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

Explicit answer: Yes—short-term rentals are allowed in Interlochen, Michigan, but only where zoning permits lodging and only if you obtain and maintain the required local permit and comply with township ordinances. Interlochen is located within Green Lake Township (Grand Traverse County). Green Lake Township has adopted a Short-Term Rental Ordinance and issues an STR license. You must also collect and remit Michigan’s 6% use tax on rentals of less than 30 days.

Sources:

• Green Lake Township website, Zoning-Permits page (contact and application references).
• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance PDF (township-level STR law).
• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental License Application PDF.
• State and STR-specific tax/regulatory overview: MiSTRA Regulations page; RedAwning state overview.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Interlochen (Green Lake Township)

Follow these steps in order:

1. Confirm zoning eligibility

• Confirm that the subject property is in a zoning district where transient lodging is permitted. In Green Lake Township, all zoning permit applications for structures 200 square feet or larger must be filed through the Grand Traverse County Construction Codes Epic Portal (not the township itself).
• Contact the Zoning Administrator to confirm your lot’s zoning and the status of STRs in that district before proceeding.

2. Apply for a Green Lake Township STR license

• Submit the Short-Term Rental Application (PDF) to Green Lake Township. Complete all required fields and attach any mandated documentation (e.g., site plan, floor plan, proof of ownership or management authorization, contact information for owner/agent, and any required certifications).
• The township issues the license; you must display license information as instructed in the township code.

3. Comply with township safety and nuisance rules

• Comply with the Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance and other township regulations, including:
  • Noise Ordinance (quiet hours, sound level limits, enforcement).
  • Fireworks Ordinance (especially seasonal restrictions).
  • Any occupancy, parking, signage, or good-neighbor provisions required by the STR ordinance.
• Keep your guests informed of rules to prevent fines or enforcement actions.

4. Register for and collect Michigan taxes

• Collect Michigan’s 6% use tax on all stays under 30 days if the booking platform does not already collect and remit it. Platforms vary (Airbnb commonly remits state taxes; other platforms may not).
• File and remit use tax through the Michigan Department of Treasury as required. Maintain complete records of nightly rates, fees, and occupancy dates.

5. Verify HOA/condo covenants and insurance

• Check deed restrictions, HOA/POA bylaws, or condominium rules; short-term rentals may be prohibited or limited by private covenants even if local zoning allows them.
• Review and update insurance coverage to address short-term rental exposures.

6. Prepare for inspections and renewals

• Be prepared for local inspections and annual license renewals as dictated by the township ordinance and application.

Sources:

• Green Lake Township Zoning-Permits page (Epic portal requirement).
• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance (license and compliance standards).
• Green Lake Township STR License Application (submission mechanics).
• MiSTRA Regulations (state use tax obligations; local variability; platform variations).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental License (required to operate).
• STR License Application (completed and submitted).
• Zoning eligibility confirmation (contact Zoning Administrator; note Epic portal requirement for structural permits).
• Compliance with township Noise Ordinance and Fireworks Ordinance (guest rules/handbook strongly recommended).
• Michigan use tax registration and filings if the platform does not collect/remit for you.
• Evidence of ownership or lawful authority to operate the STR (deed, lease, or management authorization).
• Safety documentation and any required inspections per township ordinance.
• Guest-facing rules and disclosures (noise, parking, occupancy limits, quiet hours, fireworks, trash/recycling) to ensure compliance.

Sources:

• Green Lake Township STR License Application.
• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental, Noise, and Fireworks Ordinances.
• MiSTRA Regulations (tax obligations and platform practices).
• Grand Traverse County Epic Portal reference.

Specific Regulations: City/Township, County, and State

Township (Green Lake Township—Interlochen)

• Short-Term Rental Ordinance: governs whether STRs are permitted, licensing requirements, operational standards, and enforcement.
• Noise Ordinance: sets quiet hours and maximum sound levels; includes enforcement provisions.
• Fireworks Ordinance: addresses restrictions and penalties for fireworks use.
• Zoning and Permits: structures 200+ sq ft must use the Grand Traverse County Epic portal for zoning/construction permitting; confirm STRs are a permitted use in your zoning district before applying.
• Applications: Short-Term Rental License Application is submitted to the township.

County (Grand Traverse County)

• Construction Code Permitting: handled through the Grand Traverse County Construction Codes Epic Portal for zoning and building permits (including structures 200+ sq ft).
• Other county departments (e.g., health, soil erosion) may be relevant for site-specific issues; coordinate if required.

State (Michigan)

• No statewide STR-specific license or ban. All rentals of under 30 days are subject to Michigan’s 6% use tax. Airbnb often collects and remits; other platforms may not, making the owner responsible for collection and remittance.
• Municipalities may enact their own STR regulations (including zoning limits, caps, inspection requirements, and local taxes/fees), which can vary widely.

Sources:

• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance, Noise Ordinance, Fireworks Ordinance.
• Green Lake Township Zoning-Permits page (Epic portal reference).
• MiSTRA Regulations (state use tax, local variability, platform collection differences).
• RedAwning state overview (6% use tax; local differences; state-level guidance).

Contact Information (Local Authority in Charge of STRs)

Township Contacts (Green Lake Township)

• Zoning Administrator: Jason Hamilton
  • Phone: 231-276-9329, ext. 106
  • Email: zoning@greenlaketownship.org

Township Main Line and Address

• Phone: 231-276-9329
• Address: 9394 10th Street, Interlochen, MI 49643
• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (appointments encouraged)

County Contacts (Grand Traverse County)

• Construction Codes Division (Epic Portal)
  • Reference link (for permitting): Grand Traverse County Construction Codes Epic Portal (via Green Lake Township site)

State Contacts (Michigan)

• Michigan Department of Treasury (Sales, Use, and Withholding)
  • State Use Tax information and filing guidance: Michigan Treasury—Use Tax

Sources:

• Green Lake Township Zoning-Permits page (contact details).
• Green Lake Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance and Noise Ordinance (enforcement references).
• Michigan Treasury—Use Tax (state tax filing).

Links to Source Pages and Documents

Township (Interlochen/Green Lake Township)

• Zoning-Permits page (contact, Epic portal, and ordinance references): www.gogreenlake.org/zoning-permits
• Short-Term Rental License Application (PDF): www.gogreenlake.org/_files/ugd/043722_ed491241fc13425dae86bf7989970ea4.pdf
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF): www.gogreenlake.org/_files/ugd/043722_8ac7b2dba64e4c709bf298dd8ac1fa8c.pdf
• Noise Ordinance (PDF): www.gogreenlake.org/_files/ugd/341b10_536e9a589ee94091bf5fd6fd025cb07e.pdf
• Fireworks Ordinance (PDF): www.gogreenlake.org/_files/ugd/341b10_b85dd13735c54d29ac31c17127283089.pdf
• Zoning Ordinance (PDF): www.gogreenlake.org/_files/ugd/043722_0ad57b13d26f4517b9892774ee69b5e3.pdf
• Zoning Map (PDF): www.gogreenlake.org/_files/ugd/043722_d52e9399bb0949a6924f519ef533ffed.pdf

County (Grand Traverse County)

• Construction Codes Division (Epic Portal) reference via township page: www.gogreenlake.org/879/Construction-Code

State (Michigan)

• MiSTRA Regulations overview (state tax, local variability, platform collection): michiganstra.org/regulations/
• Michigan Treasury—Use Tax information: www.michigan.gov/taxes/business-taxes/sales-use-tax/use-tax-1
• RedAwning—Michigan STR Laws overview: www.redawning.com/pm/post/michigan-short-term-rental-laws

Practical Notes for Investors

• Interlochen’s STR market is seasonal and culturally driven (Interlochen Center for the Arts, outdoor recreation). Pricing and operations should reflect peak summer demand and quieter winters.
• Compliance is local. Even if Michigan’s laws are permissive, Green Lake Township’s ordinances govern eligibility, licensing, and behavior on-site.
• Tax collection can vary by platform. If you use non-collecting channels (e.g., some direct bookings or non-Airbnb platforms), you are responsible for Michigan’s 6% use tax.
• HOAs/condos can prohibit short-term rentals irrespective of local law. Always review private covenants before purchase.
• Maintain thorough records and publish clear guest rules (noise, occupancy, parking, quiet hours, fireworks, trash). This reduces neighbor complaints and enforcement risk.
• Annual license renewals and possible inspections should be built into your operating calendar. Maintain continuity of management and guest communications to prevent lapses.

Sources:

• GoSummer—Interlochen market overview and STR considerations.
• MiSTRA Regulations (state/local frameworks; local authority variability).
• Green Lake Township Ordinances and Application.