Short-Term Rentals
License rules, application steps and fees for short-term rentals in the City of Saugatuck.
When you need a license
A license is required for any dwelling rented, or advertised, for less than 31 consecutive days.
Rules at a glance
- Annual license and inspection
- 2 occupants per bedroom plus up to 2 per floor, maximum 12
- Visitors up to 1.5 times occupancy between 7 am and 11 pm
- All ads must show the license number
- The Good Neighbor Guide must be displayed
- At least one outdoor garbage can and one recycling bin; two garbage cans at occupancy 6 or more
- Fireworks prohibited
- Rental insurance required
- The license holder or agent must address complaints within 2 hours
- False reports are a violation
- Licenses are generally non-transferable
How to apply
- Complete the STR License Application
- Submit it with the $540.00 annual fee
- The City reviews your application
- The Fire Department inspects the dwelling. Each reinspection is $175.00
- Your license is valid for 1 year
Renewals
Apply at least 30 days before expiration. In R-1 districts, a lapsed license cannot reapply while a cap is in effect.
Documents and links
- STR Ordinance (opens in a new tab)
- Good Neighbor Guide (opens in a new tab)
- License Application (opens in a new tab)
- Renewal Application (opens in a new tab)
- Zoning Map (opens in a new tab)
- License Notification and Issuance Policy (opens in a new tab)
- Report a complaint (Host Compliance) (opens in a new tab)
- 2026 unpublished ordinance 260209-A (opens in a new tab)
- Noise ordinance amendment (opens in a new tab)
Related
Contact
Grayson Moore, Director of Planning & Zoning, (269) 237-1823.
Questions? Call City Hall at (269) 857-2603 or send a message.