What should Ypsilanti hosts know about primary residence is strictly required;?

Primary residence is strictly required; non-owner occupied 'investment' STRs are prohibited.

What are the permit fees in Ypsilanti?

The initial application fee of $750 for Special Land Use is high compared to surrounding jurisdictions.

What should Ypsilanti hosts know about short-term rentals are specifically prohibited?

Short-term rentals are specifically prohibited in multi-family apartment buildings.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Ypsilanti?

ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) cannot be used as STRs per the zoning ordinance.

Ypsilanti, MI Short-Term Rental Regulations & Compliance Gu…

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Verified: Feb 6, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Ypsilanti require a Special Land Use permit and are restricted to primary residences in single-family or two-family dwellings.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•High permit fee: $750
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap

In Plain English

To host a short-term rental in Ypsilanti, the property must be your primary residence and either a single-family home or a duplex. You must apply for a Special Land Use permit, which carries a $750 fee, and pass a fire safety inspection before receiving your operating license.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$750

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

•Ypsilanti: ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) cannot be used as STRs per the zoning ordinance.
•Ypsilanti requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Host must reside at the property as their primary residence (at least 100% PRE status).
•Ypsilanti allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family (Duplex).

Requirements(10)

•Ypsilanti requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental License". Apply through Planning and Development Department. Processing time: 4-8 weeks. Renewal is required.
•Ypsilanti STR warning: The initial application fee of $750 for Special Land Use is high compared to surrounding jurisdictions.

Application Process(9)

•How to set up an STR in Ypsilanti: To host a short-term rental in Ypsilanti, the property must be your primary residence and either a single-family home or a duplex. You must apply for a Special Land Use permit, which carries a $750 fee, and pass a fire safety inspection before receiving your operating license.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Ypsilanti: The initial application fee of $750 for Special Land Use is high compared to surrounding jurisdictions.
•Ypsilanti charges a registration fee of $750 (one_time). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Special Use permit is a one-time land use fee; annual license renewal fees apply for the operating permit.).

Taxes(2)

•Michigan has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
•Washtenaw charges a Washtenaw County Accommodations Excise Tax of 0.05%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Ypsilanti occupancy calculation: 2 adults per bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Ypsilanti: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Ypsilanti limits STRs to a maximum of 8 guests. Formula: 2 adults per bedroom
•Ypsilanti limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Ypsilanti requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Minimum 5lb ABC fire extinguisher, Escape plan posted, Emergency contact within 30 miles.

Penalties(2)

•Ypsilanti: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Ypsilanti enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil infraction. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: License revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Michigan

Moderate

Ann Arbor requires all short-term rentals to be licensed annually and prohibits non-principal residence rentals in residential zoning districts.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Alger County

Michigan

Permissive

Alger County does not have a county-wide short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement for unincorporated areas. Regulation in this jurisdiction is primarily handled at the township level (e.g., Au Train Township or Burt Township), where specific permits and zoning rules may apply.

0.1% total tax

Cheboygan County

Michigan

Permissive

Unincorporated Cheboygan County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental licensing ordinance, though the county has held discussions regarding future regulations. Currently, STRs are generally treated as 'Tourist Homes' under the zoning code and must comply with standard residential use requirements and health department septic limits.

0.1% total tax

Newberry

Michigan

Permissive

The Village of Newberry has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit system. STRs are currently unregulated at the municipal level, though Michigan state-level taxes still apply.

Ypsilanti

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(10)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry

Ypsilanti

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 Ypsilanti?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ypsilanti?

3Are there specific zoning restrictions for Ypsilanti rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Ypsilanti?

Related Content

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Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry