Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Alpena, MI?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Alpena, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts must comply with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances. Always check with the Alpena County zoning office before operating a short-term rental.

What is the TOT tax rate in Alpena, MI?

**Tax rates vary**; check with the local finance department for specific requirements in Alpena. As a short-term rental host, you need to collect and remit all applicable taxes, which may include state sales tax and local occupancy taxes. Contact the Alpena city government to ensure compliance.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Alpena, MI?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Alpena, MI, as the city currently has no dedicated ordinance regulating them. However, this does not exempt hosts from complying with standard Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances. Always verify with the Alpena County zoning office.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Alpena, MI?

**Penalties for non-compliance** with state or local regulations can vary. Since Alpena does not have specific STR regulations, you should focus on complying with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances. Failure to comply with these rules may result in fines or other legal consequences.

Alpena, MI Short-Term Rental Laws &...

Gold Standard Verification

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

The City of Alpena currently has no dedicated ordinance or licensing program for short-term rentals. Hosts are generally unregulated at the city level but must still comply with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify if your property is within the City limits or Alpena County unincorporated area; rules may differ.
2.The City defines 'Tourist Home' in zoning, but does not currently require a permit for them.
3.Michigan State Use Tax (6%) applies to all stays under 30 days and is typically collected by platforms like Airbnb.
4.The Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau may have a 5% assessment fee; check if your platform remits this automatically.
5.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) may have specific zoning restrictions regarding rental use.
6.General noise ordinances apply strictly between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

•Alpena: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(1)

•Alpena does not require STR registration.

Application Process(1)

•How to set up an STR in Alpena: The City of Alpena currently has no dedicated ordinance or licensing program for short-term rentals. Hosts are generally unregulated at the city level but must still comply with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances.

Taxes(1)

•MI has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Alpena enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General City Noise Ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Alpena requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, Must comply with general Michigan Residential Code and Fire Safety standards..

Penalties(1)

•Alpena enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: General municipal civil infraction. Maximum fine: $500.

Exemptions(2)

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

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.

Alpena

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

Requirements(1)

Application Process(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

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Alpena

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Alpena, MI?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Alpena, MI?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Alpena, MI?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Alpena, MI?

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry