There is no countywide host-presence rule. Ann Arbor distinguishes a Homestay STR — where the permanent-resident owner lives onsite throughout the guest's stay — from a Whole House STR, where the resident owner leaves while renting. Both require the owner be a permanent resident.
Ann Arbor's Chapter 97 recognizes host presence through its STR types. In a Principal Residence Homestay STR, the owner (or a 30-plus-day tenant), who must be a permanent resident, also lives onsite throughout the visitors' stay — a bed-and-breakfast or single-room rental is the classic example. In a Principal Residence Whole House STR, the resident owner does not occupy the dwelling while it is rented. A Non-Principal-Residence commercial STR requires no host at all but is generally barred from residential districts. So Ann Arbor does not mandate onsite presence for every STR, but ties whole-home rentals to a permanent-resident owner. Other Washtenaw jurisdictions vary.
Misrepresenting host residency or principal-residence status on an STR application is grounds for denial or revocation and a zoning enforcement action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towe...
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new co...
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisa...
See how Ann Arbor's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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