Welcome to your ultimate guide for short-term rental (STR) regulations and best practices in South Haven, Michigan. This detailed resource covers everything you need to successfully navigate South Haven’s rental landscape, from moratorium statuses and detailed regulations to application processes, fees, inspections, competitive insights, and more.
🚫 Current Moratorium Status
As of April 2025, South Haven maintains a moratorium on all new STR registrations. This freeze was enacted to stabilize neighborhoods and establish controlled STR zones via an overlay map currently under discussion. No new applications are being accepted, and existing STRs unregistered before the moratorium may lose eligibility.
- Moratorium enacted: June 3, 2024
- Current status: Active, awaiting overlay map approval
- Expected end: Uncertain; pending city council and planning commission decisions
📜 Ordinance 1097 Detailed Overview
Ordinance 1097 (effective March 17, 2025) outlines key rules governing short-term rentals:
- Applicable Units: Residential dwellings rented fewer than 30 consecutive days (homes, condos, accessory units)
- Registration: Annual registration required; license non-transferable upon sale
- Insurance & Emergency Contacts: Mandatory proof of liability coverage; emergency and local agent contacts required
- Zoning Overlay: STR allowed only in specific approved zones (overlay pending)
- Enforcement: Violations lead to potential license denial or revocation
🗃️ Detailed Registration & Fees
Two distinct types of STR certificates exist:
1. Personal STR Certificate
- Eligibility: Principal residence, limited to 6 rental terms or 28 days per year
- Inspection Frequency: Every 2 years
- Fee: $125 (biannual)
2. Business STR Certificate
- Eligibility: Unlimited rental nights
- Inspection Frequency: Annual
- Fee: $600 (annual)
All fees are payable upon application submission.
🔎 Detailed Inspection Process & Checklist
STR inspections ensure compliance with safety, structural integrity, and community standards. Inspectors review:
- Safety Equipment: Operational smoke detectors in all sleeping rooms, carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms, fire extinguishers accessible and serviced annually.
- Structural Safety: Railings secure, stairways unobstructed, egress windows accessible, window wells secure.
- Electrical Compliance: GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, clearly labeled electrical panels, safe wiring practices.
- Occupancy Standards: Posted occupancy limit matching the approved limit, adequate sleeping space.
- Documentation: Visible posting of STR certificate, property address, emergency contacts.
Inspections occur after fee payment, with reinspection fees of $100 for failures. Cancellation/no-show fees are $50 with less than 24 hours’ notice.
🧑✈️ Local Agent Responsibilities
STR owners must designate a local agent who:
- Lives or works within 45 miles of South Haven
- Is available 24/7 to respond to any complaints or emergencies
- Responds within 45 minutes when contacted by city hotline
Failure to meet these requirements results in enforcement action, including potential revocation of the STR license.
📚 Good Neighbor Guide Requirements
Each rental must provide guests with the city’s Good Neighbor Guide, detailing community rules:
- Quiet hours (10 PM – 8 AM)
- Parking limitations (off-street only)
- Trash/recycling schedules
- Restrictions on large gatherings and excessive noise
🛺 Golf Cart Regulations
- Golf carts are allowed March 15th through November 15th.
- Drivers must be at least 16 years old and licensed.
- Speed limit: 15 mph.
- Not permitted on roads with speed limits over 30 mph (except to cross).
- Golf carts must be registered to operate within city limits.
📞 24/7 Complaint Hotline System
Launched December 1, 2023, South Haven operates a 24/7 STR complaint hotline for non-emergency issues such as noise, parking, and occupancy violations. Complaints must be addressed within 45 minutes by the local agent or face enforcement action.
Short-term code enforcement officer contact: 269-637-0790
🔗 Comprehensive Resource Links
Official South Haven STR Website
🌐 South Haven Short-Term Rental Info & Registration
Public Document Portal
📂 City of South Haven Document Center
This guide equips you with all essential information for operating or investing in short-term rentals in South Haven. Always verify updates with official city sources.
🚗 Visitor & Property Owner Tools
Downtown Parking Map (PDF)
📄 View Public Parking Locations
Golf Cart Route Map (PDF)
📄 Approved Golf Cart Streets
South Haven Beach Information
🌐 View Public Beach Rules & Flag System
Live Lake Michigan Conditions (Buoy 45168)
🌊 Real-Time Water Temp, Wind, and Waves