Short-term rentals (rentals of 27 days or less) in Watersmeet Township are regulated under the Township Zoning Ordinance (Sections 4.02B, 5.02B, 6.01B, and 7.09 – Short-Term Rentals). A valid permit must be obtained from the Township Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator before renting any single-family dwelling.
The Township recently updated its Zoning Ordinance, including new guidelines specific to short-term rentals, and adopted a revised permit application form. These changes took effect on July 5, 2025.
If you are currently renting without a permit, please begin the permit process as soon as possible. A grace period is in place through December 31, 2025, during which applications can be submitted without penalties. Enforcement—including fines and legal action—will begin in January 2026. Short-term rentals that have previously been approved are also asked to update their information by completing the first page of the revised application before December 31st, 2025.
Penalties for Renting without a Permit are outlined in Article 10 of the ordinance.
How to Apply or if you have any questions:
- Email: zoning@watersmeet.us
- Phone: (906) 366-0262 (Zoning Administrator, Megan Zelinski)
- Application Form: Short-Term Rental Application (fill-able PDF)
- For additional ordinance details—including the full text of Sections 4.02B, 5.02B, 6.01B, and 7.09—see the official Zoning Ordinance published by Watersmeet Township: Watersmeet Zoning Ordinance (July 2025).