Welcome to East Bay

Short-term Rental Disturbance Resolution Process

(231) 947-8681 ext. 1

If there is an issue with activity at a short-term rental near you, please follow these progressive steps for resolution and documentation, which is critical to any potential enforcement:

Directly contact the property owner or local agent if you have been previously provided the information from the property owner.
Document the disturbance by calling and leaving a message at the Short-term Rental Support Line at (231) 947-8681 ext. 1 or by sending an online message through the Violation Complaint Form.
Contact East Bay Charter Township Community Police Officers non-emergent line at (231) 947-3631. This is a voicemail number and CPO's receive messages when they are at the station or on-duty through their email. There are times there is no township CPO on duty, if disturbance persists, do not wait for a CPO to call back. Move on to step 4.
Contact Grand Traverse County's non-emergent Central Dispatch line at (231) 922-4550.

As always, in case of emergencies, call 911.

Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance
Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance No. 3 of 2023, a Short-Term Rental (STR) Licensing Ordinance, was approved by the Board of Trustees on July 10, 2023. This ordinance repeals and replaces the previous Short-Term Rental Ordinance 5 of 2019, and the Moratorium Ordinance 1 of 2022, Ordinance 2 of 2022, & Ordinance 2 of 2023. A Short-Term Rental License is required to advertise and operate a Short-Term Rental in East Bay Township. Based on the Township short-term rental license cap set by the Board of Trustees there are currently no available licenses at this time. The Planning and Zoning Department will publish a notice of newly available licenses on an annual basis as they become available.

How to Apply for and Renew a Short-Term Rental License

1. Applying for a Short-Term Rental License
All property owners who wish to operate a Short-Term Rental in East Bay Township must first obtain a STR License. This step-by-step guide will help you quickly submit an application online. All licenses and renewals are $400.

Step 1: Review these checklists and the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. These forms will clarify all the rules and requirements for Short-Term Rentals, and explain which documents the Township needs to approve a license application.
Step 2: Fill out all applicable documents mentioned in the Short-term Rental Checklist. Click the links below to access these documents (Tip: applications completed digitally or scanned are able to be processed quicker).
- Designation of Authority to Request an Application of a STR License (this form is only necessary if the property owner is having another person or management company apply for the license.)
- STR Notification to Renter Upon Booking
- Good Neighbor Brochure
- Grand Traverse County Well & Septic Form
- MIDNR Help Prevent Invasive Species Brochure (see MIDNR website for additional information)
Step 3: Submit your application through this link. If you have trouble with the website, try contacting the Planning & Zoning Office.

2. Renewing a Short-Term Rental License

Each Short-Term Rental License has a duration of one year. The deadline for renewal is November 1 each year. License renewals can be processed 30 days prior to the application deadline. Every license is eligible to be renewed, and this guide will walk through this process.

- Step 1: Review all your original application materials and locate your current Short-Term Rental License number. You will need your current license number to move on with the renewal process. If you are unable to locate your license number, contact the Planning and Zoning Department.
- Step 2: Update any documents with new or changed information. This may include changes to the structure of your home or an updated septic report (remember, the license requirements need you to check your septic every 3 years).
- Step 3: Attach the requested documentation in the Short-term Rental Application Portal, being sure to include any updated documents. The requested documents are the same as the initial license application. Click here to access the portal.

Difficulty with a Short-term Rental?
If you are experiencing a disturbance from a neighboring short-term rental, documentation is important to any future or potential enforcement. Please see the "STR Enforcement" tab and follow the steps. Depending on the problem, day, or time, each step either offers a method of resolution or assists with important documentation.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please visit the Planning & Zoning Department, which operates the short-term rental licensing program and related enforcement. The Department may be reached by phone at (231) 947-8681 ex. 1 or via email.

Visit the Township Hall at 1965 N. Three Mile Road or, for guaranteed availability, schedule an appointment ahead of time through phone or email.

Short-term Rentals