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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Highland Township, Michigan, but only in specific commercial zoning districts and under strict conditions.

Based on the Highland Township Planning Commission meeting from October 19, 2023, the Township was actively considering regulations for short-term rentals. The proposed ordinance would allow STRs exclusively in C-1, C-2, HS (Highway Service), and IM (Industrial Manufacturing) zoning districts, with no STR activity permitted in residential districts.

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

Step 1: Understand Zoning Requirements

Short-term rentals can only operate in the following zoning districts:

• C-1 (Commercial District)
• C-2 (Commercial District)
• HS (Highway Service District)
• IM (Industrial Manufacturing District)

Critical Restriction: Residential zoning districts are explicitly prohibited from STR operations.

Step 2: Enroll in Rental Certification Program

All STR properties must be enrolled in Highland Township's Rental Certification program, which is already codified in existing Township ordinances.

Step 3: Provide Required Parking

Properties must provide one off-street parking space for every bedroom in the rental unit.

Step 4: Follow State Definitions

The Township uses the definition from Michigan House Enrolled Bill 4722 (2021), which defines any residential rental of 30 days or less as a short-term rental.

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements

1. Rental Certification Program Enrollment (mandatory for all STR properties)
2. Zoning Compliance Verification (confirming property is in permitted commercial district)
3. Parking Plan Documentation (showing 1 space per bedroom)
4. Property Registration (current program requirements)

Legislative Status

As of the October 2023 Planning Commission meeting:

• The ordinance text amendment (Z-030) was in draft form
• A public hearing was scheduled for the Zoning Ordinance text amendment
• The legislation was still pending at both local and state levels
• Michigan Senate had not yet passed a similar bill to the House version

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Highland Township Specific Regulations

Location Restrictions:

• Allowed: C-1, C-2, HS, and IM zoning districts only
• Prohibited: All residential zoning districts

Operational Requirements:

• Mandatory enrollment in Rental Certification program
• Off-street parking: 1 space per bedroom
• Compliance with state definition of STR (≤30 days rental)

Planning Considerations: The Planning Commission acknowledged concerns about transitional periods, such as when a seller agrees to rent a property from the purchaser for a short time after closing. They noted such circumstances would likely not cause neighborhood nuisance and could be easily resolved through enforcement discretion.

State-Level Regulations (Michigan)

• Definition: Short-term rental is any residential rental of 30 days or less (per House Enrolled Bill 4722, 2021)
• State Preemption: The bill seeks to supersede local zoning authority over residential short-term rentals
• Current Status: As of October 2023, the Michigan Senate had not yet passed companion legislation

Contact Information

Highland Township Planning Department

Planning Director: Elizabeth J. Corwin
Planning Commission Office Hours: As indicated in meeting minutes, regular meetings held Thursday evenings

Technical Assistance

Consulting Firm: Carlisle-Wortman Associates
Representative: Megan Masson-Minock (consultant providing technical planning services)

Public Information

Planning Commission meetings are held regularly (typically Thursday evenings), with public participation opportunities available during "Call to the Public" agenda items (3-minute limit per participant).

Important Notes for STR Investors

1. Zoning Verification Critical: Confirm your property's current zoning classification before proceeding with any STR investment in Highland Township.

2. Legislative Monitoring: The regulatory environment is evolving. Both local and state legislation remains in flux as of October 2023.

3. Commercial District Focus: Unlike many communities that allow STRs in residential areas, Highland Township specifically prohibits STRs in residential districts, limiting opportunities to commercial zones.

4. Parking Requirements: The 1:1 bedroom-to-parking-space ratio may impact property selection and investment calculations.

5. Certification Program: All properties must participate in the existing rental certification program, suggesting ongoing regulatory oversight beyond the STR-specific requirements.

Links to Source Pages

• Highland Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (October 19, 2023): highlandtwp.net/images/October192023ApprovedMinutes.pdf

Note: This guide is based on Planning Commission meeting minutes from October 19, 2023, and reflects the regulatory status at that time. Investors should verify current requirements with Highland Township directly, as both local ordinance amendments and state legislation remain in development.