Lincoln Township, Michigan Short-Term Rental Investment Guide

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Lincoln Township?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lincoln Township, Newaygo County, Michigan. However, they are subject to specific regulations that were established by Ordinance No. 25-02, adopted on July 15, 2025. The township has created a comprehensive regulatory framework that treats short-term rental housing as a special land use, requiring compliance with detailed operational standards while ensuring compatibility with residential neighborhoods.

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

Step 1: Understand Your Zoning Requirements

Short-term rental dwellings are permitted as special land uses in the following zoning districts:

• Agricultural-Rural Residential District (Chapter 5, Section 5.03.K)
• Low Density Residential District (Chapter 6, Section 6.03.G)
• Waterfront District (Chapter 7, Section 7.03.A(2))

Step 2: Secure Proper Zoning Approval

Before operating, you must:

• Submit a special land use application to the Planning Commission
• Obtain Planning Commission approval for your specific STR location
• Ensure compliance with all site-specific requirements

Step 3: Complete Registration and Inspection Process

• Submit a self-certified copy of the Short-Term Rental Inspection Report
• Undergo inspections limited to ordinance requirements and safety complaints
• Maintain compliance with all ongoing operational standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents and Permits:

1. Special Land Use Approval from Lincoln Township Planning Commission
2. Self-certified Short-Term Rental Inspection Report
3. Zoning Permit from the Zoning Administrator
4. Building Permit if any construction or renovation is planned
5. Occupancy Permit from the Building Inspector
6. Insurance Policy with minimum $1,000,000 liability coverage

Required Documentation for Occupants:

Provide the following information to occupants and post conspicuously in the dwelling:

• Owner or Designated Contact name and 24/7 telephone number
• Maximum occupancy limits for the dwelling
• Parking location instructions
• Copy of local ordinances (Township and STR-specific)
• Township Clerk and Zoning Administrator contact information
• Statement regarding potential citations and fines for violations

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Maximum Occupancy Limits:

• Primary Rule: Two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants per finished story
• Total Occupancy Cap: Maximum of 1.5 times the calculated maximum occupancy (including daytime guests)
• Attic/Basement: Cannot be used for occupancy calculations without written consent for inspection

Operational Requirements:

Parking and Site Management:

• Provide off-street parking on driveway for all occupants' vehicles
• Include parking requirements in rental agreements and advertisements
• No parking permitted in yards or on grass
• Maintain sufficient waste receptacles, screened from view
• Dispose of garbage weekly in closed containers
• Keep premises free of debris

Safety and Building Standards:

• Install smoke detectors in every bedroom
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor
• Test detectors every 90 days
• Install visible address signs at premises entrance
• Campfires limited to designated fire pits, minimum 10 feet from property lines
• Active fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished after use

Guest Management and Nuisance Prevention:

• Noise Restrictions:
  • Weeknights (Sun-Thu): No audible noise at property line between 10 PM - 7 AM
  • Weekends (Fri-Sat): No audible noise at property line between 11 PM - 7 AM
• Owner or Designated Contact must be available 24/7 during rental periods
• Contact person must be located within Township or 25 miles of boundary
• Contact person must have key or access to the dwelling
• Notify neighbors within 300 feet in writing of rental operation

Advertising Requirements:

All advertisements must list:

• Restricted uses as defined in the ordinance
• Maximum occupancy limits
• Parking requirements
• Any other usage restrictions

Rental Duration Limits:

• Minimum rental period: 1 day
• Maximum rental period: 27 days
• No rentals exceeding 27 days are permitted

Enforcement and Penalties

Civil Infractions:

• First offense: $100 civil infraction plus court costs
• Subsequent offenses (within 12 months): Misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 fine and/or 93 days imprisonment
• Additional enforcement including injunctions and restraining orders
• Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense

License Revocation:

Violations can result in revocation of the owner's ability to lease, rent, or operate the premises as a rental unit, plus payment of enforcement and attorney fees.

Contact Information

Lincoln Township Government:

Township Hall 1988 North Wiseman Avenue
White Cloud, Michigan

Key Contacts:

• Zoning Administrator: Contact through Township Hall
• Township Clerk: Jackie Bulson
• Planning Commission: Regular meetings held at Township Hall

Emergency Contacts:

• Emergency Services: 911
• Non-Emergency Police: Contact through Township Hall
• Fire Department: Contact through Township Hall

Links to Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents:

• Lincoln Township STR Amendment (July 15, 2025): lincolntownship.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/STR-Amendment-July-15-2025.pdf
• General Zoning Ordinance: www.lincolntwp.com/zoningbody.pdf

Additional Resources:

• Lincoln Charter Township (Berrien County) Good Neighbor Brochure: lctberrien.org/DocumentCenter/View/174/Good-Neighbor-Brochure-PDF
• Ordinances and Forms: lctberrien.org/forms-and-ordinances

Key Investment Considerations

Financial Requirements:

• Minimum $1 million liability insurance
• Potential application and professional review fees
• Compliance with local, state, and federal tax obligations

Operational Considerations:

• 24/7 availability requirement for owner or designated contact
• Regular testing and maintenance of safety equipment
• Ongoing compliance monitoring and potential inspection requirements
• Neighbor notification and community relations management

Market Compliance:

The Township emphasizes that STR operations must maintain the residential character of neighborhoods, with the goal that "average neighbors under normal circumstances will not be aware that the dwelling is short-term rental housing."

This comprehensive regulatory framework represents Lincoln Township's approach to balancing economic opportunities from short-term rentals with community character preservation and resident welfare. Potential investors should carefully review all requirements and consider the ongoing compliance obligations before entering this market.