Port Sheldon Township Proposes Ordinance to Regulate Short-Term Rentals

As neighboring lakeshore communities enact policies to regulate short-term rentals, Port Sheldon Township is following suit with a draft ordinance of its own. According to officials, the proposed rules come after nearly 100 Airbnbs, VRBOs, and other short-term rentals (STRs) have operated in the township with few issues. However, with STRs on the rise, the township wants to get ahead of any potential problems.

The draft ordinance would require all STR owners to register annually and comply with regulations aimed at preserving neighborhood character and responding quickly to problems. Short-term rentals would be restricted to single-family homes in residential, agricultural, and lakeshore districts - ruling out STRs in land zoned for commercial use.

In addition, owners must designate a "Responsible Local Agent" living within 20 miles of the property to field calls from renters and neighbors. In an emergency, the agent would need to be physically present at the rental within 30 minutes of being contacted by officials. Occupancy of a short-term rental would be capped at 12 guests, with at least two off-street parking spaces required, plus one for every three extra occupants above six.

The draft rules also mandate owners keep up the property's residential aesthetic and comply with noise ordinances. The township would rely on a two-strike system to enforce the regulations, with two violations in a calendar year leading to revoked registration.

Township Supervisor Mike Sabatino said the proposed ordinance reflects over two years of public feedback to find a "balanced" policy. On one hand, the township wants to uphold the rights of property owners to rent out their homes short-term. But officials also aim to address health and safety concerns that may arise with transient guests unfamiliar with the community.

With neighboring municipalities enacting their own short-term rental rules, the draft ordinance provides Port Sheldon with a regulatory framework to preserve the residential character of its neighborhoods. At the same time, the policy allows responsible owners to continue offering short-term accommodations that boost tourism and provide rental income.

As the planning commission and township board continue refining the ordinance, they hope to land on regulations that work for all stakeholders. Sabatino says residents should feel welcome to share feedback before any final vote. "People speak, and we listen," he noted. "That's the great thing about this level of government."