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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in the Three Rivers area, but investors must understand the jurisdiction. The City of Three Rivers itself does not appear to have specific short-term rental ordinances based on the provided sources. However, the surrounding Fabius Township—which encompasses much of the Three Rivers area—has comprehensive short-term rental regulations that took effect in 2024. Therefore, short-term rental operations in the Three Rivers area are primarily governed by Fabius Township's Short-Term Rental Ordinance.

For investors considering properties within Three Rivers city limits, you must verify with local authorities whether Fabius Township regulations apply to your specific property location, as the city and township boundaries may overlap or be adjacent.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Starting a short-term rental business in the Three Rivers/Fabius Township area involves several key steps:

1. Property Zoning Verification

Before proceeding, confirm that your property is located in a zoning district that permits single-family dwellings, as short-term rentals are only allowed in such districts under Fabius Township regulations.

2. Annual Registration Process

• Register your short-term rental annually with Fabius Township
• Complete the township's short-term rental application
• Pay the annual administrative fee (to be set by Township Board resolution)
• Note: Registration approval is not transferable with change of ownership

3. Property Compliance Preparation

• Ensure your property meets all safety and building requirements
• Install required smoke detectors and carbon monoxide devices
• Verify adequate off-street parking (must be improved areas)
• Confirm septic system adequacy if not on public utilities

4. Insurance and Documentation

• Obtain short-term rental insurance coverage
• Prepare all required documentation for registration
• Create rental agreements that include all required rules and regulations

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Registration Information:

1. Owner Information: Name, address, and telephone number of the property owner
2. Local Agent Designation: If owner doesn't reside within 20 miles, designate a local agent
3. Property Details: Address and additional identification if multiple units exist
4. Property Specifications: Number of bedrooms in the unit
5. Parking Information: Number of off-street parking spaces (must be improved areas)
6. Occupancy Limits: Proposed maximum number of occupants
7. Rental Agreement: Complete rental agreement for the property
8. Proof of Ownership: Documentation establishing legal ownership
9. Insurance Proof: Coverage documentation for short-term rental operations
10. Septic Documentation: St. Joseph County Health Department inspection (every 3 years)
11. Compliance Certification: Certification that property meets all ordinance requirements

Key Safety and Operational Requirements:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each floor
• Carbon monoxide detection devices on each floor
• Noise monitoring device capable of alerting at 85 dB
• Adequate trash receptacles with regular disposal schedule
• Address clearly marked (3-inch minimum height numbers)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Geographic and Quantity Limitations:

• Maximum Properties: No more than 40 short-term rentals allowed in Fabius Township
• Separation Requirements: Minimum 1,000 feet between property lines (existing properties grandfathered until sale)
• Zoning Compliance: Only allowed in districts permitting single-family dwellings

Occupancy Limits:

• Maximum Occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants per finished story
• Total On-Site Limit: Up to 1.5 times maximum occupancy including day guests (sunrise to sunset)
• Basement Restrictions: Not considered habitable unless meeting Property Maintenance Code standards
• Accessory Buildings: Cannot be used for habitation

Operational Requirements:

• Noise Monitoring: Required exterior device with 85 dB alert capability
• Quiet Hours: 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM
• Response Time: Owner or local agent must respond within 30 minutes to complaints
• Parking: Only on improved areas; no parking on grass, roads, or right-of-ways
• Activities: All recreational activities must remain on rented premises

Safety and Health Standards:

• Fire Safety: Compliance with Michigan Fireworks Safety Act
• Campfires: Only in designated fire pit areas, must be attended and extinguished
• Pets: Must remain on property and be controlled to prevent disturbances
• Waste Management: Weekly trash disposal in closed, animal-proof containers

Violation and Enforcement:

• Municipal Civil Infractions: $500 fine plus costs
• Registration Revocation: After 3 separate incidents within one calendar year
• Emergency Suspension: For serious or life-threatening conditions
• Permanent Revocation: After 3 or more suspensions within 5 years

Contact Information for Local Authority

Fabius Township (Primary Authority for Short-Term Rentals):

• Address: 13108 Broadway Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093
• Phone: (269) 244-5376
• Website: www.fabiustownship.org
• Key Contact: Township Clerk or Building/Zoning Administrator

City of Three Rivers (for properties within city limits):

• Building & Zoning Department: Contact through City Hall
• Phone: (269) 273-1075
• Address: 333 W. Michigan Ave., Three Rivers, MI 49093
• Website: www.threeriversmi.org
• Building Inspector: Glenn Lindsey at SAFEbuilt - (269) 729-9244

Additional Resources:

• St. Joseph County Health Department: For septic inspection requirements
• Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce: Local business support and networking

Links to Source Pages

1. Fabius Township Short-Term Rental Passage Notice: fabiustownship.org/2024/04/passage-of-short-term-rental-ordinances/

2. Fabius Township Full Short-Term Rental Ordinance: fabiustownship.org/wp-content/uploads/A-Short-Term-Rental-DRAFT-012624-V5.pdf

3. City of Three Rivers Building & Zoning Department: www.threeriversmi.org/city-departments/building-and-zoning/

4. Three Rivers City Code and Fee Schedule: www.threeriversmi.org/wp-content/uploads/Ordinance-796.pdf

5. Fabius Township Forms and Applications: Available through Fabius Township website under Departments/Zoning and Building

Important Considerations for Investors

• Timeline: Registration deadline for existing properties was March 1, 2024; new properties must register annually by January 1
• Insurance Compliance: Must maintain continuous coverage; notify township within 24 hours if coverage lapses
• Inspection Schedule: Properties subject to inspection every 3 years or upon complaint
• Legal Grandfathering: Existing properties closer than 1,000 feet may continue until ownership changes
• Registration Transfer: Not permitted with ownership changes; new owners must reapply

This regulatory framework represents a carefully balanced approach to short-term rental operations in the Three Rivers area, emphasizing neighborhood character preservation while allowing for legitimate business opportunities. Investors should thoroughly understand these requirements before committing to property acquisitions in this market.