Wyoming's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Wyoming, Michigan, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Occupancy Limits

Wyoming, Michigan ties any lawful non-owner occupancy under Sec. 10-3 to the dwelling's already-established maximum occupancy, but because short-term rentals themselves are banned in residential districts, the occupancy language mainly governs the code's four narrow non-rental exceptions, such as house sitting and post-sale occupancy.

Key details: Short-term rental defined: 27 days or less. Zoning scope: All residentially zoned districts. Occupancy source: Dwelling's Code-established max occupancy. Exceptions with occupancy tie-in: 4 (Sec. 10-3(3)). Default fine: $75 / $500 / $2,500 (Sec. 1-27(e)).

Sec. 10-3 carries no dedicated penalty clause, so violations default to the citywide civil-infraction schedule in Sec. 1-27(e): $75 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense within a year, and $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Wyoming, Michigan does not issue permits for short-term rentals because Sec. 10-3(2) bans them outright in every residentially zoned district. The 27-day-or-less rental market is closed there; only four narrow, unpaid family and estate arrangements are exempt from the prohibition.

Key details: Rule type: Outright prohibition, not a permit. Definition: Rental term of 27 days or less. Zoning scope: All residentially zoned districts. Exceptions: Family, house sitting, 90-day sale, estate rep.. Adopted: Ord. No. 6-18, § 1, 4-16-18.

Sec. 10-3 has no dedicated fine, so a violation defaults to the citywide civil-infraction schedule at Sec. 1-27(e): $75 for a first offense, $500 for a second, and $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense. The city may also seek injunctive relief or abatement under Sec. 1-26(c).

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Wyoming actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

The Bottom Line

Wyoming's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Wyoming is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Wyoming can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.