Lansing does not codify a numeric per-bedroom occupancy formula specifically for short-term rentals. Maximum guest occupancy is declared on the rental registration application filed with the Code Enforcement Division and is constrained by the underlying zoning district's family/unrelated-persons definition under Title 6 Zoning and the housing code's minimum sleeping-room standards in Chapter 1460 of the Codified Ordinances.
The City of Lansing regulates short-term rentals primarily through its general rental registration system rather than a stand-alone STR occupancy ordinance. Non-owner-occupied dwellings used as STRs must register with the Office of Code Compliance under Part 14 Title 6 Chapter 1460 (Premises Maintenance Code) of the Codified Ordinances. The registration application requires the operator to declare the number of bedrooms and the maximum guest occupancy and to certify that life-safety requirements are met. Lansing's Zoning Administrator (Department of Economic Development and Planning, 517-483-4085) confirms that the occupancy ceiling for any individual property is governed by the zoning district where the unit sits and by the Codified Ordinances' definition of family and household. Owner-occupied single-family homes are not required to register as rentals. Beyond the local declared maximum, hosts must also satisfy Michigan Building Code Chapter 12 minimum room dimensions and the International Property Maintenance Code sleeping-room area thresholds adopted into Chapter 1460. Listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, or similar platforms remain subject to the 6 percent Michigan Use Tax on stays under 30 days regardless of the local cap.
Exceeding the maximum occupancy declared on the rental registration application, or operating a non-owner-occupied STR without registration under Chapter 1460, is enforceable by the Office of Code Compliance. The department can issue civil infraction citations, withhold or revoke the certificate of compliance required for the unit to be lawfully occupied, and refer repeat violations to the Lansing 54-A District Court.
Lansing, MI
Lansing permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday construction ...
Lansing, MI
Lansing addresses barking dogs under Chapter 654 (Noise) and Chapter 610 (Animals). Owning or harboring any animal that frequently makes sounds creating a no...
Lansing, MI
Lansing prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing noise under Chapter 662 of the Code of Ordinances. Quiet hours run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM in residential ...
Lansing, MI
Lansing restricts the storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential areas. Street parking of these vehicles is limited and storage mus...
Lansing, MI
Lansing restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas. Heavy trucks and semi-trailers may not be stored in residential zones.
Lansing, MI
Lansing regulates on-street parking through Chapter 1042 and the Parking Services Division. No vehicle may park in one location on a public street for more t...
See how Lansing's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.