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

Yes, short-term rentals (defined as rentals less than 31 consecutive days) are allowed in Williamsburg, Michigan, but only within the regulatory framework of Acme Township's Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2017-01). The township distinguishes between two types:

1. Tourist Homes: Where the owner resides full-time on-site.
2. Vacation Homes: Where the entire dwelling is rented without the owner present.

Operating an STR in Williamsburg without an Acme Township permit is strictly prohibited. The township enforces this ordinance rigorously.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Williamsburg

1. Determine Property Type & Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is located in Acme Township and is zoned appropriately:
   • Tourist Homes: Allowed in all zoning districts.
   • Vacation Homes: Allowed in the Agricultural zoning district and in single-family dwellings in Commercial zoning districts. Check the Acme Township Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance to confirm your property's zoning classification.
2. Understand Permit Limits: Both Tourist Home and Vacation Home permits are capped at 50 permits each per calendar year. Existing permittees in good standing have renewal priority.
3. Designate a Local Agent: Appoint a Local Agent who:
   • Lives or maintains a business within 30 miles of the property.
   • Is available 24/7 while the property is occupied.
   • Can respond within 60 minutes to issues.
   • Has access and authority to manage the property. (For Tourist Homes, the owner must be the Local Agent).
4. Obtain Required Permits: Apply to the Acme Township Zoning Administrator for the appropriate permit (Tourist Home or Vacation Home). Permits MUST be obtained before advertising the property. Permits expire annually on December 31st.
5. Comply with Standards: Ensure the property meets all health, safety, operational standards detailed in the ordinance (occupancy limits, parking, noise, waste, fire safety, etc.).
6. Maintain Compliance: Operate continuously under the permit, address violations promptly, and renew permits annually between October 1st and October 31st.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

1. Short-Term Rental Permit (Tourist Home or Vacation Home):
   • Issued By: Acme Township Zoning Administrator.
   • Validity: One calendar year (Expires Dec 31st).
   • Location: Must be displayed prominently on the front door or facade (within 5 feet) except for Tourist Homes.
   • Requirement: Permit number must be posted on all advertisements. Permits do NOT transfer with property sale or location change.
2. Completed Permit Application Form:
   • Supplied By: Acme Township (provided by Zoning Administrator).
   • Required Information:
     • Owner details (Name, Address, Phone, Email).
     • Designated Local Agent details (Name, Address, Phone, Email).
     • Number of bedrooms intended for STR use.
     • Property details (including acreage for Vacation Homes).
     • Sketch of designated parking spaces (must meet definition of improved, designated areas).
   • Fee: Non-refundable fee established by Acme Township Board resolution. Check current fee schedule with Township.
3. Signed Affidavit: Acknowledging understanding and compliance with the Acme Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance and all applicable local and state laws.
4. Good Visitor Guidelines:
   • Requirement: Must be provided to all occupants and remain on the premises.
   • Content: Prepared by the Zoning Administrator, includes summaries of key local ordinances (Noise, Fireworks, Refuse, Junk, Trespass), reminders about residential/agricultural setting, and contact information for the Local Agent, Sheriff's Dept., and Township.
5. Proof of Septic/Sewer Compliance: Documentation showing the septic system is functioning properly per Acme Township Uniform Septage Control Ordinance or a sewer connection per Grand Traverse County Public Works Dept. requirements.
6. Fire Safety Compliance Documentation: Evidence of compliance with Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department standards (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers).
7. Michigan State Use Tax Registration: While not a permit issued by the township, Michigan State Law requires the collection and remittance of a 6% Use Tax on the total amount of each booking. Hosts must register with the Michigan Department of Treasury if their booking platform doesn't handle this automatically.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

• Zoning Restrictions:
  • Tourist Homes: Allowed in all zoning districts.
  • Vacation Homes: Only allowed in Agricultural districts OR Single-Family dwellings within Commercial districts. Strict enforcement of zoning is critical.
• Occupancy Limits:
  • Tourist Homes: Max 2 occupants per bedroom; Max 3 bedrooms rented.
  • Vacation Homes: Max is the lesser of: 2 occupants per bedroom + 4 additional occupants, OR 10 occupants (parcel <10 acres), OR 14 occupants (parcel ≥10 acres).
• Local Agent: Mandatory for all STRs (owner for Tourist Homes). Must meet strict availability and response time requirements.
• Permit Caps: Max 50 Tourist Home permits and 50 Vacation Home permits issued annually. Lottery system used if applications exceed the cap.
• Operational Standards:
  • Parking: Only in designated spaces (garages, driveways, approved areas). No parking on yards or street ROW.
  • Refuse/Recycling: Tight-lid containers; curb placement only on designated pickup days.
  • Pets: Must be confined or leashed; noise complaints can violate the ordinance.
  • Wastewater: Must maintain functioning septic/sewer per ordinances.
  • Noise: Prohibits unreasonably loud sounds disturbing neighbors (radios, animals, vehicles, shouting, etc.).
  • Fireworks: Discharge of consumer fireworks only on the day before, day of, or day after a National Holiday, between 8:00 AM and 1:00 AM. Tethered sky lanterns also prohibited. Check for local enactments of stricter consumer fireworks ordinances (e.g., 2016-01 referenced).
  • Signage: STR advertising signage prohibited on the property.
  • Special Events: Not permitted at STRs.
  • Recreational Vehicles: Cannot be used on the property by occupants or owner while STR is occupied.
• Exceptions: No permit needed for family occupancy, house-sitting (uncompensated), post-sale occupancy, estate representative occupancy, or limited duration rentals (14 days or less per calendar year).
• Enforcement & Penalties:
  • Permit-less Operation: 1st Violation (Notice), 2nd Violation ($750 fine), 3rd Violation ($1,500 fine), Subsequent Violations ($5,000 fine and/or 90 days jail).
  • Other Violations: 1st Violation (Notice), 2nd Violation ($500 fine), Subsequent Violations ($1,000 fine).
  • Revocation: Permit can be revoked after 3 separate violation incidents on 3 separate days within a calendar year. Revocation hearing available. 36-month reapplication prohibition after revocation. Permanent ban after two revocations for the same STR property.
  • Nuisance Per Se: Any violation constitutes a nuisance per se, allowing the township to pursue civil action.

Contact Information

Primary Authority: Acme Township Zoning Administrator

• Website: www.acmetownship.org/ (Check the "Ordinance" or "Short-Term Rental" section for application forms and contact details).
• Phone: (231) 938-1620 (Verify current number on website or call during office hours).
• Email: Information typically found on the Township website under "Contact Us" or "Zoning Administrator."
• Address: Acme Township Hall, 6040 Acme Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690.

For Fire Safety Standards: Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department

• Website: www.gtmetrofd.org/ (Check for STR inspection requirements or contact information).
• Phone: (231) 946-5111 (Verify number with Township or GT Metro FD website).

For State Tax Registration/Reporting: Michigan Department of Treasury

• Website: www.michigan.gov/taxes (Look for "Business Taxes" -> "Use Tax" or "Lodging Use Tax").
• Phone: (517) 335-0575 (General Tax Info Line - Verify).
• Address: Michigan Department of Treasury, Lansing, MI 48922.

Links to Source Pages

1. Acme Township Short-Term Rental Ordinance (2017-01): https://www.acmetownship.org/uploads/2/4/3/0/24300134/2017-01_ordinance_-_adopted.pdf (Primary legal document - essential reference)
2. Acme Township Official Website: www.acmetownship.org/ (For applications, contact info, zoning maps, fee schedules)
3. Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department Website: www.gtmetrofd.org/ (For fire safety standards relevant to STRs)
4. Michigan Department of Treasury (Use Tax Information): www.michigan.gov/taxes (For state tax registration and reporting requirements)
5. GoSummer Williamsburg Market Guide (3rd Party Overview - Use with Caution as some info may be outdated regarding local laws): www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/williamsburg-michigan (Market overview & mentions lack of township-specific ordinance - contradicted by primary source)
6. RedAwning Michigan STR Laws (3rd Party Overview - Use with Caution): www.redawning.com/pm/post/michigan-short-term-rental-laws (State-level perspective and general Michigan info)

Important Considerations for STR Investors:

• Verify Zoning FIRST: Confirm if Vacation Homes are allowed in your specific parcel's zoning district before purchasing or investing.
• Secure Local Agent Early: Finding a reliable Local Agent meeting the strict 30-mile/24-hour/60-minute criteria is crucial.
• Budget for Fees: Factor in the non-refundable permit application fee and potential annual renewal fees.
• Understand the Cap: High demand exists with only 50 permits per type annually. Planning for initial application or renewal timing is key.
• Strict Enforcement: Acme Township actively enforces this ordinance. Penalties escalate quickly and revocation is a serious risk.
• State Taxes: Do not neglect the 6% Michigan Use Tax requirement.

By understanding and adhering strictly to Acme Township's Short-Term Rental Ordinance, investors can legally and successfully operate STRs in Williamsburg, Michigan. Always prioritize direct contact with the Acme Township Zoning Administrator for the most current requirements and applications.