HOLLAND — Legislation introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives would strip local governments' ability to regulate short-term rentals in their communities.
House Bill 4722, introduced by Rep. Sarah Lightner, R-Springport, would amend the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act to allow short-term rentals, units where guests reside for not more than 30 days, to be zoned as residential-use without needing any special-use permits from the local planning commission.
Local units would still have authority to regulate short-term rentals in some scenarios, including if local noise and traffic ordinances are violated and if the number of occupants in a unit is more than permitted.
Short-term rentals have risen in prominence in recent years, as visitors and tourists can choose rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for weekend- or weeklong stays when visiting cities.