Holland, Michigan Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in the City of Holland, Michigan, but with significant restrictions and regulations. However, it is critical to understand that there are two separate jurisdictions: the City of Holland and Holland Charter Township. The City of Holland permits STRs under specific conditions, while Holland Charter Township explicitly prohibits short-term rentals such as VRBO, Airbnb, and Homestay.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

City of Holland (STRs Allowed)

Starting an STR business in the City of Holland requires navigating a two-tier system based on ownership structure:

Owner-Occupied STRs (Primary Residence)

Properties where the owner lives as their primary residence
Can rent one room while living there, or the entire home when away
Allowed in any zone district
Simpler approval process with fewer restrictions

Investor-Owned STRs (Non-Owner Occupied)

Properties where the owner does not live
Currently subject to a cap of 25 properties citywide
Must meet zoning requirements and separation distances
More complex approval process with stricter requirements

Critical Limitation: The City of Holland has reached its maximum of 25 investor-owned STR properties. According to the city, openings in this program are rare, and this webpage will only be updated when openings become available.

Holland Charter Township (STRs Prohibited)

Short-term rentals are explicitly prohibited in Holland Charter Township. Properties offering stays of 14 consecutive days or less may only operate as Bed & Breakfast establishments with an approved Special Land Use Permit, and the owner/operator must live on the premises.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of Holland STR Requirements

For All STRs:

Short Term Rental Certificate of Compliance (required)
Rental inspection (required before operation)
Property registration
Liability insurance covering STR use
Crime Free Lease addendum
Neighbor notification requirements

Owner-Occupied STRs:

Owner Occupied Short Term Rental Worksheet
Primary residence verification

Investor-Owned STRs:

Investor Owned Short Term Rental Worksheet
Proof of liability insurance meeting city requirements
Local agent designation (within 35 miles, available 24/7)
Zoning compliance verification

Special Provisions:

Tulip Time STRs: No inspection or certificate required for properties offered for not more than 10 days during the designated festival in May

Holland Charter Township Requirements

For Extended Stays (15+ consecutive days):

Rental Registration (no fee)
Annual Rental Registration (due by February 15th)
Rental inspection and Certificate of Compliance
Heat system inspection by licensed contractor

For Bed & Breakfast (14 days or less):

Special Land Use Permit (owner must live on premises)
Public Lodging License
Annual inspection

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Holland STR Regulations

Zoning Requirements:

Owner-Occupied: Allowed in all zone districts
Investor-Owned: Permitted in:
- Commercial zones: NMU, CMU, RMU, GMU
- Industrial zones: I
- Planned Unit Development: PUD
- Farming: F (where residential uses permitted)
- Residential zones: LDR, CNR, MDR, TNR (subject to 25-property cap and 500-foot separation)

Operational Requirements:

Maximum occupancy as stated on rental certificate
Rent entire dwelling unit to one family at a time
Ownership limit: One STR dwelling unit per owner
24/7 local agent availability (within 35 miles)
Include STR certificate number in all advertisements
Maintain compliance with City Ordinance Code

Violation Consequences:

Certificate revocation for:
- Multiple police calls or code violations
- Failure to obtain inspections or pay fees
- Failure to maintain liability insurance
- Failure to maintain property compliance

Holland Charter Township STR Regulations

Prohibited Activities:

Short-term rentals (14 days or less) except Bed & Breakfast
Individual room rentals within a dwelling
VRBO, Airbnb, Homestay operations

Permitted Accommodations:

Bed & Breakfast with Special Land Use Permit (owner-occupied)
Traditional rentals (15+ consecutive days)
Care facilities (exempt)

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Holland - Community & Neighborhood Services

Physical Address: 270 S River Avenue, 3rd Floor Holland, MI 49423

Contact Information:

Phone: 616-355-1330
Fax: 616-546-7058
Email: cns@cityofholland.com
Website: www.cityofholland.com

Online Resources:

Holland Charter Township - Community Development

Physical Address: 353 North 120th Avenue Holland, MI 49424

Contact Information:

Phone: 616-396-2345
Email: info@hct.holland.mi.us

Rental Housing Contacts:

Jenny Hamzik, Code Enforcement Officer/Rental Housing: [Contact via township website]
Kate White, Assistant Planner/Zoning Administrator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Rental Housing Phone: 616-395-0196

Links to Source Pages

City of Holland Sources

Holland Charter Township Sources

Investment Considerations and Market Reality

For City of Holland Investors:

The 25-property cap creates a scarcity market for investor-owned STRs
High barrier to entry due to limited availability
Owner-occupied STRs may provide more accessible entry points
Consider the seasonal nature of Michigan tourism and events like Tulip Time

For Holland Charter Township Investors:

No viable STR investment opportunities due to explicit prohibition
Focus on traditional long-term rentals (15+ days)
Consider Bed & Breakfast conversions with proper permitting

Key Takeaway: The Holland market presents a challenging but potentially rewarding environment for STR investors, primarily constrained by the City of Holland's 25-property cap. Success requires careful navigation of dual jurisdictions and compliance with evolving regulations.

Holland, Michigan, is a vibrant city located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The city has a population of around 33,000 residents and is situated approximately 30 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, the closest major city. Holland is well-known for its rich Dutch heritage, picturesque scenery, and bustling downtown area, making it an appealing destination for short-term rentals.

Holland's downtown is famous for its Dutch-inspired architecture and cultural landmarks. A notable landmark is the Windmill Island Gardens (www.cityofholland.com/253/Windmill-Island-Gardens), which features the authentic Dutch windmill "De Zwaan." The gardens are a key tourist attraction, reflecting the city's historical connections to the Netherlands.

For nature enthusiasts, the Holland State Park (www.michigan.org/property/holland-state-park) provides access to beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and the iconic "Big Red" lighthouse, an enduring symbol of Holland's maritime heritage. The park's waterfront is particularly popular during the summer months, offering a range of recreational activities.

Cultural experiences in the city include the annual Tulip Time Festival (www.tuliptime.com/), which celebrates Holland's Dutch roots with vibrant tulip displays, parades, and traditional Dutch dancing. The festival attracts visitors from around the region, bolstering demand for short-term accommodations.

Holland is also home to several higher education institutions, including Hope College (hope.edu/), a liberal arts college that enriches the city's cultural and educational landscape.

The combination of its cultural richness, natural beauty, and proximity to Grand Rapids makes Holland, MI, a desirable location for short-term rentals, offering visitors a blend of relaxation and engaging activities.

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