Overview: STR Status in South Haven, MI

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in South Haven, Michigan, both within the City of South Haven and South Haven Charter Township. However, they are heavily regulated at both municipal levels with comprehensive registration, licensing, and operational requirements. The city maintains a strict 1:4 housing stock ratio cap (meaning 1 STR for every 4 housing units, or 20% of total housing stock), while the township allows STRs only in single-family dwellings with specific operational limitations.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in South Haven

For Properties Within City Limits:

1. Determine License Type:

   • Class I License (formerly "Business"): Allows unlimited rental stays, but maximum 2 rental stays per 7-day period
   • Class II License (formerly "Personal"): Limited to 6 rental terms OR 28 days of rental per calendar year

2. Choose Registration Pathway:

   • Article X (Legacy Ordinance): Available for existing STRs until May 1, 2026
   • Article V (New Ordinance): Required for all new STRs, includes zoning compliance review

3. Overlay Zone Consideration:

   • Verify property location using the Interactive STR Overlay Map
   • Properties in overlay zones require Special Land Use approval

For Properties in South Haven Charter Township:

1. Confirm Single-Family Dwelling Status:
   • STRs only permitted in single-family dwellings
   • Minimum 3-night, maximum 27-night rental periods
   • Only one rental term may begin during any calendar week (Sunday-Saturday)

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

City of South Haven Requirements:

Article X (Legacy) - Existing STRs:

• Short-Term Rental Application/Renewal/Change of Ownership
• Local Agent Form
• Inspection Checklist
• Good Neighbor Guide
• Proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance

Article V (New) - All New STRs:

• Special Land Use Application (for overlay zones)
• Zoning Compliance Review Application
• Short-Term Rental Licensing Application
• Operator Designation Form
• License Inspection Sheet
• Proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance

South Haven Charter Township Requirements:

• Annual registration application with township
• Proof of $1,000,000 comprehensive rental dwelling insurance
• Compliance with all ordinance requirements (safety, occupancy, posting)
• Local agent designation (if owner resides >45 miles away)
• Septic inspection certificate (every 3 years if no public utilities)

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of South Haven Regulations:

Operational Limits:

• Class I: Unlimited rentals, max 2 stays per 7-day period
• Class II: 6 rental terms OR 28 days per calendar year
• Mandatory pre-approval of rental dates for Class II licenses

Safety Requirements:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom, tested every 90 days
• Carbon monoxide devices on each floor, tested every 90 days
• Address posting in multiple locations
• Emergency contact information availability

Insurance Requirements:

• Minimum $1,000,000 liability coverage required for both license classes

Inspection Schedule:

• Class I: Annual inspections
• Class II: Bi-annual inspections

Prohibited Activities:

• Fireworks displays (strict prohibition)
• Rental periods less than 2 nights or more than 29 nights

Compliance:

• "Good Neighbor Guide" must be provided to renters
• Local agent response within 45 minutes for complaints
• Quiet hours: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM daily

South Haven Charter Township Regulations:

Property Limitations:

• Single-family dwellings only
• Minimum 3-night stays, maximum 27 nights
• One rental term per calendar week only

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum: 12 total occupants OR 2 per bedroom + 2 per finished story
• Total people on site (occupants + daytime guests): 1.5x maximum occupants
• Daytime guests: sunrise to sunset only

Safety Requirements:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom (tested every 90 days)
• Carbon monoxide devices on each floor (tested every 90 days)
• SHAES-installed street number marker
• Reflective address sign requirements (3-inch numbers, 5-foot height)

Utilities and Infrastructure:

• Septic inspection required every 3 years (if no public utilities)
• SHAES inspection consent required
• Minimum 90-gallon trash container per 4 occupants

Local Agent Requirements:

• Required if owner lives >45 miles from property
• Must respond within 1 hour of township/law enforcement contact

Notice Requirements:

• Township rules and policies to renters
• Anti-Noise Ordinance information (quiet hours 11 PM - 7 AM)
• Water safety/beach flag information
• Golf cart restrictions (not permitted on county roads)

State-Level Considerations (Michigan):

General Requirements:

• Compliance with Michigan Construction Code and Michigan Residential Code
• Adherence to fire safety codes
• State-mandated carbon monoxide device requirements

Contact Information

City of South Haven STR Program:

• STR Program Coordinator: Megan Blodgett
  • Phone: (269) 637-0791
  • Email: mblodgett@southhavenmi.gov
• STR Inspector: Luke Thompson
  • Phone: (269) 637-0790
  • Email: lthompson@southhavenmi.gov
• City Hall: (269) 637-0700
• Address: 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090

South Haven Charter Township:

• Zoning Administrator (for registration matters)
• Contact through township hall for specific contact information

Complaint Reporting:

• 24/7 STR Complaint Hotline: Available through online portal
• Online Complaint Form: Host Compliance Portal
• Non-Emergency Police: (269) 657-3101

South Haven Vacation Rental Alliance (SHVRA):

• Email: info@SHVRA.org
• Mailing Address: PO Box 635, South Haven, MI 49090

Fee Structure

City of South Haven:

Legacy Article X Fees:

• Annual registration fees (vary by property type)
• Application processing fees

New Article V Fees:

• Licensing fees per approved fee schedule
• Special Land Use application fees (for overlay zones)
• Inspection fees (Class I annual, Class II bi-annual)

South Haven Charter Township:

• Annual administrative fee (amount set by township board resolution)
• Increased fee for late registration after April 1
• Septic inspection fees (every 3 years, if required)

Key Resources and Links

City of South Haven:

• STR Registration Portal
• Interactive STR Overlay Map
• Online Payments
• City Code of Ordinances
• Zoning Ordinance

South Haven Charter Township:

• STR Ordinance #157
• Township Zoning Ordinance compliance required

Additional Resources:

• STR Reports
• Short-Term Rental Informational Meeting Presentation (9/30/25)

Important Notes:

• All applications must be complete to be processed
• Properties currently registered under Article X can continue until May 1, 2026
• New applications must follow Article V requirements
• Regular inspections are mandatory and compliance is strictly enforced
• The 1:4 housing stock ratio cap means availability is limited and competitive