SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 29, 2024) – The issue of addressing short term rentals in Saugatuck could come to a head on Thursday evening.
During it’s biweekly business meeting, the Saugatuck City Council will consider on first reading four ordinance amendments involving those residential units that owners want to rent out on a daily or weekly basis. Among the changes that a special task force came up with during several months of discussion last year involved annual licensing, clearer rules, occupancy and visitor limits, noise and trash regulation, and police power on enforcement. The city’s planning commission has already unanimously approved these amendments, and council members reviewed these proposals during a study session last week.
From the Saugatuck City offices comes the following summary:
The following explains some of the key points to know.
What’s potentially changing?
- Annual licenses: Instead of 3-year certificates, STRs will need an annual license with inspections.
- Clearer rules: Regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are being updated for clearer understanding.
- Occupancy limits: Each bedroom can have 2 occupants, with the potential for an additional 2 per floor (max 12).
- Visitor limits: Up to 1.5 times the maximum occupancy, allowed between 7am and 11pm.
- Advertising: All ads must include the license number.
- Noise ordinance: Updated to provide clarity for the general public.
- Good Neighbor Guide: Coming soon, outlining expectations for noise, trash, parking, etc.
- Trash disposal: Specific requirements for garbage cans and recycling bins.
- Fireworks: STR owners must prohibit use by occupants and visitors.
- Rental insurance: Required for all STRs.
- Public registry: Includes owner info, contact details, address, and occupancy limits.
- Existing certificates: Valid until the expiration date, and subject to renewal under the new license requirements.
- Faster response: License holder/agent must address violations within 2 hours.
- False reporting: False reports about STRs will be a violation.
- Enforcement: More tools to identify violations and handle after-hour complaints.
- No city-wide or commercial district caps are being proposed.
- Studying caps in specific neighborhoods: More analysis needed before decisions.
Two six-month moratorium options have been presented to the City Council, focusing on limiting new STRs in R-1 residential zoning districts.
- Option 1: Temporarily prohibits new STRs in R-1 districts, with exceptions for existing applications filed by a specified date.
- Option 2: Similar to Option 1, with additional provisions for properties actively listed for sale before a specified date.
An online link to the agenda and supporting documents for the Saugatuck City Council’s 7 PM meeting in the second floor meeting room of Saugatuck City Hall (102 Butler St.), is here.
Comments