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

**Yes**, the Village of Suttons Bay requires an annual Short-Term Rental Permit. You need to apply for a permit through the local Zoning Department, which costs $400 per year. Your property also needs to pass a fire safety inspection before renting to guests. Make sure to include your permit number in your online listing. (58 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Suttons Bay, MI?

**No**, the Village of Suttons Bay does not currently have a local Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). However, you are still responsible for collecting and remitting the 6% Michigan state use tax on all rental income. Platforms like Airbnb may automatically collect this tax on your behalf, but confirm beforehand. Tax rates vary; check with the local finance department. (56 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Suttons Bay, MI?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Suttons Bay, but are subject to specific regulations. You must obtain a permit and comply with occupancy limits, and ensure a local contact person is available 24/7. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines. Always check with the Suttons Bay zoning office before operating a short-term rental. (54 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Suttons Bay, MI?

**$400** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental Permit in the Village of Suttons Bay. You must renew this permit each year to legally operate a short-term rental. In addition to the permit fee, your property will need to pass a fire safety inspection. Operating without a valid permit may result in fines. (53 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Suttons Bay, MI?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Suttons Bay. The short-term rental permit is only available to property owners. Renters who list properties without the owner's permission or a valid permit are subject to fines and penalties. Always check with the Suttons Bay zoning office before operating a short-term rental. (55 words)

Suttons Bay

Strict

MichiganUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

The Village of Suttons Bay requires an annual permit and fire safety inspection for all short-term rentals. While there is no local transient occupancy tax, hosts must comply with occupancy limits (max 10 guests) and ensure a local contact is available 24/7.

Restriction level

Severity 38

Classification

Strict

Severity

Why this classification

Moderate permit fee: $400
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in the Village of Suttons Bay, you must apply for a $400 annual permit from the local Zoning Department. Your property will need to pass a fire safety inspection before you can start renting. You are allowed to host a maximum of 10 people, and you must include your permit number in your online listing. While the village doesn't charge a local hotel tax, you are still responsible for the 6% Michigan state use tax, which is usually collected by platforms like Airbnb.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$400

Processing time14-30 days

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify you are in the Village of Suttons Bay (incorporated), as the Township rules are significantly different.
2A local contact person must be available 24 hours a day to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.
3Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, capped at 10 total guests.
4Rentals must be for at least 2 consecutive nights.
5Off-street parking is required; guests cannot park on the grass or block sidewalks.
6Initial application fee is $400, which is higher than most surrounding rural areas.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Suttons Bay: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Suttons Bay: The Village limits permits to one per person/owner; you cannot operate multiple STRs.
Suttons Bay: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Suttons Bay does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements16 rules

Suttons Bay: Short-term rental permits are non-transferable; if you sell the home, the new owner must join the waitlist.
Suttons Bay: Neighbors must be formally notified of the rental and provided with a 24-hour contact number.
Suttons Bay: Parking requirements are strict: 2 spaces for up to 4 guests, 4 spaces for 6 guests.

Application process7 rules

Suttons Bay STR permit - Step 3: Submit Full Application. Once a spot is available, submit the full application with site plan and neighbor notification proof. Required documents: Site Plan, Neighbor Notification Proof, Insurance Certificate. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 600.

Fees & costs1 rule

Suttons Bay charges a registration fee of $600 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $300 (Renewal fee is $300; New application (if waitlist opens) is $600.).

Taxes1 rule

Michigan has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions5 rules

Suttons Bay: The 45-permit cap is absolute; no new permits are issued until the total number falls below the limit through attrition.
Suttons Bay: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety requirements1 rule

Suttons Bay requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Good Neighbor Posting required on-site, Septic system certification if applicable.

Penalties3 rules

Suttons Bay enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil infraction fine. Second offense: Increased fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Varies by schedule. Maximum fine: 500.00. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Suttons Bay: Operating without a permit can lead to immediate fines and being banned from future licensing.

Exemptions2 rules

Suttons Bay: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Suttons Bay exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Bed and Breakfasts registered under zoning code.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Suttons Bay

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning

Ensure your property is within the Village limits and in a zone that allows STRs.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Submit STR Application

Complete the Short Term Rental Permit Application and submit to the Planning & Zoning Department.

14-30 days$400

Documents needed

Proof of Ownership
Floor Plan
Parking Plan

Official resource

Step 3

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Schedule and pass an inspection by the Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire Department.

1 week

Step 4

Post Required Documentation

Post your permit number on all online listings and place the emergency exit plan inside the unit.

1 dayFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Suttons Bay

Strict

MichiganUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 5 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 5

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 38

Classification

Strict

Severity

Why this classification

Moderate permit fee: $400
Limited to 1 property per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$400

Processing time14-30 days

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify you are in the Village of Suttons Bay (incorporated), as the Township rules are significantly different.
2A local contact person must be available 24 hours a day to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.
3Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra, capped at 10 total guests.
4Rentals must be for at least 2 consecutive nights.
5Off-street parking is required; guests cannot park on the grass or block sidewalks.
6Initial application fee is $400, which is higher than most surrounding rural areas.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Suttons Bay: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Suttons Bay: The Village limits permits to one per person/owner; you cannot operate multiple STRs.
Suttons Bay: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Suttons Bay does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.

Requirements16 rules

Suttons Bay: Short-term rental permits are non-transferable; if you sell the home, the new owner must join the waitlist.
Suttons Bay: Neighbors must be formally notified of the rental and provided with a 24-hour contact number.
Suttons Bay: Parking requirements are strict: 2 spaces for up to 4 guests, 4 spaces for 6 guests.

Application process7 rules

Suttons Bay STR permit - Step 3: Submit Full Application. Once a spot is available, submit the full application with site plan and neighbor notification proof. Required documents: Site Plan, Neighbor Notification Proof, Insurance Certificate. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 600.

Fees & costs1 rule

Suttons Bay charges a registration fee of $600 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $300 (Renewal fee is $300; New application (if waitlist opens) is $600.).

Taxes1 rule

Michigan has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions5 rules

Suttons Bay: The 45-permit cap is absolute; no new permits are issued until the total number falls below the limit through attrition.
Suttons Bay: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety requirements1 rule

Suttons Bay requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Good Neighbor Posting required on-site, Septic system certification if applicable.

Penalties3 rules

Suttons Bay enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil infraction fine. Second offense: Increased fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: Varies by schedule. Maximum fine: 500.00. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Suttons Bay: Operating without a permit can lead to immediate fines and being banned from future licensing.

Exemptions2 rules

Suttons Bay: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Suttons Bay exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), Bed and Breakfasts registered under zoning code.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Suttons Bay

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning

Ensure your property is within the Village limits and in a zone that allows STRs.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Submit STR Application

Complete the Short Term Rental Permit Application and submit to the Planning & Zoning Department.

14-30 days$400

Documents needed

Proof of Ownership
Floor Plan
Parking Plan

Official resource

Step 3

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Schedule and pass an inspection by the Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire Department.

1 week

Step 4

Post Required Documentation

Post your permit number on all online listings and place the emergency exit plan inside the unit.

1 dayFree

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning

Submit STR Application

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Post Required Documentation

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Suttons Bay, MI?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Suttons Bay, MI?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Suttons Bay, MI?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Suttons Bay, MI?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Suttons Bay, MI?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning

Submit STR Application

Pass Fire Safety Inspection

Post Required Documentation

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Suttons Bay, MI?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Suttons Bay, MI?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Suttons Bay, MI?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Suttons Bay, MI?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Suttons Bay, MI?

Disclaimer