Marcellus

Short-term rentals are permitted in the Village’s residential zoning districts under the underlying residential dwelling use — the Village’s Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 249) does not create a separate “transient lodging” or “short-term rental” use category ^[5]. STRs operate within the underlying residential dwelling use, subject to Ordinance 253 registration and inspection ^[2].

Important — verify before purchasing: The Village’s Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 249, adopted 11/28/2023) and Zoning Map (reissued 3/6/2024) control which districts allow residential dwelling use by right. The full zoning ordinance is published as a 2023 PDF and runs roughly 100+ pages — district-specific use lists must be read against the parcel’s mapped district ^[5][6]. For any specific property, verify the zoning district on the map below, then confirm the intended rental use with the Village’s contracted Zoning Administrator (SAFEbuilt) before closing.

Submit the Application for Registration for a Residential Housing/Dwelling Rental/Lease Unit to the Village of Marcellus Authorized Official on or before January 3rd of each year ^[2]. Each owner, agent, or landlord of one or more residential rental units must file the registration and request an inspection at that time. A Certificate of Approval / Permit of Occupancy is issued only after inspection and remediation of any discrepancies, and is valid for two (2) years from issuance ^[2].

Rental registration, inspection, complaint-inspection, and re-inspection fees are set by resolution of the Village Council and published in the Village’s Master Fee Schedule, which may be amended from time to time ^[2]. Specific dollar amounts for the rental program are not published as a separate online schedule — confirm current fees with the Village Clerk before applying ^[7].

The Village Clerk and Treasurer are the points of contact for confirming the current fee schedule. Checks or money orders are accepted methods of payment for development-related fees ^[4].

The Village’s Authorized Official (Building Inspector contracted through SAFEbuilt) inspects each registered rental dwelling unit. Certificates of Approval are valid for two (2) years from issuance; each unit is inspected biennially unless a complaint triggers an interim inspection ^[2][4].

Minimum standards under Ordinance 253 §4 ^[2]:

• Plumbing. Each unit must have a kitchen sink connected to municipal water and sewer (where available), plus a separate room with privacy containing a flush toilet, lavatory basin, and bathtub or shower — all in good working condition and connected to water and sewer.
• Smoke / carbon monoxide detectors. Each individual unit shall have a carbon monoxide detector. A smoke detector is required on every level of the premises and in each hallway serving one or more individual housing units in apartment houses or multiple dwellings. Tenants are responsible for maintaining the detectors after initial inspection.
• Electrical service. Every existing kitchen and habitable room shall contain at least two separate floor or wall electrical outlets in safe, good working condition.
• Heating facilities. Adequate heating maintained in safe, good working condition, capable of heating all habitable areas to a minimum of 65°F. Portable flame heaters and gasoline/kerosene portable heaters are prohibited.
• Habitable rooms. Every dwelling unit shall have at least two (2) habitable rooms, meeting the Village’s IPMC ordinance for minimum bedroom sizes per occupant.
• Exterior structure. Foundation, roof, exterior walls, and exterior windows/doors must be weather-tight, water-tight, and rodent-proof. Every flight of stairs with more than three (3) risers may require a handrail at the Building Inspector’s discretion.
• Street numbers. All buildings must display the distinctive street/house number assigned by the Village or Cass County Information Systems and recognized by the U.S. Postal Service ^[2].

STR operators in Marcellus are bound by Ordinance 253’s general operating rules in addition to the Village’s other ordinances (zoning, blight, marihuana licensing, golf-cart, etc.) ^[2][5][8].

• Trash & rubbish. A regular scheduled trash, rubbish, and garbage pick-up service must be maintained by the owner, agent, landlord, or renter (as set out in the lease). No accumulation of trash, rubbish, or garbage shall be permitted for more than seven (7) days ^[2].
• Cleanliness. Every dwelling unit, apartment, multiple dwelling unit, and every part thereof shall be kept clean and free of any accumulation of filth, rubbish, garbage, or other matter — including yards, passages, hallways, and the immediate property surrounding the dwelling unit ^[2].
• Tenant-maintained items. Window screens, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are tenant maintenance responsibilities after initial inspection ^[2].
• Discontinuance of services prohibited. Owners may not remove, discontinue, or disconnect any landlord-furnished service, facility, equipment, or utility (except in extreme emergency or while actual repairs/alterations are in process) — unless the lease expressly assigns payment to the tenant in writing ^[2].
• Marihuana operations. Marcellus permits Recreational and Medical Marihuana facilities under Ordinance 241 (as amended by Ordinance 251) — a separate operating license is required ^[8]. STR operators should not co-host commercial marihuana activities at a registered residential rental.

The Application for Registration must include the name, address, and telephone number of the owner, agent, and landlord, plus a description of the premises and any other information required by the Village ^[2]. While Ordinance 253 does not impose a specific 24-hour-response timeframe for the local agent, owners who manage Marcellus rental properties from outside the area should designate a local agent or property manager whose contact information is on file with the Village so complaints, inspections, and emergencies can be handled without delay.

• Village Hall (registration questions): 269-646-5485
• Village Manager / Clerk (Jacqueline Terrill): clerk@villageofmarcellus.org
• SAFEbuilt (Zoning / Building / Plumbing / Electrical / Mechanical Official): 877-721-9266 · athensmi@safebuilt.com ^[4]
• Cass County Sheriff (non-emergency): 269-445-2481
• Marcellus Fire Department: 269-646-9900
• After-hours Water/Sewer Emergency Dispatch: 269-445-1560