Royalton Township

Short-term rentals are permitted township-wide, subject to registration and zoning compliance for the underlying residential use. Section 18.36 of the Zoning Ordinance expressly acknowledges short-term vacation rentals and requires them to maintain up-to-date registration at all times and comply with the Code of Ordinances ^[4].

The Zoning Ordinance does not confine STRs to a specific district. What matters is whether the parcel’s zoning district permits the underlying residential dwelling use. For any specific property, verify the parcel’s zoning district on the map below, then confirm residential use is permitted by right (or legally non-conforming) with the Zoning Administrator.

Click to open the interactive ArcGIS zoning map.

STR applicants submit the Rental Application Packet by email to rental@royaltontownship.org, in person at the Township Hall (980 Miners Rd), or by mail — then pay the applicable fees and schedule an inspection with the Building Department before the property is first occupied ^[1].

STR registration fees per the published Rental Application Packet ^[1]. Short-term rentals are inspected annually; long-term rentals are inspected every two years.

Each day of continuing violation is a separate offense under Article 7 of the Code of Ordinances.

All new short-term rentals require a pre-permit inspection (Article 18.03.C). Short-term rentals are re-inspected annually ^[1][2]. Standards follow the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code and the Rental Inspection Checklist ^[3].

Items covered by the checklist ^[6]:

• Properly installed and operable smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms (CO required outside each sleeping area when a fuel-fired appliance is present).
• Proper egress — operable windows, basement bedroom egress, exits that unlock without a key.
• Electrical — 2 receptacles per room, GFCI in kitchens and bathrooms, covered junction boxes, accessible and non-overloaded service panel.
• Mechanical — no storage within 3 ft of a gas appliance, drop pipe on water heater, proper dryer venting.
• Exterior — readable house number, no standing water, foundation/chimney condition, peeling paint, screen condition.
• Interior — no trip hazards, handrails, ventilation in bathrooms.

STR operators are bound by Article 18 (Rental Regulations) ^[2] and Article 16 (Noise) ^[5] of the Code of Ordinances.

• Occupancy cap. Overnight occupancy is limited by written agreement to the number designated on the permit — not to exceed 2 persons per bedroom plus 4 additional persons per residence (Article 18.03.F) ^[2].
• Vehicles. Number of overnight-guest vehicles cannot exceed the designated on-site parking spaces listed on the permit (Article 18.03.F) ^[2].
• Trash. Trash and refuse must not be left or stored outside except within 24 hours of pick-up day (Article 18.03.B.6.f) ^[2].
• Noise / Peace. Required posted statement: “It is unlawful for any person to maliciously and willfully disturb the peace of any neighborhood, person, or family, by loud noise; to engage in any offensive conduct, or any unusual, abnormal, hazardous, malicious or neglectful activity within or upon the premises.” Reinforced by Article 16, Unlawful Noise Prohibited ^[5].
• Permit revocation. The Township Board can suspend for up to 6 months or revoke a permit for violations; reinstatement can be petitioned no sooner than 12 months post-revocation (Article 18.04) ^[2].

Every STR permit application must list an authorized local contact person who can be reached on a 24-hour basis to respond to tenant or neighborhood concerns and take remedial action for any ordinance violation (Article 18.02 and 18.03.B.2) ^[2]. The owner may serve in this role or may designate a property manager or agent in writing.

• Township rental line: 269-429-2501
• Rental Inspector (Fire Chief): James A. Jonatzke — jjonatzke@royaltontownship.org ^[1]
• Berrien County Non-Emergency Dispatch: 866-630-7679

Under Article 18.04, a permit may be suspended or revoked when the owner or agent has failed to comply with Article 18, has supplied false or misleading information in the application or renewal, or has documented violations of local, state, or federal law ^[2].

• Written notice of violation specifies the facts, compliance time, and consequences.
• The Township Board holds a hearing within 15–60 days of scheduling. The owner receives at least 15 days’ written notice.
• The Board may amend permit conditions, suspend a permit for up to 6 months, or revoke it. Board decisions are final.
• An owner may petition for reinstatement of a revoked permit no sooner than 12 months after revocation.
• Alternatively or additionally, violations are prosecutable as a municipal civil infraction under Article 7 (fines of $100–$500 per offense) ^[5].