Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance
Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance No. 3 of 2023, a Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing Ordinance, was approved by the Board of Trustees on July 10, 2023. This ordinance repeals and replaces the previous Short-Term Rental Ordinance 5 of 2019, and the Moratorium Ordinance 1 of 2022, Ordinance 2 of 2022, & Ordinance 2 of 2023. A Short-Term Rental License is required to advertise and operate a Short-Term Rental in East Bay Township. Based on the Township short-term rental license cap set by the Board of Trustees there are currently no available licenses at this time. The Planning and Zoning Department will publish a notice of newly available licenses on an annual basis as they become available.
How to Apply for and Renew a Short-Term Rental License
1. Applying for a Short-Term Rental License
All property owners who wish to operate a Short-Term Rental in East Bay Township must first obtain a STR License. This step-by-step guide will help you quickly submit an application online. All licenses and renewals are $400.
- Step 1: Review these checklists and the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. These forms will clarify all the rules and requirements for Short-Term Rentals, and explain which documents the Township needs to approve a license application.
- Step 2: Fill out all applicable documents mentioned in the Short-term Rental Checklist. Click the links below to access these documents (Tip: applications completed digitally or scanned are able to be processed quicker).
- Designation of Authority to Request an Application of a STR License (this form is only necessary if the property owner is having another person or management company apply for the license.)
- STR Notification to Renter Upon Booking
- Good Neighbor Brochure
- Grand Traverse County Well & Septic Form
- MIDNR Help Prevent Invasive Species Brochure (see MIDNR website for additional information)
- Step 3: Submit your application through this link. If you have trouble with the website, try contacting the Planning & Zoning Office.
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- Step 1: Review all your original application materials and locate your current Short-Term Rental License number. You will need your current license number to move on with the renewal process. If you are unable to locate your license number, contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
- Step 2: Update any documents with new or changed information. This may include changes to the structure of your home or an updated septic report (remember, the license requirements need you to check your septic every 3 years).
- Step 3: Attach the requested documentation in the Short-term Rental Application Portal, being sure to include any updated documents. The requested documents are the same as the initial license application. Click here to access the portal.
Difficulty with a Short-term Rental?
If you are experiencing a disturbance from a neighboring short-term rental, documentation is important to any future or potential enforcement. Please see the "STR Enforcement" tab and follow the steps. Depending on the problem, day, or time, each step either offers a method of resolution or assists with important documentation.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please visit the Planning & Zoning Department, which operates the short-term rental licensing program and related enforcement. The Department may be reached by phone at (231) 947-8681 ex. 1 or via email.
Visit the Township Hall at 1965 N. Three Mile Road or, for guaranteed availability, schedule an appointment ahead of time through phone or email.