Are short-term rentals allowed in Ironwood?

**No**, short-term rentals are currently prohibited in Ironwood's residential zoning districts. The city operates under a permissive zoning code, meaning that uses not explicitly allowed are prohibited. You need to check with the city zoning office to confirm specific restrictions before operating a short-term rental.

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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Ironwood, though state and county regulations may still apply. You need to comply with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances. It is important to check with the Ironwood zoning office before operating a short-term rental.

What is the TOT tax rate in Ironwood?

**Tax rates vary**; check with the local finance department. As there is no specific short-term rental ordinance in Ironwood, standard Michigan state tax rules generally apply. You need to confirm the precise tax obligations with the city or a tax professional before listing a property for rent.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Ironwood?

**You risk being** cited for a zoning violation. Since short-term rentals are not a permitted use in residential zones, the city can enforce zoning regulations if complaints are received. You need to contact the Ironwood zoning department directly to understand the current enforcement policies before hosting.

Ironwood, MI Short-Term Rental Laws | Learn STR by GoStudioM

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Verified against official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

2 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals are currently not a permitted use in the City of Ironwood's residential zoning districts under the city's permissive zoning code. While no dedicated STR ordinance exists, the city maintains that uses not explicitly allowed are prohibited in residential areas.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 95 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Residential STRs prohibited
•Banned in all/most residential zones
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Ironwood, you must be careful because the city's current zoning laws do not officially allow short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. While you may see listings online, there is no legal permit process to authorize them at this time. Most hosts operate under general Michigan state tax rules, but you risk being cited for a zoning violation if the city receives complaints.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your exact location: Rules differ significantly once you cross into unincorporated Gogebic County.
2.Ironwood uses 'Permissive Zoning', meaning if STRs aren't listed as allowed, they are legally prohibited.
3.Michigan State 6% Use Tax applies to all rentals under 30 days and must be remitted.
4.There is no official city-level STR permit or registration system currently in place.
5.The city is currently updating its Master Plan, which may change these restrictions in the future.
6.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are generally prohibited from being used as commercial rentals.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

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

Requirements(10)

•Ironwood STR warning: Verify you are within the City of Ironwood limits; properties in unincorporated Ironwood Township follow different Gogebic County rules.
•Ironwood requires STR registration. The permit is called "Zoning Compliance Permit". Apply through Building and Zoning Department.

Application Process(7)

•Ironwood STR permit - Step 2: Submit Zoning Compliance Application. Submit a Land Use / Zoning Compliance application to the Building and Zoning Department for review of the 'Tourist Home' use. Required documents: Property Deed, Site Plan. Time: 7-14 days.

Taxes(2)

•Michigan has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
•Ironwood: There is no dedicated local TOT tax; only the 6% state tax applies.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Ironwood: Verify you are within the City of Ironwood limits; properties in unincorporated Ironwood Township follow different Gogebic County rules.
•Ironwood limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
•Ironwood enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
•Ironwood occupancy calculation: Based on bedroom count and building code safety standards. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Ironwood requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows must meet building code.

Penalties(3)

•Ironwood: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Ironwood: The city uses the term 'Tourist Home' to define short-term rentals in the zoning code.

Exemptions(3)

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

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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.

Ironwood

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(7)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

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Ironwood

Verified Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Are short-term rentals allowed in Ironwood?

2Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ironwood?

3What is the TOT tax rate in Ironwood?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Ironwood?

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry