What are the key requirements for Kalamazoo hosts?

Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO do NOT remit the 5% County tax for you; you must file it monthly.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Kalamazoo?

Short-term rentals are legally defined as 'commercial' and are generally prohibited in standard single-family neighborhoods (RS zones) without a variance.

What should Kalamazoo hosts know about a local agent is mandatory?

A local agent is mandatory if the owner lives more than an hour's drive from Kalamazoo.

Are there rental limits in Kalamazoo?

Occupancy is strictly limited to 3 unrelated adults in residential districts.

Kalamazoo Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Complete Guide

Summary

Short-term rentals in Kalamazoo are classified as commercial enterprises requiring mandatory city rental registration, safety inspections, and a 5% county accommodation tax.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

Hosts must register their property with the City of Kalamazoo's Rental Registration & Certification Program and pass a safety inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance. Because the city treats STRs as commercial businesses, they are primarily allowed in commercial zones or residential areas with a specific variance. Additionally, you must file monthly tax reports and pay a 5% county tax on top of the state's 6% tax.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$110

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO do NOT remit the 5% County tax for you; you must file it monthly.
2.Short-term rentals are legally defined as 'commercial' and are generally prohibited in standard single-family neighborhoods (RS zones) without a variance.
3.A local agent is mandatory if the owner lives more than an hour's drive from Kalamazoo.
4.Occupancy is strictly limited to 3 unrelated adults in residential districts.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Kalamazoo: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Kalamazoo does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Kalamazoo: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(9)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Kalamazoo: 1. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO do NOT remit the 5% County tax for you; you must file it monthly. 2. Short-term rentals are legally defined as 'commercial' and are generally prohibited in standard single-family neighborhoods (RS zones) without a variance. 3. A local agent is mandatory if the owner lives more than an hour's drive from Kalamazoo. 4. Occupancy is strictly limited to 3 unrelated adults in residential districts.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Kalamazoo: Step 1: Zoning Verification - Contact the Zoning Inspector to confirm if your property's district allows short-term rentals or if a variance is needed. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/Community/Zoning-Code Step 2: Rental Registration - Submit the Application for Rental Registration and designate a local agent if you live outside the approved zip code range. Documents needed: Rental Registration Form, Agent ID. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 110. More info: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/Community/Rental-Housing/Register-a-New-Rental-Property-or-Update-Registration Step 3: Property Inspection - Schedule a city inspection to ensure the property meets safety and sanitation codes. Estimated time: 2 weeks. Cost: 55. More info: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/Community/Rental-Housing/Rental-Housing-Inspection-Checklist Step 4: Accommodation Tax Registration - Register with the Kalamazoo County Treasurer via GovOS to report and pay the 5% monthly accommodation tax. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://kalamazoocounty.munirevs.com/

Fees & Costs(1)

•Kalamazoo charges a registration fee of $110 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $55 (Inspection fee per unit).

Taxes(3)

•Michigan has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Kalamazoo charges a Kalamazoo County Accommodation Tax of 0.05%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO do NOT automatically remit the 5% county tax; hosts must remit it monthly to the County Treasurer.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Kalamazoo enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
•Kalamazoo limits STRs to a maximum of 3 guests. Formula: In RS districts, max 3 unrelated adults; otherwise based on manufacture specifications/IPMC
•Kalamazoo occupancy calculation: In RS districts, max 3 unrelated adults; otherwise based on manufacture specifications/IPMC. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Kalamazoo requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) compliance, Lead-based paint inspection for older properties, Electrical system safety check.

Penalties(4)

•Kalamazoo enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Warning and fee invoice. Second offense: $150 Attorney warning letter fee. Third offense: Misdemeanor citation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Kalamazoo: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

•Kalamazoo: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Kalamazoo exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hospitals, Cottages (under certain county conditions).

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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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.

Kalamazoo

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(9)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Kalamazoo

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Kalamazoo?

2What is the short-term rental tax rate in Kalamazoo?

3Are there zoning restrictions for STRs in Kalamazoo?

4What are the safety requirements for Kalamazoo rentals?

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