Short-term rentals (STRs) have not been an allowable use in the Township with enforcement being complaint based. However, in late 2019 and early 2020, the Township had discussions and work sessions to adopt STR regulations and had prepared ordinances for possible adoption after the public hearing process.
Unfortunately, these proposed STR regulations were postponed in March of 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in shutdowns and social distance requirements that made it difficult to hold large, indoor meetings with public participation.
Last June, the Township Board determined that it would hold hearings on the STR regulations starting in November, since it was, again, possible to hold public hearings. However, the State of Michigan House adopted House Bill 4722 that effectively preempted local control of STRs (except for the STR Overlay Zone approved by East Lansing).
Although it is unclear whether the Michigan Senate will support the House Bill or whether the Governor will support preempting local zoning controls, the Township Board unanimously determined that it would continue to move forward with the proposed STR regulations and approved Short-Term Rental regulations for the Township.
In brief, the Township Board adopted a three-prong approach to STRs. The first-prong is adoption of a STR Zoning Overlay Ordinance and corresponding map that defines a limited area wherein STR units can be located. The goal is to not allow STRs in traditional subdivisions or neighborhoods because of the disruption that STRs often cause. The accompanying Overlay Zone STR map is restrictive; but because the map is not defined by zoning text amendments – the Overlay Zone approach provides the Township Board with the most flexibility in defining where STRs will be allowed. (Some STRs that existed for a long period and did not have any history of complaints were included within the STR Overlay Zone).
The second-prong is a STR Regulator Ordinance – that contains all the requirements for any STR in the Township (e.g., licensure, maximum occupancy, parking, contact information, lock boxes, revocation of license, etc.).
The third-prong is a Rental Inspection Ordinance – that will be applied to all rental units within the Township – including STRs – to ensure compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code.
Properties that are included within the Overlay Zone map will be contacted by the Township with information on how to apply for a Special Land Use that must be acquired. Letters are expected to be sent during the first quarter of 2022.
For additional information on the Township’s STR regulations, please contact Manager Bill Cargo at
bcargo@ght.org.
