Are short-term rentals allowed in Mackinaw City?

**No**, short-term rentals are effectively prohibited in Mackinaw City's residential zones. As STRs are not listed as a permitted use in the zoning code, they are not allowed. Always verify local zoning ordinances before operating any short-term rental to ensure compliance with local rules.

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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Mackinaw City, though state and county regulations may still apply. Since STRs are effectively prohibited in residential zones, no permit is required for residential short-term rentals. Verify with local officials for current regulations.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Mackinaw City?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Mackinaw City may include fines and legal action. Since short-term rentals are not a permitted use in residential zones, operating one would violate local zoning ordinances. Contact the Mackinaw City zoning office to confirm the specific penalties for non-compliance.

Mackinaw City

Q: What is the TOT tax rate in Mackinaw City?

**5%** is the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) rate in Mackinaw City. This tax applies to commercial lodging and grandfathered properties. Standard residential homes may not operate as STRs. You should contact the Mackinaw City finance department for specific details related to tax collection and remittance.

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

MichiganLast updated: February 13, 2026

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100%

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are effectively prohibited in all residential zones in Mackinaw City, as they are not listed as a permitted use in the zoning code. While a 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) exists, it applies to commercial lodging and grandfathered properties; standard residential homes may not operate as STRs.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 98 (lenient)

Why this classification:

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

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Mackinaw City, you must first ensure your property is not in a residential zone, as the city does not allow short-term rentals in these areas. If you are in a commercial zone where lodging is permitted, you must collect a 5% local tax from your guests and send it to the city quarterly. Most standard residential houses cannot be legally used for vacation rentals. Always check with the City Planning Department before listing to avoid fines.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in residential R-1 and R-2 districts.
2.The city uses 'permissive zoning,' meaning if STRs aren't listed as allowed, they are banned.
3.A 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to all stays under 30 days.
4.Platforms like Airbnb may not automatically collect the 5% local tax; hosts must remit it manually.
5.Renting for 30 days or more is considered a long-term lease and is exempt from these rules.
6.Verify if your property is within the 'Village' limits or 'Unincorporated Emmet/Cheboygan County' as rules differ significantly.
7.Fines for illegal rentals are issued as municipal civil infractions.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Mackinaw City prohibits STRs in the following property types: Residential dwellings (R-1, R-2).
•Mackinaw City: Short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in residential R-1 and R-2 districts.
•Mackinaw City: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Mackinaw City: 1. Short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in residential R-1 and R-2 districts. 2. The city uses 'permissive zoning,' meaning if STRs aren't listed as allowed, they are banned. 3. A 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to all stays under 30 days. 4. Platforms like Airbnb may not automatically collect the 5% local tax; hosts must remit it manually. 5. Renting for 30 days or more is considered a long-term lease and is exempt from these rules. 6. Verify if your property is within the 'Village' limits or 'Unincorporated Emmet/Cheboygan County' as rules differ significantly. 7. Fines for illegal rentals are issued as municipal civil infractions.

Application Process(5)

•How to set up an STR in Mackinaw City: To host an Airbnb in Mackinaw City, you must first ensure your property is not in a residential zone, as the city does not allow short-term rentals in these areas. If you are in a commercial zone where lodging is permitted, you must collect a 5% local tax from your guests and send it to the city quarterly. Most standard residential houses cannot be legally used for vacation rentals. Always check with the City Planning Department before listing to avoid fines.

Taxes(4)

•Michigan has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
•Mackinaw City charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Village forms require manual remittance; no evidence of collection agreement for villages of this size in MI.

Limits & Restrictions(2)

•Mackinaw City: Verify if your property is within the 'Village' limits or 'Unincorporated Emmet/Cheboygan County' as rules differ significantly.
•Mackinaw City enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Penalties(2)

•Mackinaw City: Fines for illegal rentals are issued as municipal civil infractions.
•Mackinaw City enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Municipal civil infraction. Daily fine: Varies by general infraction schedule. Maximum fine: $500.

Exemptions(4)

•Mackinaw City: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Mackinaw City: Renting for 30 days or more is considered a long-term lease and is exempt from these rules.

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.

Mackinaw City

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(2)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(4)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Mackinaw City

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 Mackinaw City?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Mackinaw City?

3Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Mackinaw City?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Mackinaw City?

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry