-year usage; affidavit of compliance and consent

• Zoning compliance and zoning permit (as applicable)

  • Zoning confirmation is required to ensure the STR use is allowed at the subject property
  • Use the Zoning Map and consult the Planning & Zoning office for any needed zoning approvals

• Posting requirements

  • Local agent contact and property address must be posted in a prominent first-floor door or window of each STR unit

• Online permitting and payment

  • Apply online: BS&A Online (via city portal)
  • Accepts online payment via credit card; City Hall accepts check, cash, money order, or credit card

• Business licensing (if applicable)

  • The city site references general permitting and business licensing contexts; if the city has additional business licensing requirements for STRs, confirm with the Planning & Zoning office or Clerk’s office

• Michigan Use Tax on short-term rentals (state-level)

  • Michigan imposes a 6% use tax on short-term rentals (generally rentals shorter than six months)
  • Collect and remit use tax in accordance with Michigan law

City, County, and State Regulations: What You Must Follow

• City of East Jordan STR framework

  • Registration required annually ($100.00 fee)
  • Permit expires at end of calendar year
  • Must designate and maintain a Local Agent who is available 24/7 during occupied periods; must have a key or an arranged response
  • Post the property address and local agent contact information in a prominent first-floor door or window of each unit
  • Comply with all applicable sections of the East Jordan City Code
  • STR eligibility is tied to the Adopted STR Map and zoning; confirm zoning first
  • The registration application clarifies it is not a zoning permit and does not convey rights under building code, deed restrictions, or other property rights

• Zoning and planning context

  • Zoning Map and Master Plan are part of the city’s planning documents
  • Apply for zoning permits and site plan reviews as needed through the Planning & Zoning office

• State-level regulation

  • Michigan Use Tax: 6% on short-term rentals (rentals under six months)

Note: The city references an Adopted STR Ordinance; detailed operational requirements, enforcement, and penalties are governed by that ordinance and the City Code. Confirm current text and any updates with the city.

Contacts and Submission

• Planning & Zoning (primary contact for STR registration)

  • Tom Cannon, City/Zoning Administrator
  • Phone: 231-536-3381 ext. 3023
  • Email: tcannon@eastjordancity.org
  • Mailing Address: 201 Main Street, PO Box 499, East Jordan, MI 49727

• General City Contacts

  • Main Line: 231-536-3381
  • Email: info@eastjordancity.org

• Apply Online

  • BS&A Online (via city portal)

• Document Center / Downloads

  • Use the city’s Document Center for zoning and planning documents

Source Links (for investor verification and downloads)

• Planning & Zoning Department: www.eastjordancity.org/departments/planning___zoning.php
• Short-Term Rental Registration Application (PDF): cms5.revize.com/revize/eastjordan/Document%20Center/Department/Zoning%20&%20Planning/Short%20Term%20Rental%20Registration%20Application.pdf
• City Code of Ordinances (Municode): library.municode.com/mi/east_jordan/codes/code_of_ordinances
• Adopted STR Map (6-15-2021): www.eastjordancity.org/departments/planning___zoning.php (as referenced on the page; see Document Center for direct PDF “Adopted STR Map 6-15-2021.pdf”)
• Permits & Forms (including Short Term Rental Form): www.eastjordancity.org/how_do_i/apply_for___obtain/permits___forms.php
• Online Permit Application (BS&A Online): bsaonline.com/?uid=1024

Practical next steps

• Confirm zoning eligibility using the current Zoning Map and STR Map.
• Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration Application and submit with the $100 fee.
• Designate your local agent and install the required postings inside the unit.
• Review the Michigan Use Tax obligations and implement tax collection/remittance processes.
• Maintain compliance records, and renew the registration before each calendar year ends.

This guide reflects the requirements and processes shown in the provided city materials. Regulations and fees can change; investors should confirm the most current ordinance, fees, and mapping with the Planning & Zoning office before acquisition or launch.