Rental Investment Guide

Lawrence Township

Short-term & long-term rental regulations, fees, and investor resources for Van Buren County, Michigan.

Updated May 2026
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Township Office
269-674-4255
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Township Clerk
clerk@lawrence-township.org
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Directions
411 N Paw Paw St, Lawrence, MI 49064
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Township Website
www.lawrence-township.org

Area Overview

Lawrence Township sits in central Van Buren County, surrounding the Village of Lawrence about 30 minutes east of South Haven and 20 minutes west of Paw Paw. The township is rural and agricultural in character, with farmland, orchards, woodlots, and small-acreage residential parcels making up most of the land area. The Village of Lawrence (which has its own separate municipal government) is the central built-up area; the surrounding township is a mix of A-1 (Agricultural) and R-1 (Residential) zoning with a small C-1 (Commercial) corridor. [1]

Short-term rental activity in the township is modest compared to lakefront communities to the west, but Lawrence Township adopted a formal STR registration ordinance in 2023 (Chapter 33 of the Township Code), making it one of the earlier rural Van Buren townships to put STR rules on the books. [2] Long-term rentals are not subject to a township-level registration scheme; landlords default to Michigan state landlord-tenant law and county health-department oversight for septic and water. [3]

Quick Status Summary

Short-Term Rentals LIMITED

Permitted only in the A-1 (Agricultural) and C-1 (Commercial) zoning districts under Chapter 33 of the Lawrence Township Code (adopted 2/9/2023, effective 4/9/2023). [2] STRs in R-1 (Residential) zoning are not permitted as a registered short-term rental. Owners in A-1 or C-1 must register the property with the Township; the registration fee, renewal fee, and registry update fee are set by Township Board resolution. [2] Verify the parcel’s zoning district before underwriting any STR strategy.

Long-Term Rentals ALLOWED

Long-term rentals (leases of 30+ days) are permitted in the residential and agricultural zoning districts where dwelling use is allowed by right. The township does not maintain a separate LTR registration program; landlord-tenant relations are governed by Michigan state law (MCL 554.601 et seq.) and the Van Buren / Cass District Health Department handles septic and well permitting. [4]

Rental Regulations

1 Where STRs Are Allowed (Zoning)

Short-term rentals are allowed only in the A-1 (Agricultural) and C-1 (Commercial) zoning districts. [2] Properties in R-1 (Residential), the most common district for non-farm homes, are not permitted to operate as registered short-term rentals under Chapter 33.

Before underwriting any STR strategy, pull the parcel’s zoning district from the township zoning map and confirm with the Zoning Administrator. The published zoning map dates from April 2014; for borderline parcels, the Zoning Administrator’s written determination is what controls.

Lawrence Township Zoning Map (Revised 4-15-2014)

Click to open the full Zoning Map PDF (1.3 MB).

🗺 Zoning Map PDF📄 Zoning Districts & Regulations📧 Ask Zoning Admin
2 Registration & Permit Process

Submit the STR registration packet directly to the Township Office at 411 N Paw Paw St, Lawrence, MI 49064 (paper forms; the township is in the process of updating online STR forms as of May 2026). [5] The Zoning Administrator processes registrations and issues each property a unique short-term rental registration number. [2]

SubmissionBy mail or in person to Township Office
Eligible districtsA-1 (Agricultural), C-1 (Commercial) only
Required attachmentCopy of well and septic approval from the Van Buren / Cass District Health Department [2]
Owner changeAny new owner must file a new STR registration form (registration is not transferable with the property) [2]
Processing contactChristopher Mihelich, Zoning Administrator
For investors: Because the registration does not transfer with sale, a buyer cannot rely on the seller’s STR registration. Confirm with the Zoning Administrator that the parcel is in A-1 or C-1 and that septic/well documentation is current before closing.
📧 Request STR Packet📞 Call Township Office🗺 Directions to Office
3 Fees & Penalties

Registration, renewal, and registry-update fees are set by the Township Board by resolution and may be amended from time to time. [2] Specific dollar amounts are not published in the ordinance text itself; call the Township Office at 269-674-4255 or email the Zoning Administrator for the current fee schedule before submitting an application.

Initial registration feeSet by Township Board resolution — confirm before applying [2]
Renewal feeSet by Township Board resolution [2]
Registry update feeSet by Township Board resolution [2]
RefundabilityAll fees are nonrefundable [2]
Failure to file required compliance statementDeemed a violation of Chapter 33 if not filed within 10 days of request [2]

Verify with the township directly before relying on any specific fee number.

📞 Call for Current Fees📧 Email Zoning
4 Health & Safety: Septic and Well Documentation

Every STR registration must include a copy of well and septic system approval from the Van Buren / Cass District Health Department. [2] Because most properties in Lawrence Township are on private well and septic (no municipal water/sewer outside the Village), this is the gating requirement for STR eligibility — a property without current health department approval cannot complete its registration.

The Van Buren County office of the District Health Department is conveniently located in Lawrence at 260 South Street, two minutes from the Township Hall. [4] Buyers should request well and septic records from the seller (or commission a current inspection through the Health Department) before closing on any property they intend to register as an STR.

📄 Water & Septic Programs📞 VB Health Dept (269) 621-3143🗺 Directions to Health Dept
5 Operating Rules & Sheriff Coordination

Chapter 33’s stated purpose is to give the Van Buren County Sheriff Department a current registry so deputies can verify which properties are operating as STRs and confirm compliance during noise, occupancy, or nuisance complaints. [2] Operators should expect that any complaint call to non-emergency dispatch will be cross-referenced against the STR registry.

If the township receives information indicating that an STR has two or more nuisance features (noise, parking, occupancy, etc.) on the premises, the enforcement authority can request a verified compliance statement from the owner. The owner must respond within 10 days, or the failure itself becomes a violation. [2]

Sheriff non-emergencyVan Buren County Sheriff — (269) 657-2006
Compliance-statement response window10 days [2]
📜 Chapter 33 Full Text📞 VB Sheriff Non-Emergency
6 Recent Changes & Outlook

Lawrence Township’s STR framework is recent and still settling in.

  • February 9, 2023: Township Board adopted Chapter 33 of the Township Code, creating the STR registration program. [2]
  • April 9, 2023: Chapter 33 took effect. [2]
  • 2025–2026: Township updated its website and consolidated forms; STR forms specifically are noted as “being updated” on the Zoning Department page as of May 2026 — contact the Zoning Administrator directly for the current packet. [5]
Watch list for buyers: Because Chapter 33 limits STRs to A-1 and C-1 zoning, the universe of legal STR parcels in Lawrence Township is smaller than in lakefront communities. Pair the zoning verification with health-department records before underwriting.
1 Where LTRs Are Allowed (Zoning)

Long-term rentals (leases of 30+ days) are permitted wherever residential dwelling use is permitted by right or by special use under the Lawrence Township Zoning Ordinance. [6] In practice this means most R-1 (Residential) and A-1 (Agricultural) parcels with an existing dwelling can be rented long-term without a separate township license, as long as the underlying use itself is conforming.

Where verification matters: For commercial-zoned properties, accessory dwelling units, or parcels with non-conforming uses, confirm the residential dwelling use is permitted before signing a lease. The published zoning map dates from April 2014; the Zoning Administrator’s written determination is what controls.

Lawrence Township Zoning Map (Revised 4-15-2014)

Click to open the full Zoning Map PDF (1.3 MB).

🗺 Zoning Map PDF📄 Zoning Districts & Regulations📧 Ask Zoning Admin
2 Registration & Permit Process

Lawrence Township does not operate a separate long-term rental registration or licensing program. [6] Landlords renting on leases of 30 days or more do not need to file an LTR-specific registration with the township. The standard requirements that apply are:

  • Building permits for any construction, alteration, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work — issued through Michigan Code Inspections, LLC (MCI), the township’s contracted inspector. [7]
  • Septic/well approval from the Van Buren / Cass District Health Department for properties on private systems. [4]
  • Zoning compliance for the underlying residential use (verify with the Zoning Administrator if the parcel is non-conforming or in a non-residential district).
🔗 Building Permits (MCI)📧 MCI Permits Email📞 MCI (269) 539-8747
3 Fees & Penalties

There is no township-level annual LTR registration fee. [6] Costs landlords should plan for:

Building/trade permit fees (when applicable)Set by MCI — contact for current schedule [7]
Septic permit / inspectionPer Van Buren/Cass District Health Department fee schedule [4]
Well permit / water testPer VB/Cass DHD fee schedule [4]
State filing fees (eviction)Per Van Buren County Trial Court
📄 2026 Health Dept Fee Schedule
4 Inspections & Safety Requirements

Lawrence Township does not conduct routine rental inspections. [6] However, the following standards still apply to any rental dwelling:

  • Building code: Michigan Residential Code as enforced by Michigan Code Inspections (MCI). Permits are required for new construction, remodels, additions, accessory structures, demolitions, and electrical/mechanical/plumbing work. [7]
  • Septic & well: Properties on private systems must maintain Health Department-approved septic and well. The District Health Department investigates sewage leaks, unsafe water, and unapproved septic systems on complaint. [4]
  • Smoke/CO detectors: Required by Michigan state code in all dwelling units used as rentals.
📄 Building Permit App📄 Plumbing Permit App📄 Electrical Permit App
5 Tenant Rights & Eviction Resources

Michigan landlord-tenant relationships are governed by state law (MCL 554.601 et seq.) and the summary proceedings act for evictions. The State Bar of Michigan publishes a free Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords covering leases, security deposits, repairs, and the eviction process. [8] These rules apply equally in Lawrence Township and are not modified by local ordinance.

Eviction filings for properties in Lawrence Township go to the Van Buren County Trial Court (Paw Paw). The Van Buren / Cass District Health Department handles complaints about unsafe water, sewage leaks, and unapproved septic systems on rental properties. [4]

📄 MI Tenant-Landlord Guide📄 Health Complaint Form

Official Resources

Ordinances
📜
Chapter 33 — Short-Term Rentals
Adopted 2/9/2023, effective 4/9/2023
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Lawrence Township Zoning Ordinance
Full chapter on eCode360
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Zoning Districts, Map & Schedule of Regulations
A-1, R-1, C-1 district rules
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Code of the Township of Lawrence (full TOC)
Complete codified ordinances
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2024-2034 Master Plan
Future land use plan (PDF)
Forms & Applications
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Building Permit Application
MCI — PDF
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Electrical Permit Application
MCI — PDF
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Mechanical Permit Application
MCI — PDF
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Plumbing Permit Application
MCI — PDF
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Site Plan Application & Instructions
Zoning Department — PDF
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Site Plan Application Checklist
Zoning Department — PDF
Maps
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Lawrence Township Zoning Map
Revised 4/15/2014 (PDF)
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Van Buren County Parcel Viewer
Parcels, taxes, ownership, aerials
Portals & Lookups
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Zoning Department Page
STR forms hub & zoning admin contact
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Building Department Page
MCI permits & sample drawings
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MCI Permit Portal
Online permit applications
Contact & Directions
📞
Township Office
269-674-4255
📧
Township Clerk Email
clerk@lawrence-township.org
📧
Zoning Administrator Email
zoning@lawrence-township.org
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MCI Building Permits Email
permits.mcillc@gmail.com
📞
MCI Building & Trade Permits
(269) 539-8747
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Van Buren / Cass District Health Department
Septic, well, environmental health
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VB/Cass District Health — Lawrence Office
(269) 621-3143 — 260 South St, Lawrence
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Directions to Township Office
411 N Paw Paw St, Lawrence
Other Resources
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Lawrence Township Website
Main municipal site

Property Tax Treatment

i
Important for investors: A property used as a rental in Michigan is generally classified as non-homestead, which is taxed at the full local millage rate (no Principal Residence Exemption). Short-term rental income may also be subject to the Michigan Use Tax on transient accommodations. Consult a CPA before underwriting any deal — these are not opinions, they are starting points for your own tax research.
📊
Michigan Property Tax Guide
PRE, millage, transfer rules
🏛
Michigan Treasury
State tax info

Explore Rental Guides — Van Buren County

Every municipality in Van Buren County. Click any to view its rental guide — or request one if it’s not yet live. View the Van Buren County hub →

STRs Allowed
STRs Capped/Limited
STRs Heavily Restricted
STRs Not Allowed
Unverified
Guide Coming Soon

Looking at a property in a different county? View all Southwest Michigan rental guides →

Buying, selling, or investing in Lawrence Township?

I help investors and homeowners navigate short-term and long-term rental rules across Van Buren County and the rest of southwest Michigan — including the local nuances (like Lawrence's A-1/C-1-only STR limitation) that decide whether a deal pencils.

Schedule a Consultation Call (269) 235-9910

Sources & Downloads

  1. 1
    Lawrence Township — Official Website (Home) https://www.lawrence-township.org/
    Township identity, contacts, business hours, location
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  2. 2
    Township of Lawrence, MI — Chapter 33: Short-Term Rentals (eCode360) https://ecode360.com/44135590
    Adopted 2-9-2023, effective 4-9-2023. Applies to A-1 and C-1 districts; fees set by Township Board resolution; well/septic approval required; non-transferable; 10-day compliance statement window.
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  3. 3
    Michigan Legislature — A Practical Guide for Tenants & Landlords https://www.legislature.mi.gov/publications/tenantlandlord.pdf
    Statewide landlord-tenant law, leases, eviction process
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  4. 4
    Van Buren / Cass District Health Department — Environmental Health https://vbcassdhd.org/environmental-health/
    Water, septic, beach/pool, food, hazardous waste programs. Lawrence office at 260 South St, (269) 621-3143.
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  5. 5
    Lawrence Township — Zoning Department https://www.lawrence-township.org/dept-committees/zoning-department/
    Zoning Administrator Christopher Mihelich. STR forms noted as 'being updated' — contact zoning directly for current packet.
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  6. 6
    Township of Lawrence, MI — Zoning Districts, Map and Schedule of Regulations (eCode360) https://ecode360.com/34465418
    Defines A-1, R-1, C-1 districts and their permitted uses
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  7. 7
    Lawrence Township — Building Department https://www.lawrence-township.org/dept-committees/building-department/
    Building/electrical/mechanical/plumbing permits via Michigan Code Inspections, LLC (MCI). Phone 269-539-8747, permits.mcillc@gmail.com.
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  8. 8
    Michigan Legislature — A Practical Guide for Tenants & Landlords (alt cite) https://www.legislature.mi.gov/publications/tenantlandlord.pdf
    Same statewide guide referenced for the LTR tab
    Verified: 2026-05-10
  9. 9
    Lawrence Township — Ordinances/Code Page https://www.lawrence-township.org/ordinances-code/
    Master Plan, zoning map, link to full eCode360 code
    Verified: 2026-05-10
How this guide is produced. This rental guide is researched and drafted with assistance from Claude, an AI model made by Anthropic, working from the official municipal sources linked in this page. AI can make mistakes — any fact that would materially affect a purchase or rental decision should be verified against the official source cited above and confirmed directly with the municipality. See an error? Email a correction.