Are short-term rentals allowed in Empire, MI?

**No**, short-term rentals are currently PROHIBITED in the Village of Empire. This is because they are not explicitly listed as a permitted use within residential zoning districts, based on permissive zoning rules. The Village has previously explored licensing options and even issued moratoriums on the practice. Hosts should verify local zoning.

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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Empire, though state and county regulations may still apply. Since short-term rentals are not a permitted use, operating one could lead to zoning violations. Always check with the Empire zoning office before operating a short-term rental to ensure compliance.

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

**Enforcement** is complaint-driven, meaning that if neighbors report a short-term rental operating in violation of zoning laws, the Village will investigate. Penalties for zoning violations can vary, but may include fines and legal action to cease operations. Hosts should be aware that operating without compliance can result in penalties.

What is the TOT tax rate in Empire, MI?

**Tax** rates vary; check with the local finance department. While the Village of Empire does not explicitly permit short-term rentals, any rental income may be subject to state and county taxes. It is best to consult with the local authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws.

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

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals are currently PROHIBITED in the Village of Empire as they are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential zoning districts (Permissive Zoning). While the Village previously explored licensing, no active STR ordinance exists, and the Village has historically issued moratoriums on the practice. Hosts should be aware that enforcement is complaint-driven and based on zoning violations.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

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

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the Village of Empire, you should be very cautious as the local zoning code does not actually allow for short-term rentals in residential areas. While there is no 'STR Permit' to apply for, this usually means the activity is not permitted by default. You are still required to pay the 6% Michigan State Use Tax, which platforms like Airbnb usually collect for you. Always check with the Village Planning Commission before starting a rental, as the Village has actively debated banning or strictly limiting these stays in the past.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Empire uses 'Permissive Zoning', meaning if STRs aren't listed as allowed, they are legally prohibited.
2.The Village is separate from Empire Township; verify your property is inside the Village limits.
3.A 2020 licensing ordinance was highly controversial and largely rolled back/not implemented as a standard permit.
4.Septic system capacity is a major concern for the Village and often cited in enforcement actions.
5.ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) have specific restrictions and may not be used for commercial lodging.
6.Quiet hours are strictly enforced via the general nuisance ordinance, especially near the beach.
7.Parking is limited; most residential lots in the Village cannot accommodate more than two guest vehicles.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(2)

•Empire: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Empire prohibits STRs in the following property types: Residential zones (unlisted use).

Requirements(1)

•Empire does not require STR registration.

Application Process(1)

•STR regulations overview for Empire: Short-term rentals are currently PROHIBITED in the Village of Empire as they are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential zoning districts (Permissive Zoning). While the Village previously explored licensing, no active STR ordinance exists, and the Village has historically issued moratoriums on the practice. Hosts should be aware that enforcement is complaint-driven and based on zoning violations.

Taxes(1)

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

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Empire enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General Nuisance Ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Empire requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Penalties(1)

•Empire enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil Infraction. Daily fine: $100 - $500.

Exemptions(2)

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

Empire

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(2)

Requirements(1)

Application Process(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

Create a free account

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry

Empire

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Empire, MI?

2Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Empire, MI?

3What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Empire, MI?

4What is the TOT tax rate in Empire, MI?

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry