Thinking about renting your Long Lake place for weekends or summer stays? Before you hand over the keys, you need a Short-Term Rental certificate from Long Lake Township. The process is straightforward when you know what to prepare, especially around septic documentation and guest limits. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, step-by-step path, timelines, costs, capacity rules, and tips to stay compliant and protect your investment. Let’s dive in.
What the certificate covers
A Short-Term Rental certificate is required for any rental under 30 nights in Long Lake Township. Certificates are annual, valid for one year, and expire on December 31; you can apply starting October 1 for the upcoming year. The certificate sets your maximum overnight and daytime guest counts, lists a 24/7 contact, and must be included in your rental ads. For the full program overview and application access, start with the Township’s Short-Term Rentals page (Long Lake Township STR page).
For legal specifics, including timing and eligibility, see the Township’s ordinance (Ordinance No. 178).
Step-by-step: How to apply
1) Start your application
Go to the Township STR page and follow the instructions to apply online and pay fees. You’ll complete the Township’s application form and upload required documents. The Township will issue a certificate within 30 days of a complete application per the ordinance.
2) Gather required documents
- Floor plan. Show bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens or wet bars, escape windows or doors, and locations of smoke/CO detectors and fire extinguishers.
- Plot or site plan. Show building locations and off-street parking that fits on your lot. The Township provides a Plot Plan Checklist.
- Well & Septic Status documentation. Provide a Grand Traverse County Health Department Status Report, or if County records are missing, a third-party septic inspection by a Township-approved inspector using Township forms.
- Current septic inspection. The septic inspection must be completed within the last 36 months, on Township Time-of-Transfer forms, and conclude 1, 1P, 2, or 2P, or show a new permitted system within 36 months.
- 24/7 caretaker contact. List an owner, manager, or caretaker with a reachable phone number who can respond within 30 minutes.
- Payment. The Township application fee is $600. You submit and pay through the online system.
For document templates and links, use the Township resource hub (Long Lake Township STR page).
3) Plan for County timing
If you need a County Status Report or septic review, factor in County processing. The Health Department notes some items can take up to 30 days, and certain forms up to ten business days. See County guidance and contacts on the On-Site Septic Systems page (Grand Traverse County Environmental Health).
4) Watch your timeline
The Township issues within 30 days of a complete application. You can apply anytime for the same calendar year, or as early as October 1 for next year. Details appear in the ordinance (Ordinance No. 178).
How guest capacity is set
The formula you must follow
Long Lake ties guest limits to your septic system’s designed bedroom capacity. Maximum overnight guests equal bedrooms supported by the septic system times 2. Daytime capacity equals overnight capacity times 1.5. These numbers appear on your certificate and must match your advertisements and house rules. See the ordinance for the exact standard (Ordinance No. 178).
Proving bedroom count
If County records exist, provide the County Well & Septic Status Report. If records are missing, submit a third-party septic inspection from a Township-approved inspector on Township Time-of-Transfer forms. The inspection must be current, within 36 months, and show the system is not failing. Resources and forms are linked on the Township’s STR page (Township STR resources).
Costs to expect
- Township application: $600.
- County Status Form: $25 per the County fee schedule.
- Septic inspection: fees vary by inspector.
- If you need septic work or a replacement, County permit fees apply. See the Environmental Health fee schedule for current amounts (County fee schedule).
Operating rules you must follow
Long Lake sets clear standards for STR operations. Quiet hours run 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Guests cannot park vehicles or trailers on the street, including boats; use only on-site parking shown on your plot plan. Store trash in containers with tight lids and use a licensed hauler. If boats will be used, provide Michigan boating law guidance to guests. You must include your certificate number in all ads and provide Good Neighbor Guidelines to renters. See the Township program summary for details (Long Lake Township STR page).
Enforcement and penalties
Complaints can be filed at the Township office or via the 24/7 hotline at (231) 835-6672. Violations are civil infractions with $500 fines per violation per day. Repeated violations can lead to suspension and revocation: first suspension is 6 months, second is 9 months, and three or more violations within five years can result in permanent revocation. Suspensions that occur outside the May to September season can carry over to the next season. Full enforcement details are in the ordinance (Ordinance No. 178).
Timeline and renewal
Certificates expire on December 31 each year. You can apply starting October 1 for the coming year, and the Township will issue within 30 days of a complete application. If you sell the property, the certificate does not transfer and ends at the sale. See the ordinance for renewal and issuance timing (Ordinance No. 178).
What’s changing in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Grand Traverse County’s Time-of-Transfer regulation requires evaluation of onsite water and sewage systems for properties within 300 feet of surface water at the time of sale or transfer, unless exempt. The rule standardizes evaluator qualifications and report content. While separate from the Township STR process, it may affect inspection availability and documentation many STR owners use. Review the regulation for context (County Time-of-Transfer regulation).
Quick prep checklist
- Confirm your septic documentation is current within 36 months and shows system capacity.
- Draft a floor plan with safety equipment marked and a plot plan with off-street parking.
- Identify a 24/7 local contact who can respond within 30 minutes.
- Prepare listing language with your certificate number and capacity limits.
- Budget for the $600 Township fee, $25 County Status Form, and inspector fees.
- Download and share Good Neighbor and boating guidelines with guests.
Ready to talk strategy?
If you are weighing STR potential as part of your buy, sell, or hold strategy in Grand Traverse County, let’s talk. We know the local rules, septic documentation nuances, and marketing that drives bookings while keeping you compliant. Reach out to Traverse City Real Estate to map your next step with confidence.
FAQs
Do I need a certificate to rent part of my house in Long Lake?
- Yes. Renting any dwelling or a portion of it for fewer than 30 nights requires a Township certificate, with additional limits for portions and accessory spaces outlined in the ordinance.
How are guest limits set for a Long Lake STR?
- Overnight capacity equals septic-supported bedrooms times 2, and daytime capacity equals overnight capacity times 1.5; these numbers appear on your certificate and must match your ads.
How long does it take to get the certificate in Long Lake Township?
- The Township issues within 30 days of a complete application; allow extra time if the County needs to produce a Status Report or evaluate septic documentation.
What does it cost to apply for a Long Lake STR certificate?
- The Township application fee is $600; the County Status Form is $25, and septic inspection fees vary by inspector, with permit fees if repairs or replacements are needed.
What happens if my guests break the rules at my Long Lake rental?
- Violations can trigger tickets and $500 fines per violation per day, plus possible suspension or revocation for repeated issues; keep a 24/7 contact and clear house rules to stay compliant.
Do I need a local contact for my Long Lake STR?
- Yes. The owner, manager, or caretaker must be reachable 24/7 and able to respond within a 30-minute travel time.
Can guests park boats or trailers on the street in Long Lake?
- No. On-street parking for vehicles or trailers associated with STRs is not allowed; all guest parking must be on-site per your plot plan.
