Code Enforcement & Rentals

Code enforcement concerns can be sent by email to the Code Enforcement Officer. You may also view the Codified Ordinances of the City of Ionia for reference to all City codes.

Rental Registration & Residential Rental Unit Inspections

If you own residential rental property in the City, it must be registered with the City. The purpose of the rental inspection program is to ensure the safety of the tenants and maintain the quality of our neighborhoods.

City Code requires that all residential rental units in the City (regardless of single-family or multiple-family) be registered with the City and periodically inspected to ensure compliance with minimum maintenance standards. If you own a rental unit that has not been registered with the City or inspected, contact the City's Rental Inspector, Daniel Davis, at 616-523-0158 or email Daniel Davis to register your units and schedule an inspection.

If you have scheduled a rental inspection, you can pay rental inspection invoices online at your own convenience. Otherwise, contact City Hall with the address and invoice number.

Short-Term Rentals

The City of Ionia has adopted new regulations that allow short-term rentals in designated zoning districts. These updates clearly define what qualifies as a short-term rental, establish where they are permitted, and outline operating requirements to ensure they fit well within residential neighborhoods. 

Short-term rentals are now allowed in most residential zones and select commercial districts, with certain restrictions—such as prohibiting the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as short-term rentals. 

For full ordinance details about operating a short-term rental, review Chapter 858 "Renting of Residential Property."

Rental Registration Fees

Registration/Renewal Fees for Rental Dwellings & Short-Term Rental (STR) Dwellings

Single Dwelling Unit

$50.00

Duplex (Two-Dwelling Units)

$100.00

Additional Dwelling Units (3+)

+$25.00/additional dwelling unit

Reinspection Fees (The initial inspection is included in the fees listed above. If a reinspection is required, see the additional fees below.)

First Reinspection

$50.00

Second Reinspection

$100.00

Third Reinspection

$150.00

Enhanced Fees (Dwelling units found to have been operating as an unregistered rental dwelling or STR dwelling unit.)

Dwelling Unit Operating Unregistered

+$50.00/dwelling unit added to registration fee

Download a Rental Inspection Checklist and complete a Rental Registration Application online or PDF form:

Garage Sale Signs

As you plan your garage or yard sale this summer, remember that City Code regulates signage. The following standards apply to the signs that are placed to advertise the sale. Signs placed that do not comply with the following standards may be removed by City staff without notice.

On-Premise

The following standards apply to the signs placed at the location where the sale is being held:

  • One sign per premise is permitted, located on the premises on which the sale is being conducted.
  • The sign shall not exceed 6 square feet in area and 3 feet in height.
  • The sign shall not be erected more than 3 days prior to the day(s) of the sale and shall be removed within 1 day after the completion of the sale.

Off-Premise

In addition to the on-premise sign permitted above, off-premise signs are permitted subject to the following restrictions:

  • No more than two off-premise signs are allowed for each such sale.
  • Each sign shall be no larger than 4 square feet and 3 feet in height.
  • Each sign shall only be placed in the street right-of-way and shall not block the vision of or create a hazard for drivers or those individuals on foot or bicycle.
  • Each off-premise sign shall contain the date and address of the sale.
  • Each sign may be placed no sooner than 2 hours prior to the opening of the first day of the sale and must be removed within 2 hours after the close of the last day of the sale.
  • Signs shall not be attached to light poles, utility poles, trees, or other similar structures located in the street right-of-way.