SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Oct. 20, 2026) — Short-term rental property owners in Saugatuck will now have more time to renew their licenses, but missing the original deadline could come with a hefty price tag.
The Saugatuck City Council voted 4-2 on Tuesday, October 13th, to extend the grace period for short-term rental (STR) license renewals from five days to 60 days, following concerns raised by a resident.
Under the revised ordinance, property owners are still required to submit renewal applications 30 days before their licenses expire. However, the extended grace period will now allow applications to be submitted up to 30 days after expiration.
That additional flexibility comes with a financial penalty. Property owners who miss the original renewal deadline will face a late fee of $100 per calendar day.
The changes follow previous amendments to Saugatuck’s short-term rental ordinance aimed at addressing missed renewal deadlines and providing exceptions under certain extraordinary circumstances.
Not everyone on the council supported the latest revisions. Mayor Holly Anderson and Councilmember Joe Clark opposed the changes, while City Manager Ryan Cummins expressed concerns about repeatedly modifying the city’s licensing requirements.
Councilmembers Gregory Muncey, Russ Gardner, Lauren Stanton, and Chris Peterson voted in favor of the amendment. Councilmember Scott Dean was absent.
The decision represents another adjustment to the city’s efforts to regulate short-term rental properties, which play a significant role in Saugatuck’s tourism industry.
Property owners are encouraged to stay informed about their renewal deadlines to avoid additional fees or potential licensing complications.
More information about short-term rental licensing requirements is available through the City of Saugatuck’s website at saugatuckcity.com.
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