Vacation Home Rental License Application

At this time, Vacation Home Rentals may only be operated in the following districts by license;

C-1: Office-Service (with restrictions)
C-2: Neighborhood Center (with restrictions)
C-3: Community Center
C-4: Regional Center
D-1: Development District
D-2: Development District (with restrictions)
D-3: Development District
GTC: Grand Traverse Commons
HR: Hotel Resort
I: Industrial District (with restrictions)
T: Transportation District

Search your property zoning designation by utilizing the Interactive Zoning Map

For more information on zoning, call (231) 922-4464

When submitting your application, the following items will be required. 

Parcel ID Number: Found on the Tax Parcel Viewer Map

Proof of Liability Insurance: In the amount of $1 million per occurence

Fire Escape Plan: A sketch of the dwelling unit, including bedrooms, and location of windows/doors

Site Plan: Showing conformance to provisions identified in the respective zoning code. This should be a sketch of entire building or overhead view of property.

Self Inspection Form: Submit Blank Self Inspection Form for initial year. 

Once all documentation is in place submit your application at the link below

Once the application has been submitted, contact the Fire Inspector, Jacob Steichen at (231) 631-7423 to set up the inspection. 

Required Posting - Noise Control & Consumer Fireworks (Print and Display in Unit)

Per the Michigan Department of Treasury PRE Division, if you rent more than 50% of your home, you may no longer be eligible for a Principal Residence Exemption (formerly known as the Homestead Exemption). Principal Residence Exemption exempts qualifying property owner(s) from up to 18 mills of property taxes. As such, generally, an owner occupied hosted rental can retain the PRE Exemption. For specific questions regarding the property tax implications of obtaining this license, please contact the City Assessing Department (231) 922-4450, or visit the Michigan Department of Treasury PRE Division (www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,4676,7-238-43535_43539---,00.html).   

The applicant declares and says he/she wishes to be permitted to perform the operation, service, or act stated hereon and that the statements made  are true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge and belief.  Further says that he/she will comply with all provisions of the ordinances of the City of Traverse City and the laws of the state of Michigan relative to the operation, service, or act for which this license is required during the period the license is in effect. And further agrees to hold the City of Traverse City free and harmless from all liability which may be imposed upon it, to reimburse the City of Traverse City for any legal liability that may be adjusted against it and to reimburse the City of Traverse City for all expenses of litigation in connection with the defense of claims as such liability and claims may arise because of negligence in the performance of the operation, service, or act for which the license was issued.

The applicant acknowledges that the City may be required from time to time to release records in its possession.  The applicant hereby gives permission to the City to release any records or materials received by the City from the applicant as it may be requested to do so as permitted by the Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq.

When submitting your application, the following items will be required. 

License Number: The License Number may be found on your renewal reminder email or on the previous years license.

Still having trouble? Contact the City Clerk's Office.

Proof of Liability Insurance: In the amount of $1 million per occurence

Self Inspection Form: Complete the Self Inspection Form

Fire Escape Plan: A sketch of the dwelling unit, including bedrooms, and location of windows/doors.

Site Plan: Showing conformance to provisions identified in the respective Zoning Code.

Once all documentation is in place submit your application at the link below

Every third year, an onsite inspection is required.

If your property requires an onsite inspection, once the application is submitted, contact the Fire Inspector, Jacob Steichen, at (231) 631-7423 to set up the inspection