Niles Charter Township

Short-term rentals are permitted only in single-family dwellings in four zoning districts: AP (Agricultural Preservation), RP (Rural Preservation), R-1A, and R-1B. They are not permitted in any other residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use district. This is codified in Zoning Ordinance Section 3.11.B ^[1].

Short-term rental is defined in Section 3.11 as the rental of a single-family dwelling for compensation for not more than one month at a time ^[1]. Multi-family dwellings, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units are not eligible.

For any specific property: verify the parcel’s zoning district on the zoning map below, then confirm STR eligibility in writing with the Zoning Administrator.

View the Niles Charter Township Zoning Map (PDF, amended 7/5/2023)

Submit a completed Short Term Rental Application by mail or in person to the Township Hall at 320 Bell Road, Niles, MI 49120. The application is the governing document under Section 3.11.C and must be filed annually before advertising or operating ^[1].

The annual STR permit fee in Niles Charter Township is set by Township Board resolution, not in the ordinance itself. The Zoning Ordinance text says only: “The property owner shall pay an annual fee, the amount of which shall be established by resolution of the Township Board” (Section 3.11.C) ^[1].

We do not publish a fee amount that isn’t posted on an official township source. For an accurate quote, contact the Zoning Administrator directly.

Section 3.11.E of the Zoning Ordinance imposes the following performance standards on every permitted STR ^[1]:

• Maximum occupancy is capped by the adopted International Property Maintenance Code. Campers, tents, accessory dwellings, couches, and floor sleeping are prohibited as additional occupancy.
• Single-party rental only. The dwelling cannot be rented to more than one party simultaneously.
• Parking: minimum two (2) off-street spaces on the subject property for up to six renters, plus one additional space for every three renters over six. Parking on grass, street right-of-way, or the street itself is prohibited.
• Smoke & CO alarms: every bedroom must have a working smoke alarm; every floor must have a working CO detector; owner or local agent must verify these at least every 90 days (Section 3.11.C.1.d) ^[1].
• No on-premise signage advertising the STR is allowed; the dwelling’s exterior must retain residential character.
• Posted notice inside the unit: the STR permit, Section 3.11 ordinance text, owner/local agent contact, Township emergency contact, and the property street address must be posted conspicuously. The street address must also be posted on every occupied floor, including the basement.
• Visible street number from the road is required.

If the property owner does not live within 20 miles of the STR, a local agent must be named on the permit application. The owner or local agent must be (a) available 24/7 to accept phone calls and other communication while the unit is rented, and (b) able to be physically on-site within 60 minutes when contacted by the Township, a Township designee, or law enforcement (Section 3.11.D) ^[1].

A substitute person may cover the same 60-minute response window if arrangements are documented.

The Township may inspect an STR with a minimum of 24 hours’ advance notice (or sooner in an emergency) to verify compliance with the ordinance. Owners certify consent to this inspection regime on the permit application (Section 3.11.C.1.d.2) ^[1].

• Initial / renewal inspection: triggered by application. Additional re-inspection visits may incur additional fees set by Township Board resolution.
• Complaint handling: owner or local agent must act on notice of renter violations (noise, trash, parking, etc.) and take steps to prevent recurrence (Section 3.11.E.6) ^[1].
• Ordinance enforcement contact: Code Enforcement Department — ordinance@nilestwpmi.gov or (269) 684-0870 ext. 117.
• Zoning interpretation / permit questions: Zoning Administrator Denise Kasprzak — dkasprzak@nilestwpmi.gov or (269) 684-0870 ext. 120.