Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in St. Ignace, MI?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in St. Ignace, though standard state and county regulations may still apply. You need to confirm your property is in a zone that allows 'Tourist Homes', which requires a zoning compliance permit through the Building and Zoning Department. Check zoning before operating.

What is the TOT tax rate in St. Ignace, MI?

**Tax rates vary**; check with the local finance department. In addition to local room tax, hosts must comply with Michigan state use tax requirements. You need to collect and remit all applicable taxes to the appropriate authorities. Contact the city's finance department for precise details.

Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Ignace, MI?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in St. Ignace, but they are regulated as 'Tourist Homes' under the municipal zoning code. You need to ensure your property is located in an eligible zone, primarily R-2 or R-3. Always check with the Building and Zoning Department for zone eligibility.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in St. Ignace, MI?

**Operating an illegal** short-term rental in St. Ignace can result in fines and penalties. You need to comply with zoning regulations, business licensing, and tax requirements to avoid legal issues. Always check for local parking and noise regulations to ensure compliance with the city's general nuisance laws.

How much does an STR permit cost in St. Ignace, MI?

**No local permit** is required, but you must obtain a zoning compliance permit. You need to contact the Building and Zoning Department to confirm zoning eligibility and any associated fees. Always verify compliance with all applicable local regulations, including noise and parking ordinances, to avoid penalties.

St. Ignace

Permissive

STRs Allowed

MichiganLast updated: February 10, 2026

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Summary

The City of St. Ignace does not have a standalone short-term rental ordinance but regulates these properties as 'Tourist Homes' under the municipal zoning code. Hosts must ensure their property is located in an eligible zone (primarily R-2 or R-3) and comply with general business licensing and room tax requirements.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•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 the City of St. Ignace, you must first confirm your property is in a zone that allows 'Tourist Homes' or short-term rentals, as they are not allowed in all residential areas. You will need to apply for a zoning compliance permit through the Building and Zoning Department. Once approved, you are responsible for collecting the local room tax in addition to the Michigan state use tax. Always check for local parking and noise regulations to ensure you stay in compliance with the city's general nuisance laws.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

Varies

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify if your property is within the 'City Limits' or 'Unincorporated Mackinac County' as rules differ significantly.
2.Short-term rentals are generally defined as 'Tourist Homes' in the St. Ignace zoning code.
3.Zoning restrictions in R-1 (Single Family) districts may prohibit rentals without a special use permit.
4.The local 2% Room Tax is separate from the State of Michigan 6% Use Tax.
5.Parking is strictly enforced, especially in downtown-adjacent residential areas.
6.No explicit night cap exists, but quiet hours are enforced starting at 11:00 PM.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(7)

•St. Ignace does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•St. Ignace allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family residence, Dwelling unit in 1-to-4 family house, Condominium.
•St. Ignace limits hosts to a maximum of 3 STR properties per owner.
•St. Ignace: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(16)

•St. Ignace: No single owner or entity may hold more than three (3) STR permits at one time.
•St. Ignace STR warning: If your property is in R1, R2, or R3, and you do not live on-site (Category 2), you may need a zoning variance to operate.
•St. Ignace has different permit classes: Category 1 (Owner-Occupied); Category 2 (Not Owner-Occupied). Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application Process(7)

•St. Ignace STR permit - Step 3: Pass Initial Inspection. Schedule and pass a safety inspection conducted by the city's building inspector or contracted agent (UpNorth Planning). Time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 150.
•St. Ignace extended permit requirement: Inspection fee required initially and every three years.

Fees & Costs(1)

•St. Ignace charges a registration fee of $250 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $150 (Inspection fee required initially and every three years.).

Taxes(2)

•Michigan has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
•St. Ignace: Mackinac County does not have a local excise tax, so you only need to worry about the 6% State Use Tax.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•St. Ignace occupancy calculation: 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•St. Ignace limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•St. Ignace: Residential zones (R1, R2, R3, R4) are strictly capped at 50 total STR permits for the entire city.
•St. Ignace enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Safety Requirements(1)

•St. Ignace requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing egress must be posted, Inspections every three years.

Penalties(2)

•St. Ignace: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•St. Ignace enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil infraction. Maximum fine: $1,000 enhanced fee for unpermitted operations. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

St. Ignace

Gold Standard 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(7)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(2)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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St. Ignace

Gold Standard 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

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in St. Ignace, MI?

2What is the TOT tax rate in St. Ignace, MI?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Ignace, MI?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in St. Ignace, MI?

5How much does an STR permit cost in St. Ignace, MI?

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