Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in South Haven Charter Township?

What cities are located in South Haven Charter Township? 

South Haven Charter Township has two cities that are very close by, which are South Haven and Bangor.

South Haven is not in South Haven Charter Township and has different restrictions around short-term rentals. Scroll down for the City of South Haven’s short-term rental restrictions.

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Does South Haven Charter Township Allow Short Term Rentals?

When we contacted South Haven Charter Township on 7/29, Brenta B. said:

At this time South Haven Township does not have any short term rental restrictions. There is a noise ordinance and we follow the State of Michigan building codes. I mention that as it may effect any plans you have. Thanks for checking.

A map of South Haven Charter Township. There is a red line outlining the territory with the surrounding area.

South Haven

Are Short Term Rentals Allowed in South Haven?

When we contacted the city of South Haven on July 28th of 2021, Carrol M. replied with the following:

These are the two Designations to choose from:
Personal STRs
1. Can be rented up to 6 terms per year for a total of up to 28 days.
2. Must pass inspection every 2 years.
3. Must pay a biannual fee of $100, every 2 years to cover the cost of inspection
4. A property owner may only register one personal STR in the City. Any other dwelling units in the City may only be registered as business STRs.
5. The maximum occupancy of a personal STR is calculated based on the formula in the City Code, but cannot exceed 12 persons. 

Business STRs
1. Can be rented an unlimited number of times per year.
2. Must pass inspection every year.
3. Must pay an annual fee of $500 designed to offset the cost of the City’s regulation of STR program. 
4. The maximum occupancy of a business STR is calculated based on the formula in the City Code, but cannot exceed 12 persons.

For more information visit South Haven’s short term rental resource page

You can also contact the city at:

City of South Haven // Office (269) 637-0790  8:00-4:00pm
539 Phoenix St.  South Haven, MI.  49090
[email protected].


What is the population of South Haven?

South Haven has a population of 4,354 people as of 2019. 

Population growth of south haven?

The population has shrunk by 0.037% from 2010 to 2019.

How many tourists visit South Haven every year?

Around 1.6 million people visit the city every year, with a portion of the visitors coming for the National Blueberry Festival.

Is there Starbucks in South Haven?

Yes, there is a Starbucks kiosk located inside of a Family Fare Supermarket.

What Grocery Stores are in South Haven?

There is a Meijer, Aldi, and Walmart as well as a few local grocery stores like the Olive Cart.

What Are the Top 3 attractions in South Haven?

The top three must-see places are:

  1. the South Haven Lighthouses
  2. The Michigan Maritime Museum
  3. North Beach

Top 3 Restaurants in South haven?

The top three restaurant picks are:

  1. Clementines
  2. Captain Lou’s
  3. Taste

What are The top three calendar events in South Haven?

Three major events that take place in the city are:

  1. The National Blueberry Festival
  2. MerFest International
  3. February’s Ice Breaker party

Bangor


What is the population of Bangor?

Bangor has a population of about 1,833 people.

Population growth of Bangor?

The population has shrunk by 2.8% from 2010 to 2019.

How many tourists visit South Haven every year?

Around 200,000 people visit annually for the Apple Festival

Is there Starbucks in bangor?

There are no Starbucks located in Bangor.

What Grocery Stores are in Bangor?

There are no Walmart’s or Meijer’s here, Bangor has only local grocery stores such as Lupita’s Market and Villalobos Market.

What Are the Top 3 attractions in the South Haven?

Three must go to places are:

  1. The Katydid’s
  2. Joes Blues Blueberries
  3. M43 Mercantile.

Top 3 Restaurants in the South haven?

The three dining establishments to visit are:

  1. Roma Pizza
  2. Bangor Tavern Bar & Grill
  3. Blinker’s Diner

What are he top three calendar events in Bangor?

Three must attend events in Bangor are:

  1. Michigan’s Apple Festival
  2. Mohawk Track Experience
  3. The Grind Sk8 Conference

What Lakes or Rivers Are Located in South Haven Charter Township?

Lake Michigan

How big is the lake?

Lake Michigan is quite large with 14,339,503 acres in total. 

Is it an all sports lake?

Yes, it is an all sports lake.

What types of Fish?

Popular species found here include Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Smelt, different Steelheads, and more.

Is it public or private?

It is a public lake.

Does South Haven Township have a boat launch?

There is at least one boat launch in the City of South Haven on the Black River. After launching in this river, it is a quick ride to Lake Michigan.

Black River

A map image of Black River running through South Haven Charter Township.

How big is Black River?

Black River is 4.2 miles long and empties into Lake Michigan. The average water depth here ranges from one to six feet.  

What sports take place on Black River?

Sports such as rafting and kayaking take place on this river. Motorized boats and jet skis can have a difficult time on the river due to the shallow depth of it in certain areas.

What types of Fish can be caught in Black River?

Popular species found here are Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Panfish, and more. Due to the rivers reach there are a variety of different fish found here.

Is Black River public or private?

It is a public lake with multiple points of entry available. A majority of the area is surrounded by State and County Forests.

Does Black River have a boat launch?

Yes, there is at least one boat launch in the City of South Haven on the Black River.

What are the Top Outdoor Activities in South Haven Charter Township?

South Haven Charter Township features a number of walking, hiking, and biking trails. There is the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail, the Harbor Walk, Dyckman Park, Hartman Park, and more.

If you are interested in disc golf, there is The Pit which features local tournaments, leagues, and more. Jensen Charters Boat Tours, visiting the South Haven lighthouses, Roots Yoga, KJC ATV Rentals and more are popular summertime activities.

In the wintertime you can visit Bitter-Sweet Acres for horse drawn wagon, trolley, or sleigh rides. Bittersweet Ski Area is also perfect for anyone who enjoys skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. People can also go snowmobiling on the Kal-Haven Trail.

Related: Short Term Rental Regulations in New Buffalo Township

Related: Vacation Rental Regulations in Lincoln Charter Township