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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Flushing Township, Michigan, but only under strict regulations and limitations. Short-term rentals are defined as the commercial use of renting a dwelling unit for a period of time less than fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days. The Township has implemented a comprehensive ordinance (Chapter 16, Article 8) that regulates all aspects of STR operations to preserve residential character and protect neighborhood quality.

Important Note: This guide covers Flushing Township regulations, as the provided content indicates Flushing Township (not the City of Flushing) has jurisdiction over short-term rental matters within this market area.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Flushing Township

Starting a STR business in Flushing Township requires careful adherence to the local ordinance framework. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Verify Property Eligibility

• One dwelling unit per parcel: Only one (1) dwelling unit per parcel can be leased at any given time
• All lodging within dwelling unit: No lodging in recreational vehicles, campers, or tents
• Compliance with zoning: Property must meet all applicable zoning requirements
• Deed restrictions check: Verify no deed restrictions, HOA rules, or covenants prohibit STR operations

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Approvals

• Pre-permit inspection: Building Official must inspect the property for compliance with all standards
• Short-term Rental Permit application: Submit complete application to Zoning Administrator
• Annual permit renewal: Permits expire December 31st each year and require renewal

Step 3: Designate Local Contact Person

• Must be available 24/7 during rental periods
• Must be within 30 minutes travel time of the property
• Must have access and authority to manage the unit and take remedial measures
• Contact information must be provided to Flushing Township Police Department

Step 4: Implement Required Systems

• Parking arrangements: All parking must be on-site (garage, driveway, or improved areas)
• Safety systems: Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors per manufacturer recommendations
• Waste management: Proper trash disposal with sealed receptacles
• Property maintenance: Septic systems must comply with Genesee County Health Department standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents for Initial Permit Application:

1. Completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application including:

   • Property owner information (name, mailing address, phone, email)
   • Agent information (if applicable)
   • 24-hour contact person details
   • Property information (address, tax ID, maximum occupancy, parking capacity)

2. Property Ownership Documentation:

   • Copy of recorded deed or land contract
   • Copy of any deed restrictions or HOA documents (if applicable)
   • Site plan of property (may be hand-drawn) showing:
     • Property lines and measured dimensions
     • Building location and driveway
     • Parking areas
     • Drain field location
     • Any docks (if applicable)

3. Compliance Certifications:

   • Working smoke and carbon monoxide detector certification
   • Septic system compliance with Genesee County Health Department standards
   • Consent to inspections and making unit available upon request

4. Additional Requirements:

   • Owner certification of standards compliance
   • Acknowledgment of Personal Residence Exemption implications
   • Homeowner's insurance coverage acknowledgment for STR activity

Permit Status and Limitations:

• Annual limit: Maximum of 50 STR permits issued per calendar year
• No unit restrictions: No limits on number of units operated by single individual
• Non-transferable: Permits expire upon property sale and cannot be transferred
• Revocation period: 12-month waiting period after permit revocation before reapplication

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Standards

Maximum Stay Limits:

• 14 consecutive calendar days maximum for any guest(s)
• Occupancy exceeding 30 days is not considered a short-term rental

Local Contact Requirements:

• 24/7 availability during rental periods
• Within 30 minutes travel time of property
• Authority to manage unit and take remedial action
• Contact information provided to police department

Parking Regulations:

• All parking must be off-roadway and entirely on-site
• Allowed locations: garage, driveway, or other improved areas
• No parking on grass permitted

Occupancy and Use Restrictions:

• Only one dwelling unit per parcel may be leased
• No special events, outdoor events, lawn parties, weddings, or similar activities exceeding permitted occupant limits

Noise and Conduct Standards

Quiet Hours:

• 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily
• Noise must not disturb quiet, comfort, or repose of reasonable persons
• Township Code Section 18-80 also applies

Pet Regulations:

• Pets must be secured on property or leashed at all times
• Dogs prohibited from whining, yelping, barking, or howling for 10+ minutes
• Subject to Flushing Township Code Chapter 8

Fire Safety:

• Fireworks prohibited except per Township Code Chapter 20, Article 3
• Fires only in provided devices/locations
• Fires must not be left unattended and must be fully extinguished
• Only clean, dry wood may be burned
• Subject to Township Code Chapter 5, Article 1

Health and Safety Requirements

Waste Management:

• Provision for trash disposal required
• Trash must be in properly sealed receptacles
• No overflow attractive to vermin permitted

Septic/Sewer Systems:

• Must be in substantial compliance with Genesee County Health Department standards

Safety Equipment:

• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors required per manufacturer recommendations and local codes

Violation Penalties

First Violation: Warning notice (verbal/written)

Second Violation (same calendar year):

• Municipal civil infraction
• Fine: $250-$500
• All property owners may be responsible

Third Violation (same calendar year):

• Municipal civil infraction
• Fine: Minimum twice previous fine, maximum $500
• Permit revocation
• 12-month wait before reapplication

Pattern Violations:

• Three consecutive years of violations: Permit revocation with appeal rights to Township Board

Exemptions (Not Considered Short-Term Rentals)

1. Family Occupancy: Family members and guests without remuneration
2. House Sitting: During temporary owner absence, non-owner occupancy without remuneration
3. Dwelling Sales: Up to 90 days occupancy by prior owner after sale
4. Estate Representative: By personal representative, trustee, or guardian
5. Long-term Occupancy: In excess of 30 days

Contact Information for Local Authority

Flushing Charter Township

Physical Address: 6524 N. Seymour Rd., Flushing, MI 48433

Phone: (810) 659-0800

Email: zoning@flushingtwp.org

Key Personnel:

• Zoning Administrator: Issues permits and handles violations
• Building Official: Conducts pre-permit inspections
• Police Department: Receives local contact information

Business Hours: Contact township directly for current office hours and availability.

Links to Source Pages

• Flushing Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF)
• Flushing Township Short-Term Rental Permit Application (PDF)
• News Coverage - Township Passes First Reading of Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• Flushing City Charter (Reference)

Investment Considerations for Flushing Market

Market Constraints:

• Annual permit cap of 50 units creates limited availability
• High regulatory compliance requirements increase operational complexity
• Strong emphasis on residential character protection

Compliance Criticality:

• Strict enforcement with escalating penalties
• Pattern violations can permanently disqualify operators
• Annual permit renewal requires re-inspection

Property Requirements:

• Suitable for properties with adequate on-site parking
• Properties with septic systems must meet health department standards
• Deed restrictions and HOA rules may limit eligibility

This regulatory framework indicates Flushing Township's careful balance between allowing STR investment while maintaining strict neighborhood compatibility standards. Investors should thoroughly understand all requirements before acquiring properties in this market.