Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Stevensville, MI?

Yes. Short-term rentals—defined as rental terms shorter than 30 days—are permitted in the Village of Stevensville under two distinct categories, each with specific eligibility, zoning, and fee requirements.

• Personal Owner-Occupied STR (Primary Residence): Allowed village-wide on residential zoned parcels when the owner maintains their principal residence at the property and files the Michigan Principal Residence Exemption (PRE).
• Investor-Owned STR (Non-Primary Residence): Allowed only in certain commercial zones (C1 and C2) for non-conforming dwelling units, and only where such use is not otherwise restricted by zoning or deed.

All STRs require a Village rental certificate and inspection, display of the Good Neighbor’s Guide in the rental unit, and renewal every two years.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Stevensville

1. Confirm Eligibility and Zone

• Determine your category:
  • Personal Owner-Occupied: You must live at the property as your principal residence for at least half the year and claim the Michigan Principal Residence Exemption.
  • Investor-Owned: The property is not your principal residence; investor-owned STRs may only operate in C1 or C2 commercial zones on non-conforming dwelling units per the zoning map and zoning ordinance.
• Review the zoning map and short-term rental zoning ordinance to confirm permissible use at the parcel.

2. Prepare Documentation and Fees

• Required:
  • Rental application (see link below)
  • Inspection fee ($35) and, if applicable, the STR application fee (see “Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines” for amounts)
  • Good Neighbor’s Guide—must be placed in every STR unit
  • Evidence of Principal Residence Exemption for personal owner-occupied STRs

3. Submit Application and Schedule Inspection

• Submit your rental application and fees to the Village.
• The Village Clerk will contact you to schedule the initial inspection using the inspection checklist.

4. Receive Final Permit and Begin Operations

• Upon passing inspection, the Village issues a final Certificate of Compliance with a maximum occupancy load.
• STR operation may commence only after receipt of the final permit.

5. Renew Every Two Years

• Certificates expire every two years.
• Renew and schedule a renewal inspection at least 30 days prior to expiration. New certificates retain the same expiration month/day as the prior certificate.

6. Maintain Compliance

• Keep the Good Neighbor’s Guide on premises at all times.
• Comply with occupancy, building, and zoning standards, and address any follow-up inspections as required.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Rental Unit Registration Application: Rental Application (online submission)
• Application Fees:
  • Personal Owner-Occupied STR: $100 per certificate (every 2 years)
  • Investor-Owned STR: $300 per certificate (every 2 years)
• Inspection Fee: $35 per initial inspection
• Principal Residence Exemption: Required for STRs operating on residential zoned parcels as the owner’s principal residence
• Good Neighbor’s Guide: Required to be placed in all short-term rental units
• Zoning Ordinance and Map:
  • Short-Term Rental Zoning Ordinance
  • Zoning Map
• Inspection Details:
  • Inspection Checklist (used for scheduling and compliance)

Notes:

• For personal owner-occupied STRs in residential zones: PRE confirmation is required. The owner must reside at the residence at least half of the year.
• For investor-owned STRs: Only permitted on non-conforming dwelling units within Commercial C1 and C2 zones per the zoning map and STR zoning ordinance.

Specific STR Regulations (City, County, and State)

Village of Stevensville (City-Level)

• Short-term rental definition: rentals with terms less than 30 days.
• Permitted categories:
  • Personal Owner-Occied STRs: Allowed village-wide on residential zoned parcels when the owner claims PRE and resides at the property ≥ 50% of the year.
  • Investor-Owned STRs: Allowed only within Commercial C1 and C2 zones, and only in non-conforming dwelling units.
• Zoning Restrictions: Use is subject to the zoning map and the short-term rental zoning ordinance.
• Certificates: Initial and renewal certificates valid for two years; renewals require inspection at least 30 days before expiration.
• Guides and Postings: Good Neighbor’s Guide must be present in every STR unit at all times.
• Fees: $100 application (owner-occupied STR), $300 application (investor-owned STR), $35 inspection fee.

State of Michigan (State-Level)

• Smoke Detectors:
  • Multiple-family dwellings (3+ units): Battery or AC-powered detectors in every bedroom and on each level; interconnected recommended.
  • One- and two-family dwellings: AC-powered detectors in every bedroom and on each level; interconnected recommended.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
  • Required within 15 feet of entrances to all sleeping rooms in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.

County (Berrien County)

• The provided materials do not detail county-level STR regulations specific to short-term rentals. Contact Berrien County for any additional county-level requirements.

Adjacent Municipality Context (Not Stevensville—Do Not Rely On For Stevensville Compliance)

• The City of St. Joseph (adjacent municipality) has a separate Residential Rental Inspection Program and distinct STR rules. Its materials are included here for context only and do not govern Stevensville operations.

Contact Information (Local Authority for STRs)

Village of Stevensville

• Address: 5768 Saint Joseph Avenue, Stevensville, MI 49127
• Phone: 269-429-1802
• Fax: 269-429-7391
• Email: [email protected]
• Department/Function: Village Clerk—Rental Unit Registration and Inspections
• Office Hours: Not specified in the provided materials

Berrien County (For County-Level Matters)

• Website: Berrien County Government
• Note: The provided materials do not specify STR contacts or detailed requirements at the county level.

Source Pages and Key Documents (Links)

• Village of Stevensville—Rental Unit Registration Page: www.villageofstevensville.us/pview.aspx?id=35850&catid=0

• Rental Application (Village of Stevensville): stevensvillemi.municipalone.com/docview.aspx?docid=45889

• Good Neighbor’s Guide (required in all STR units): www.villageofstevensville.us/docview.aspx?docid=46095

• Short-Term Rental Zoning Ordinance: www.villageofstevensville.us/docview.aspx?docid=46090

• Rental Ordinance (General Rental Provisions): www.villageofstevensville.us/docview.aspx?docid=46157

• Principal Residence Exemption (State of Michigan—required for owner-occupied STRs in residential zones): www.michigan.gov/taxes/property/principal

• Village of Stevensville Zoning Map: www.villageofstevensville.us/docview.aspx?docid=45824

• STR Inspection Checklist: www.villageofstevensville.us/docview.aspx?docid=46033

• City of St. Joseph—Residential Rental Programs and Permits (adjacent municipality—context only): www.sjcity.com/building/page/residential-rental-programs-and-permits

• Berrien County Government (county-level resource): berriencounty.org/

This guide synthesizes the Village’s STR regulatory framework to support informed investment decisions and compliance. Before operations begin, confirm your property’s zoning classification and your eligibility category, and complete all inspections and registrations as outlined above.