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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Keweenaw County, though state and county regulations may still apply. Always check with your specific township, as they may have separate local zoning rules. Ensure your property meets basic fire safety standards, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. (58 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Keweenaw County?

**6% Michigan State Use** Tax is required on all short-term rental stays under 30 days in Keweenaw County. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the state. Always verify specific local tax requirements with your township to ensure compliance. (51 words)

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Keweenaw County?

**Without a dedicated county** ordinance, operating an unpermitted STR isn't directly penalized by the county. However, failure to comply with Michigan state use tax requirements or township zoning regulations could result in fines or legal action. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. (52 words)

Keweenaw County

Q: Are short-term rentals allowed in Keweenaw County?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in unincorporated Keweenaw County, but regulations are minimal at the county level. Always check with your specific township, like Eagle Harbor or Grant, as they may have separate local zoning rules or health department requirements for septic systems in rental properties. (58 words)

Permissive

STRs Allowed

MichiganLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

75%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

2 Official Sources

Summary

Keweenaw County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement for unincorporated areas. STRs are generally unregulated at the county level but must comply with standard Michigan state use tax requirements and general zoning health/safety standards.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Keweenaw County, you do not currently need a specific county-level short-term rental permit. You are required to collect and remit the 6% Michigan State Use Tax on all stays under 30 days. Always check with your specific township (like Eagle Harbor or Grant) as they may have separate local zoning rules or health department requirements for septic systems in rental properties. Ensure your property meets basic fire safety standards, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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 you are in an incorporated village (like Ahmeek) which may have different rules.
2.Township-level zoning: Eagle Harbor and Grant Townships may have specific land-use restrictions not found in the county code.
3.Septic System Capacity: The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department may limit occupancy based on your septic system's permit.
4.Michigan State Use Tax: You must register with the MI Department of Treasury to remit the 6% Use Tax.
5.HOA Restrictions: Many lakefront communities in Keweenaw County have private deed restrictions that ban short-term rentals.
6.Commercial Use: While the county is currently silent, neighbors can challenge intensive commercial use in residential zones under general nuisance laws.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

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

Requirements(11)

•Keweenaw County STR warning: Commercial Use: While the county is currently silent, neighbors can challenge intensive commercial use in residential zones under general nuisance laws.
•Keweenaw County STR warning: HOA Restrictions: Many lakefront communities in Keweenaw County have private deed restrictions that ban short-term rentals.

Application Process(1)

•How to set up an STR in Keweenaw County: To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Keweenaw County, you do not currently need a specific county-level short-term rental permit. You are required to collect and remit the 6% Michigan State Use Tax on all stays under 30 days. Always check with your specific township (like Eagle Harbor or Grant) as they may have separate local zoning rules or health department requirements for septic systems in rental properties. Ensure your property meets basic fire safety standards, including working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Taxes(2)

•Keweenaw County: Michigan State Use Tax: You must register with the MI Department of Treasury to remit the 6% Use Tax.
•MI has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Keweenaw County: Septic System Capacity: The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department may limit occupancy based on your septic system's permit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Keweenaw County requires: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher.

Exemptions(2)

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

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.

Keweenaw County

Baseline 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(11)

Application Process(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Keweenaw County

Baseline 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 Keweenaw County?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Keweenaw County?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Keweenaw County?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Keweenaw County?

Related Content

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Ann Arbor

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Newberry