Are short‑term rentals allowed in St. Clair, MI?

Yes—short‑term rentals are allowed in St. Clair, Michigan (St. Clair City) and broadly permitted across St. Clair County. Lodge Compliance’s St. Clair County page explicitly states that STRs are legal and regulated, that an ordinance exists, and that the Building Inspector (under the planning department) oversees registration and compliance. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi.

However, regulatory details differ by municipality. If your property is in St. Clair City, you will follow city ordinances, inspection and registration rules, and local enforcement. If you are located in a township within St. Clair County (e.g., Clay Township), the township’s STR ordinance governs. See state‑level policy context at: www.mackinac.org/blog/2023/michigan-cities-ban-short-term-rentals-a-black-market-is-sure-to-follow.

How to start a short‑term rental business in this market

1. Confirm location and zoning

• Identify whether your property sits inside St. Clair City limits or within a township (e.g., Clay Township). The rules, permitting requirements, and contact agencies differ.
• Verify that STR use is permitted in the zoning district of the property. If you’re in a township, review its zoning map or contact the planning/zoning office.

2. Determine licensing/registration requirements

• City of St. Clair: The Lodge Compliance overview cites registration and safety compliance overseen by the Building Inspector as part of the city’s planning department. Confirm the specific registration steps, fees, and inspection timeline with the city. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi and City website at www.cityofstclair.com.
• Townships (example: Clay Township): Clay requires an STR permit, an application, insurance, and adherence to the township ordinance. See links below.

3. Apply for licenses/permits

• Submit required application(s) to the local authority (city building/planning or township office).
• If an inspection is required, schedule it with the Building Inspector (city) or the designated township official.

4. Set up tax obligations

• Michigan’s 6% sales tax applies to transient lodging and is generally collected by the platform (Airbnb/Vrbo) and remitted by the host (if the host files returns) or through the platform’s automated system. Additionally, local lodging taxes (e.g., county/regional taxes) may apply and could be collected via the platform. Verify current rates and collection methods with the Michigan Department of Treasury and your local tax administrator.

5. Draft house rules and marketing content

• Incorporate local noise, parking, waste, event/party, and occupancy restrictions into your listing and guest materials.
• Include emergency contacts and quiet hours per local ordinance.

6. Prepare the property

• Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, egress, and any other safety equipment meet local codes.
• Provide welcome information that covers trash schedules, pet policies, parking, and neighbor‑friendly behavior.

7. Maintain records

• Keep guest logs, complaint records, and inspection/permit documentation on file in case of inquiries or inspections.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

City of St. Clair (overview only)

• Registration and safety compliance are required under city oversight (Building Inspector, planning department). Specific forms, fees, and inspection details were not provided; contact the city directly via its website or the Building Inspector’s office. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi and www.cityofstclair.com.

Township example: Clay Township (St. Clair County)

• Permit required before operating.
• Required at time of application (per Clay ordinance):
  • Completed STR application.
  • Proof of property ownership or written authorization from the owner.
  • Site plan (showing parking, entrance/exit, refuse area).
  • Proof of insurance/liability coverage as required by the ordinance.
  • Any additional documentation specified in the application or ordinance.
• Annual permit fee may apply (exact amount not provided).
• Inspection or verification of safety standards may be required.
• Keep a copy of the issued permit on site and available for inspection.
• Links:
  • Clay Township STR Ordinance (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/Approved%20Short%20Term%20Rental%20Ordinance.pdf
  • STR Application (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/STR%20Application.pdf

Marketing/advertising

• All listings should include required permit/registration numbers (if applicable), local rules (quiet hours, occupancy limits, parking), and local tax registration numbers where required.

Tax filings

• Michigan Sales Tax (currently 6% on transient lodging). Coordinate with the Michigan Department of Treasury regarding filing and remittance responsibilities and whether your booking platform is collecting on your behalf.
• Local lodging taxes may apply in St. Clair County. Confirm applicability, rates, and filing procedures with the local tax administrator (often the County Treasurer or designated agency).

Specific regulations for short‑term rentals (city, county, and state)

City of St. Clair (overview)

• Legal and regulated; the Building Inspector and planning department enforce safety and registration requirements. An ordinance has been approved at the municipal level. Final details (occupancy, length‑of‑stay caps, fees, inspection checklist) should be verified directly with the city. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi and www.cityofstclair.com.

St. Clair County (policy framework)

• STRs are explicitly recognized as legal and regulated by the Lodge Compliance overview. County‑level oversight is primarily through local municipalities (city/townships) that adopt their own ordinances. See: www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi.

Township example: Clay Township (specific rules)

• Ordinance provisions include (non‑exhaustive; consult the PDF for the full text):
  • Permit and application requirements.
  • Safety standards and inspections.
  • Occupancy and length‑of‑stay caps (confirm current limits in the ordinance).
  • Parking and site plan requirements.
  • Noise and quiet hours.
  • Guest conduct, trash, and pet restrictions.
  • Complaint enforcement and potential penalties.
  • Annual renewal and fee structure (amounts not provided).
• Links to the ordinance and related documents: cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/Approved%20Short%20Term%20Rental%20Ordinance.pdf; cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/STR%20Application.pdf; cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/STR%20Complaint.pdf; cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/Good%20Visitor%20Guide.pdf

State of Michigan (taxes and general constraints)

• Michigan Sales Tax applies to transient lodging and is typically collected/remitted as described above.
• Municipal authority over land use, zoning, and local ordinances is broad; municipalities can enact STR rules and enforcement mechanisms. As a policy note, some Michigan cities have imposed bans or moratoriums. This underscores why verifying the exact local ordinance for your property address is essential. See: www.mackinac.org/blog/2023/michigan-cities-ban-short-term-rentals-a-black-market-is-sure-to-follow.

Contact information

Local authority in charge of STRs

• City of St. Clair (City Hall / Building Inspector – Planning Department)
  • Website: www.cityofstclair.com
  • Phone/Email: Not listed in the provided materials; use the city’s website to find the Planning Department and Building Inspector contact details.

Township example: Clay Township

• Website: www.claytownship.org
• Phone/Email: Not listed in the provided materials. Use the township website for Building/Planning/Zoning contacts and STR permit instructions.

County planning/zoning (St. Clair County)

• For broader county context and general planning inquiries, consult county planning and zoning departments. Specific contact information was not included in the provided materials.

Michigan Department of Treasury (taxes)

• For Michigan Sales Tax guidance and filings: www.michigan.gov/treasury

Complaints and enforcement

• Clay Township complaint form (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/STR%20Complaint.pdf

Links to source pages (IMPORTANT)

• St. Clair County STR legal status and overview (Lodge Compliance): www.lodgecompliance.com/local-jurisdiction/st-clair-county-mi
• City of St. Clair official website: www.cityofstclair.com
• State‑level policy context (Mackinac Center blog): www.mackinac.org/blog/2023/michigan-cities-ban-short-term-rentals-a-black-market-is-sure-to-follow
• Clay Township STR Ordinance (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/Approved%20Short%20Term%20Rental%20Ordinance.pdf
• Clay Township STR Application (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/STR%20Application.pdf
• Clay Township STR Complaint Form (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/STR%20Complaint.pdf
• Clay Township “Good Visitor” guide (PDF): cms2files.revize.com/claytownship/Good%20Visitor%20Guide.pdf

Notes

• For St. Clair City, precise details on fees, occupancy caps, and inspection requirements were not in the provided materials. Contact the city directly via its website for the current ordinance and application forms.
• Municipal rules in Michigan vary widely. Confirm zoning, permits, inspections, taxes, and operating conditions for the exact address of your property.