Fillmore Township

The Zoning Ordinance (effective 12/31/2025) does not define or list “short-term rental” as a use ^[1]. In practice this means a single-family dwelling rented on a nightly basis is treated as the underlying residential use of the parcel — confirm that residential dwelling use is permitted in the parcel’s zoning district before listing.

The only nightly-lodging use the code explicitly addresses is Bed and Breakfast Inn, which requires a Special Use Permit under Section 16.36 in A-1 Exclusive Agriculture, A-2 Restricted Agriculture, and RE Rural Estate Residential districts ^[2]. Hotels and motels are permitted in the C-2 General Commercial District ^[1]. Single-family dwellings are a permitted use in A-1, A-2, RE, R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts.

Click to open the Fillmore Township Zoning Map (PDF).

Fillmore Township does not require an STR-specific registration or license. There is no township application, portal, or permit fee for renting a dwelling on a short-term basis ^[3].

Operators are still subject to:

• Zoning compliance — the parcel’s underlying use must be permitted in its district ^[1].
• Building / electrical / mechanical / plumbing permits — required for any construction, alteration, or system replacement before listing. Fee: $75 per inspection (effective January 1, 2025) ^[3]. Permits are submitted to the Township Office at 4219 52nd Street, Holland MI 49423.
• Special Use Permit — required only if the property is operated as a Bed and Breakfast Inn (innkeeper-occupied, up to 6 sleeping rooms) under Section 16.36 ^[2].
• Michigan 6% Use Tax on rentals under 31 days, remitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury ^[4].

There is no township short-term rental license fee in Fillmore Township ^[3]. The only township-level rental-related fees an STR operator typically encounters are inspection fees on building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or sign permits when work is performed.

Zoning Ordinance violations are misdemeanors under Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006; enforcement is by Township notice with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office for nuisance / noise complaints.

Fillmore Township does not require a recurring rental inspection for short-term rentals. Inspections are triggered only by construction work — new builds, additions, system replacements, or change-of-use ^[3].

• Electrical: Dennis Kroeze, Inspector — 616-610-2897 ^[3]
• Mechanical (HVAC) & Plumbing: Bob Modreske, Inspector — 616-477-4940 ^[3]
• Building permits are reviewed by the Township Office for zoning compliance before being routed for inspection — do not send building permit applications directly to P.C.I. ^[3]

For owner safety baseline, the Michigan Residential Code applies. STR operators should also confirm working smoke and CO detectors on each level and in each sleeping room, a labeled fire extinguisher accessible on each floor, and posted emergency contact information for guests.

Fillmore Township has no short-term-rental-specific operating ordinance. Operators are bound by general standards:

• Occupancy. The Michigan Residential Code minimum standard applies — habitable rooms 70 sq ft or larger; sleeping rooms 50 sq ft per occupant if shared.
• Noise & nuisance. Enforced by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office; the Zoning Ordinance prohibits any activity that constitutes a nuisance under Section 16.38 ^[2].
• Parking. Per Section 20.03, off-street parking is required for all residential uses; on-street parking is generally prohibited on township roads except where signed. STR operators should confirm sufficient driveway/lot parking to avoid neighbor complaints.
• Trash. Curbside collection is by private hauler; coordinate with your hauler on rental-volume needs. Containers should be set out the day of collection only.
• Outdoor fires. Allegan County requires a burn permit during open-burning season; STR guests should be informed that recreational fires > 3 ft diameter need a permit ^[5].
• Signs. Sign Permit required (Chapter 22) — see Sign Permit application ^[3].

If you intend to operate a property as a Bed and Breakfast Inn — owner-occupied with breakfast served to overnight guests — Fillmore Township requires a Special Use Permit under Section 16.36 of the Zoning Ordinance ^[2]. This is the only nightly-lodging use the code explicitly regulates.

Key requirements under Section 16.36:

• Owner-occupied. The dwelling must be the operator’s principal residence, and the operator must live on-site when the inn is in operation.
• Floor area cap. No more than 30% of the dwelling’s floor area may be used for B&B sleeping rooms.
• Room count. Maximum 6 sleeping rooms (Township Board may set a lower limit based on site conditions).
• Guest stay limit. 14 consecutive days maximum per guest.
• Safety. Two exits per sleeping room, interconnected smoke detectors, posted fire-escape diagrams, fire extinguishers every 75 feet.
• Bathrooms. 1 bathroom per 2 guest rooms on the same floor.
• Guest register. Must be maintained.
• Signage. One sign, maximum 24 sq ft, external illumination only.

Application is to the Planning Commission for recommendation and then the Township Board for approval under Chapter 18 of the Zoning Ordinance ^[1].