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

**Yes**, you need a Zoning Compliance Permit to operate a short-term rental (Tourist Home) in Tawas City. This permit ensures your rental complies with zoning regulations, especially regarding location (R-2 or B-2 districts), occupancy limits, and off-street parking. Contact the City Planning Department for details on how to apply. *(53 words)*

What is the TOT tax rate in Tawas City?

**No**, Tawas City does not have a city-specific lodging tax. However, you are required to collect and remit both the Michigan State Use Tax (6%) and the Iosco County Convention tax (5%) on your rental income. Ensure you register with the state to handle these tax obligations. *(51 words)*

Are short-term rentals allowed in Tawas City?

**Yes**, short-term rentals, defined as 'Tourist Homes', are generally permitted in Tawas City, primarily within the R-2 and B-2 zoning districts. However, they are typically prohibited in the strictly residential R-1 district. Always verify your property's zoning with the City Planning Department before listing your property to ensure compliance. *(52 words)*

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

**Penalties can include fines** and legal action if you operate a short-term rental without the required Zoning Compliance Permit or in violation of zoning regulations in Tawas City. Ensure you obtain the necessary permit, adhere to occupancy limits, and provide adequate off-street parking to avoid potential enforcement actions. *(51 words)*

How much does an STR permit cost in Tawas City?

**Permit fees vary**; it's best to contact the Tawas City Planning Department directly for the most up-to-date information regarding the Zoning Compliance Permit fees for Tourist Homes. Costs can depend on property type and other factors. Make sure to inquire about all associated fees and application requirements during your inquiry. *(53 words)*

Tawas City

Permissive

MichiganUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Tawas City regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes' under its zoning code, primarily allowing them in the R-2 and B-2 districts. A Zoning Compliance Permit is required to operate, and rentals must adhere to occupancy limits and off-street parking requirements. While there is no specific city-level lodging tax, hosts must collect and remit Michigan State Use Tax and Iosco County Convention tax.

Restriction level

Severity 5

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

Permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Tawas City, you must first verify that your property is in the correct zone (usually R-2 or B-2), as rentals are generally prohibited in the strictly residential R-1 district. You need to obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit from the City Planning Department. You are required to provide enough off-street parking for all your guests and follow noise and occupancy rules. Additionally, you must register with the state of Michigan to pay the 6% Use Tax and 5% County Excise tax on your rental income.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Processing time10-14 business days

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1STRs (Tourist Homes) are NOT permitted in the R-1 (Single-Family Residential) district.
2Off-street parking is mandatory for all guests; street parking is not counted toward requirements.
3Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 adults per bedroom.
4Tawas City defines short-term stays as anything under 30 days.
5Verify your exact location; properties in neighboring East Tawas or Tawas Township have different rules.
6You must register for Michigan State Use Tax as platforms do not always remit the local county portion (5%).

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility4 rules

Tawas City allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Multi-family dwelling units.
Tawas City does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Tawas City: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements16 rules

Tawas City: You must have a local agent available 24/7 who is located within 45 minutes of the property.
Tawas City STR warning: Max occupancy and the local agent's name must be part of the window-posted notice.
Tawas City STR warning: You must have a local agent available 24/7 who is located within 45 minutes of the property.

Application process7 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Tawas City: Step 1: Review Ordinance - Read Section 7.39 of the Tawas City Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with agent, safety, and occupancy rules. Estimated time: 1 hour. More info: https://tawascity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Zoning-Ordinance-2022-Updated.pdf Step 2: Prepare Documentation - Create a site plan for parking, a scaled floor plan, and a fire escape plan. Documents needed: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Fire Escape Plan. Estimated time: 2-4 hours. Step 3: Submit Application - Complete the Short Term Rental Zoning Permit Application and pay the $300 fee. Documents needed: Permit Application, Self Inspection Form. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks for processing. Cost: 300. More info: https://tawascity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Short-Term-Rental-Zoning-Permit-Application.pdf

Fees & costs2 rules

Tawas City: You must notify all neighbors within 100 feet of the local agent's phone number.
Tawas City charges a registration fee of $300 (one_time).

Taxes1 rule

Michigan has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Tawas City enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinances.
Tawas City occupancy calculation: Occupancy limited by Ordinance standards (checked during inspection). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Tawas City limits stays to a maximum of 45 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Tawas City requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Fire escape plan displayed prominently, Local agent must be within 45 minutes travel time, Notice in first-floor window (16pt type) with agent contact and max occupancy, Street address posted in two prominent locations (near kitchen and telephone/pool).

Penalties3 rules

Tawas City: Transient occupancy is defined as 45 days or less in Tawas City, rather than the standard 30 days.
Tawas City: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Tawas City enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil Infraction / Fines. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Tawas City

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning Verification

Confirm your property is located in the R-2 or B-2 zoning district by checking the City Zoning Map.

1 day

Official resource

Step 2

Submit Zoning Compliance Application

Apply for a Zoning Compliance Permit for a 'Tourist Home' with the Planning Department.

14 days

Documents needed

Site plan
Floor plan

Official resource

Step 3

Register with State of Michigan

10 daysFree

Official resource

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

Tawas City

Permissive

MichiganUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 5

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

Permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
No STR-specific fee

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Processing time10-14 business days

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1STRs (Tourist Homes) are NOT permitted in the R-1 (Single-Family Residential) district.
2Off-street parking is mandatory for all guests; street parking is not counted toward requirements.
3Occupancy is strictly limited to 2 adults per bedroom.
4Tawas City defines short-term stays as anything under 30 days.
5Verify your exact location; properties in neighboring East Tawas or Tawas Township have different rules.
6You must register for Michigan State Use Tax as platforms do not always remit the local county portion (5%).

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility4 rules

Tawas City allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Multi-family dwelling units.
Tawas City does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Tawas City: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements16 rules

Tawas City: You must have a local agent available 24/7 who is located within 45 minutes of the property.
Tawas City STR warning: Max occupancy and the local agent's name must be part of the window-posted notice.
Tawas City STR warning: You must have a local agent available 24/7 who is located within 45 minutes of the property.

Application process7 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Tawas City: Step 1: Review Ordinance - Read Section 7.39 of the Tawas City Zoning Ordinance to ensure compliance with agent, safety, and occupancy rules. Estimated time: 1 hour. More info: https://tawascity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Zoning-Ordinance-2022-Updated.pdf Step 2: Prepare Documentation - Create a site plan for parking, a scaled floor plan, and a fire escape plan. Documents needed: Site Plan, Floor Plan, Fire Escape Plan. Estimated time: 2-4 hours. Step 3: Submit Application - Complete the Short Term Rental Zoning Permit Application and pay the $300 fee. Documents needed: Permit Application, Self Inspection Form. Estimated time: 1-2 weeks for processing. Cost: 300. More info: https://tawascity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Short-Term-Rental-Zoning-Permit-Application.pdf

Fees & costs2 rules

Tawas City: You must notify all neighbors within 100 feet of the local agent's phone number.
Tawas City charges a registration fee of $300 (one_time).

Taxes1 rule

Michigan has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Tawas City enforces quiet hours: Subject to general city noise ordinances.
Tawas City occupancy calculation: Occupancy limited by Ordinance standards (checked during inspection). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Tawas City limits stays to a maximum of 45 nights.

Safety requirements1 rule

Tawas City requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Fire escape plan displayed prominently, Local agent must be within 45 minutes travel time, Notice in first-floor window (16pt type) with agent contact and max occupancy, Street address posted in two prominent locations (near kitchen and telephone/pool).

Penalties3 rules

Tawas City: Transient occupancy is defined as 45 days or less in Tawas City, rather than the standard 30 days.
Tawas City: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Tawas City enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Civil Infraction / Fines. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

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

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Tawas City

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Zoning Verification

Confirm your property is located in the R-2 or B-2 zoning district by checking the City Zoning Map.

1 day

Official resource

Step 2

Submit Zoning Compliance Application

Apply for a Zoning Compliance Permit for a 'Tourist Home' with the Planning Department.

14 days

Documents needed

Site plan
Floor plan

Official resource

Step 3

Register with State of Michigan

10 daysFree

Official resource

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

Zoning Verification

Submit Zoning Compliance Application

Register with State of Michigan

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Tawas City?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Tawas City?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Tawas City?

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

5How much does an STR permit cost in Tawas City?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Zoning Verification

Submit Zoning Compliance Application

Register with State of Michigan

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Tawas City?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Tawas City?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Tawas City?

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

5How much does an STR permit cost in Tawas City?

Disclaimer