CLICK HERE FOR AN AMENDED STR ORDINANCE.
HOW THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE CAME TO BE: The Crystal Lake Township Planning Commission and Board dedicated several years to developing this ordinance. Its purpose is to address concerns expressed by residents regarding development, aiming to promote growth while mitigating elements that may detract from the community. The ordinance primarily seeks to resolve two key issues: increased nuisances often associated with short-term renters, and the erosion of community continuity for permanent residents. Northern Michigan has a longstanding tradition of welcoming renters, and this policy is not intended to restrict rental opportunities. Rather, it reflects a common approach adopted by numerous governmental entities throughout Michigan and globally to effectively manage and limit negative impacts related to short-term rental activities.
DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT: Originally passed on March 19, 2025 and amended twice since then, the Short Term Rental policy is now in full effect. The Board will continually look at tweaking the policy as we implement it and learn from experience how this new policy is working. 2025, the first year, has been for information gathering only (no enforcement, yet) giving rental property owners time to prepare. All CLT property owners received a mailed letter outlining the process and letting them know that full implementation would be in 2026. As of 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 the Township’s STR 2026 license application packet is available online or at the Township Hall. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.
HOW THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE CAME TO BE: The Crystal Lake Township Planning Commission and Board dedicated several years to developing this ordinance. Its purpose is to address concerns expressed by residents regarding development, aiming to promote growth while mitigating elements that may detract from the community. The ordinance primarily seeks to resolve two key issues: increased nuisances often associated with short-term renters, and the erosion of community continuity for permanent residents. Northern Michigan has a longstanding tradition of welcoming renters, and this policy is not intended to restrict rental opportunities. Rather, it reflects a common approach adopted by numerous governmental entities throughout Michigan and globally to effectively manage and limit negative impacts related to short-term rental activities.
DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT: Originally passed on March 19, 2025 and amended twice since then, the Short Term Rental policy is now in full effect. The Board will continually look at tweaking the policy as we implement it and learn from experience how this new policy is working. 2025, the first year, has been for information gathering only (no enforcement, yet) giving rental property owners time to prepare. All CLT property owners received a mailed letter outlining the process and letting them know that full implementation would be in 2026. As of 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025 the Township’s STR 2026 license application packet is available online or at the Township Hall. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE ORDINANCE SAY? Click here for the full readable/downloadable ordinance. It went into effect on May 2, 2025. Click here for the application fee schedule and the violation fee schedule. It is important to note that this ordinance was passed on March 19, 2025 and became effective May 2, 2025. Also note this first year is a "freebie." That is, we are starting in Spring of 2025 to only collect information on the local rental situation in our township. This also gives time for the potential rental property owners to learn about what's expected of them. ALL property owners in CLT will be getting a hard copy letter in the mail announcing the process, the schedule, the steps to take. Instituting all the measures of the ordinance will not actually happen until Fall of 2025. Full implementation is slated for 2026.
HOW TO CONTACT US FOR ANSWERS AND INFORMATION: The person who has been assigned the task of administrating this new policy is Elaine Walton and she can be reached via email, [email protected] or by calling the township hall, 231-352-9791 ext. 6.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE ORDINANCE SAY? Click here for the full readable/downloadable ordinance. It went into effect on May 2, 2025. Click here for the application fee schedule and the violation fee schedule. It is important to note that this ordinance was passed on March 19, 2025 and became effective May 2, 2025. Also note this first year is a "freebie." That is, we are starting in Spring of 2025 to only collect information on the local rental situation in our township. This also gives time for the potential rental property owners to learn about what's expected of them. ALL property owners in CLT will be getting a hard copy letter in the mail announcing the process, the schedule, the steps to take. Instituting all the measures of the ordinance will not actually happen until Fall of 2025. Full implementation is slated for 2026.
HOW TO CONTACT US FOR ANSWERS AND INFORMATION: The person who has been assigned the task of administrating this new policy is Elaine Walton and she can be reached via email, [email protected] or by calling the township hall, 231-352-9791 ext. 6.
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