Short-Term Rentals

This page will be moved to inactive (still publicly accessible) in January 2025. Please visit the Short Term Rental Information on the City of Muskegon's website moving forward.

As the growth of short-term rental (STR) companies, such as AirBnB and VRBO, becomes more prevalent, many communities across the state are discussing policies that would manage the popularity of this lodging opportunity. Local units of government are seeking to establish reasonable rules and regulations that strike the delicate balance of allowing short-term vacation rentals in ways that keep all property owners in mind.

Since early 2023, the city has been consistently engaging with residents and property owners through in-person workshops and online surveys to collect feedback and learn more about issues regarding Short-Term Rentals in our community. At the October 22, 2024 City Commission Meeting the STR definition and ordinance were passed. Read the ordinance, definition, and other updated STR information here.

Previous upodates to STRs:

• Updated Enforcement for STRs
  If a short-term rental property is in violation of any City of Muskegon Ordinances and the Police Department has evidence of the exsistance, the following steps will be taken to keep any nuisances under control.

1. First violation a Muskegon Civil Infraction for $250 is sent to the property owner
2. Second violation a Muskegon Civil Infraction for $500 is sent to the property owner
3. Third violation results in a $1,000 Muskegon Civil Infraction and the short-term rental license for that property is revoked for up to one year

• Updates to the Short-Term Rental Handbook
  • Increase in registration fees including a $500 application fee
  • New enforcement steps noted above
  • Good Neighbor Guide highlighting city ordiances on noise and parking to be displayed in each STR property
  • View the guide here