License Type
On March 22, 2021, Ferndale City Council adopted an ordinance regulating Short Term Rentals (STRs) operating with City limits. The ordinance seeks to regulate Short Term Rentals by requiring annual registration and inspections. The STR Ordinance goes into effect on July 22, 2021, and will require all STR’s to register with the City. Registration and inspection services will be completed by the Ferndale Building Department.
This application is for businesses interested in outdoor seating and sales areas on public (parking spaces, sidewalks, alleys, etc.) and private property. This application replaces the former Sidewalk Café Application and Mobile Vending Application, and includes parking space leases and temporary structures such as tents, igloos, and greenhouses.
Please note that several license timelines were altered by City Council Resolution on 11.8.21 as a continued business support mechanism related to the pandemic. These actions can be reviewed HERE, and if you have any questions about applicability to your business or permit, please contact ced@ferndalemi.gov.
Permanent ordinance recommendations are under consideration for the future. If you would like to submit thoughts or opinions on this matter, please email the Ferndale DDA at info@downtownferndale.com or call 248-546-1632.
Outdoor Sidewalk Cafes
Permit Expires March 1, 2022
As per City Council Resolution, Sidewalk Cafes may remain in place through the winter if they mean certain criteria. If you are located within the Central Business District, you may leave your patio in place until March 1, 2022 without obtaining a new permit IF there is a minimum of 5 feet of unobstructed right of way. In all other zoning districts, a minimum right of way of 4 feet must be available for pedestrians. Failure to properly remove snow and ice may result in a requirement for your patio to be removed.
Temporary Structures (tents, igloos, greenhouses, etc.)
Available Through November 30, 2022 *maximum of 180 total days on any property
As per City Council Resolution, temporary accessory buildings within any commercially zoned districts to be utilized in an accessory manner to a principal building in the rear or side yard of private property or any area of public property licensed and approved by the City for a maximum of 180 days between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022. Any such temporary accessory buildings shall require an application be submitted to the City of Ferndale building department and that any such proposed accessory buildings shall comply with all fire code requirements as determined by the City’s fire marshal and all building code requirements, including but not limited, to electrical and ingress and egress requirements as determined by the City’s building department. Any temporary accessory building or structure may be erected for a period of time less than one hundred-eighty (180) days.
- Please review the Fire Department Safety Checklist prior to submitting an application
- Please also review the Temporary Structure Guidelines
- If your tent was in place prior to December 1, 2021, you will need to submit a letter from a certified engineer attesting to the structural integrity of the structure.
Temporary Use of Parking Spaces
Available Through March 31, 2022
As per City Council Resolution Lease of parking spaces on city streets and parking lots through March 31, 2022 while a permanent annual process is developed.
Sales & Mobile Vending
Permit Expires March 31, 2022
o Please review the Fire Department Safety Checklist prior to submitting an application
o If your tent was in place prior to December 1, 2021, you will need to submit a letter from a certified engineer attesting to the structural integrity of the structure.
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