City officials in South Haven have a new plan for implementing new short-term rentals (STRs) regulations.
At Monday’s city council meeting, a draft ordinance, from the four-week working group, was presented that outlines a revised framework for how STRs will operate within the city.
Among the changes, are a new licensing ordinance, occupancy and parking requirements, a penalty schedule for violations up to $1,000, and a formal system for complaints. One of the key changes includes a new licensing requirement that all existing short-term rentals transition to this updated licensing system. Additionally, the ordinance introduces two distinct classes of STRs.
City Attorney Dave Eberle provided insights on how the new licensing agreement will be enforced.
“Anybody who has not been currently registered under the old framework would not be permitted to register under the old framework,” Eberle said. “And anybody who has their current registration would be able to renew their registration to give themselves another year, but they could only do that if current registration expired within 180 days of the ordinance going into effect.”
Along with the licensing updates, a new zoning ordinance was proposed, which defines a short-term rental as any property rented for commercial purposes for 28 days or less, establishes a designated STR overlay district for all future rentals, and specifies that all STRs must obtain special land use approval.
This proposal will need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission, and it is prioritized for expedited consideration.
The city council has set a public hearing scheduled for the next regular council meeting on March 3, 2025, to review the ordinance changes.
