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Grand Rapids, MI Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Host presence
owner-operator must reside on premises
Applies to
one-room rentals and bed & breakfasts
License required
Class B or C Home Occupation License
Governing section
Chapter 61 §5.9.08.A

Summary

Grand Rapids requires the owner-operator of a licensed bed and breakfast or one-room rental to live on site and be present on the premises for the entire time paying guests are staying.

A. Principal Residence of Owner. The dwelling unit in which the bed and breakfast operates shall be the principal residence of the owner-operator who shall reside on the premises at all periods when the use is in operation.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 70).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 61's Bed and Breakfast standard requires that the dwelling be the owner-operator's principal residence and that the owner-operator 'reside on the premises at all periods when the use is in operation' (§5.9.08.A). The One Room Rental use carries the identical host-presence rule under the Lodging, Short Term definition (§5.16.02). Both use types require a City Clerk-issued Home Occupation License, Class B for a one-room rental, Class C for a bed and breakfast, under Chapter 116 and Chapter 61 §5.9.14; an absentee-owner short-term rental does not qualify for either license category.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a resident host violates the license conditions of Chapter 116 §7.648 and Chapter 61 §5.14.05; the City may deny, suspend or revoke the Home Occupation License and cite a municipal civil infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Grand Rapids short-term rental host be absent during a guest's stay?
No. The Bed and Breakfast standard requires the owner-operator 'reside on the premises at all periods when the use is in operation,' and the One Room Rental definition imposes the same rule.
What license do I need to host overnight guests in my home?
A Home Occupation License from the City Clerk, Class B for a one-room rental, Class C for a bed and breakfast, under Chapter 116 and Chapter 61 §5.9.14.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grand Rapids

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental PermitsSome RestrictionsShort-Term Rental Parking RulesSome RestrictionsExtended Home ShareSome RestrictionsPrimary-Residence-Only RuleSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Grand Rapids rules

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