Buchanan City, Michigan Issues Temporary Pause on New Short-Term Rentals
⏳ Countdown to End of STR Moratorium
April 2025 Update
The City of Buchanan has officially passed a resolution placing a temporary moratorium on the registration of new short-term rental units within city limits. This decision follows the adoption of Ordinance 2025.03/441 in March 2025, which requires all rental dwellings—both long-term and short-term—to register with the city.
🛑 What This Means:
- No new short-term rental registrations will be accepted during the moratorium.
- The pause is expected to last up to 8 months until 01 December 2025, or until new regulations are adopted.
- Existing short-term rentals can continue operating if they are properly registered and can show proof of active listing (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO) as of the moratorium’s adoption date.
🧭 Why This Matters:
The City Commission is aiming to:
- Balance tourism and commerce with neighborhood stability
- Protect long-term housing availability
- Preserve local school enrollment and avoid winter vacancies
- Limit noise, parking issues, and traffic in traditional neighborhoods
🛠️ What’s Next:
Buchanan’s Planning Commission is now tasked with developing recommendations on:
- How many short-term rentals should be allowed
- Which parts of town they may operate in
- What rules or zoning changes may be necessary
📅 Timeline:
New ordinances or regulations are expected by late 2025. Until then, no new STR registrations will be issued.
⚠️ Important: If you currently own or manage a short-term rental in Buchanan, ensure your property is properly registered and documented. Click here for official registration forms.
Have questions about how this affects you or where you might still be able to purchase STR-friendly property nearby? Contact me here — I’m happy to help!
Buchanan's Rental Coordinator's Contact Information
302 N. Redbud Trail
Buchanan, MI 49107
Telephone: 269-695-3844