The Village of Empire requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual license and pass a safety inspection. Regulations limit occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2, and hosts must designate a local contact person available 24/7.
To host an Airbnb in Empire, you must first apply for a Village Short-Term Rental License and pay a $250 annual fee. Your property will need to pass a safety inspection to ensure it has proper egress windows and smoke detectors. You are limited to one STR property per owner within the village. Additionally, you must collect and remit the 5% Leelanau County lodging tax and the 6% Michigan sales tax, though platforms like Airbnb often handle the state portion for you.
Permit Required
Yes
Night Limit
None
Primary Residence
Not Required
Total Tax Rate
11.0%
Disclaimer
Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Learn more about STR regulations and hosting tips.
Regulations Videos
Permit Fee
$250
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
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