Permit Requirements: Kentwood vs Wyoming

Do I need a Kent County permit to run an Airbnb in Grand Rapids or Kentwood?

No. Kent County does not issue short-term rental permits. The county ordinance list at kentcountymi.gov/798/County-Ordinances has no STR registration ordinance. The only county-level requirement is the 8% Lodging Excise Tax under Public Act 263 of 1974, and Airbnb already remits that tax on behalf of platform hosts. STR operating permits are handled by your city or township (e.g. Grand Rapids requires a Home Occupation Class B business license, and Grattan Township issues a Short-Term Rental Permit).

What is the Kent County lodging tax rate for short-term rentals?

Effective January 1, 2025, Kent County's lodging excise tax (sometimes called the Visitors Tax or Hotel-Motel Tax) is 8% of the total accommodations charge for guests staying less than 30 consecutive days. The rate was 5% from 1975 through December 31, 2024 and was increased after voters approved the Sports and Entertainment Facilities Proposal on August 6, 2024. The authority for the levy is Michigan Public Act 263 of 1974, as amended.

How is the Kent County visitors tax collected if I list on Airbnb?

Kent County has a separate agreement with Airbnb under which Airbnb collects and remits the excise tax directly to the Kent County Treasurer. Hosts using Airbnb do not need to file separately for those bookings. Hosts using other platforms (Vrbo, Booking.com) or direct bookings remain responsible for filing the Kent County excise tax form and remitting payment to the Kent County Treasurer's Office (300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).

Are stays over 30 days subject to the Kent County lodging tax?

No. The Kent County Lodging Excise Tax under Public Act 263 of 1974 applies only to lodging for guests staying less than 30 consecutive days. A continuous stay of 30 days or more by the same guest is exempt from the county tax, even if the property is otherwise operated as a short-term rental.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Wyoming, MI?

Yes. Wyoming requires every rental dwelling - including short-term rentals - to register through the city's Rental Property Registration program under Community & Economic Development - Building Inspections (616-530-7226) and to pass a rental inspection. You must also verify that transient rental is a permitted or special-land-use under your zoning district in the Wyoming Zoning Ordinance, and collect the Michigan 6% Use Tax (MCL 205.93a) plus the Kent County 8% accommodations tax (MCL 141.861 et seq.).

Did Michigan pass a statewide STR preemption law?

Not yet. HB 4722 was introduced in 2024 to classify short-term rentals as a residential use by right statewide, which would have constrained Wyoming's rental registration and zoning controls, but the bill did not become law before session adjournment. Confirm current legislative status through the Michigan Legislature website before relying on any preemption claim.