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  1. Home
  2. ·
  3. Regulations
  4. ·
  5. Michigan
  6. ·
  7. Cheboygan County

Cheboygan County

Permissive
MichiganUpdated Apr 5, 2026
Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 1 official source — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 1

Summary

Plain-english overview

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.

Restriction level

Severity 0
Classification
Permissive
0
Severity

Why this classification

  • No night cap
  • No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Cheboygan County, you do not currently need a specific short-term rental permit from the county. However, you must still follow general zoning rules and ensure your septic system is rated for the number of guests you host. You are also responsible for collecting the 6% Michigan State Sales Tax, which Airbnb usually handles for you. Always double-check if your specific township (like Inverness or Mullett) has added their own local rules, as some townships in Michigan regulate STRs even if the county does not.

At a glance

Key numbers
Permit requiredNo
Night limitNone
Primary residenceNot required
Total tax rate0.1%
Max fine$500

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps
  1. 1Verify you are in an UNINCORPORATED area; the City of Cheboygan has completely different rules.
  2. 2Septic capacity is the primary limiting factor for occupancy in rural Cheboygan County.
  3. 3Individual townships within the county may have their own separate STR ordinances (e.g., Benton Township).
  4. 4A 'Tourist Home' definition in the zoning code typically requires the owner to reside on-site; ensure your use matches the zoning definition.
  5. 5Michigan state law regarding STR preemption is currently a topic of legislative debate; rules may change quickly.
  6. 6The 6% State Sales Tax applies to all rentals under 30 days.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code
Eligibility7 rules
  • Cheboygan County allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwellings, Cottages.
  • Cheboygan County: Tents and RVs cannot be used to increase your guest capacity.
  • Cheboygan County: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Requirements16 rules
  • Cheboygan County: Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
  • Cheboygan County STR warning: The license number must be clearly displayed in the first line of your online listing description.
  • Cheboygan County STR warning: Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
  • Cheboygan County STR warning: Tents and RVs cannot be used to increase your guest capacity.
Application process6 rules
  • How to set up an STR in Cheboygan County: To host an Airbnb in Indian River, you must get a license from Cheboygan County. Even though Indian River isn't its own city, the county rules are strict. You'll need to pay an annual fee of $150, prove you have at least $500,000 in liability insurance, and have your home inspected for fire safety. If you are on a septic system, you must have it inspected before you can get your permit. Also, make sure your guests follow the quiet hours and parking rules to avoid heavy fines from the county.
Fees & costs1 rule
  • Cheboygan County charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).
Taxes1 rule
  • Michigan has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
Limits & restrictions1 rule
  • Cheboygan County: Maximum occupancy is strictly capped at 12 people regardless of house size.
Safety requirements1 rule
  • Cheboygan County requires: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection.
Penalties1 rule
  • Cheboygan County enforces penalties: First offense: $500. Maximum fine: Unspecified.
Exemptions2 rules
  • Cheboygan County exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals 30+ days (county).
  • Cheboygan County: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Cheboygan County

0/3
steps completed
Step 1

Verify Zoning District

Check the Cheboygan County Zoning Map to ensure your property is in a district that allows 'Tourist Homes' or 'Single Family Dwellings'.

1 day
Official resource
Step 2

Health Department Review

Contact the District Health Department #4 to verify septic capacity for the intended number of guests.

1-2 weeks
Documents needed
  • Septic system records
Official resource
Step 3

Register for State Sales Tax

Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury to remit the 6% state sales tax on accommodations.

1 weekFree
Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

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