🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Birmingham, MI

Birmingham Pauses New Short‑Term Rentals After Airbnb Shooting

Photo by hugcenter.com

City leaders have imposed a six‑month moratorium on new short‑term rental licenses after a violent shootout at an Airbnb left homes and vehicles riddled with bullets earlier this month.

The Birmingham City Commission voted for the temporary pause rather than an outright ban, citing potential legal risks. The moratorium does not affect existing short‑term rentals.

“You are jeopardizing children’s safety by not further expanding your moratorium,” resident Eve Pickman told commissioners.

🚓 April 11 Shooting Sparks Action

The debate stems from an early morning shooting on April 11 at a rental property on East Lincoln Street. Police said three 18‑year‑olds drove to the home after a party and fired dozens of rounds into the property.

Neighbor David Winn described the chaos. “It was 6:15 in the morning, and I heard the automatic gunfire. I looked out the window, and they were shooting at each other. It lasted probably less than a minute, and they fired at least 35 rounds. Eight rounds went into my car,” Winn said.

Despite extensive damage to nearby homes and vehicles, no one was injured. Bullet holes and evidence markers remain visible at the property.

“We are lucky nobody got killed, lucky. But you’re stretching your luck if something doesn’t get done quickly here,” Winn told commissioners.

👪 Residents Demand Ban

Other neighbors echoed calls for a full ban, citing ongoing disturbances at rentals used as party houses.

“We have had nudity, we have had lewd behavior, we have had people peeing on our fence, peeing on our flowers in our garden after they get drunk,” said resident Donna Voorhees.

Commissioner Bill Kolb urged a ban and said he would welcome any lawsuit that might result. “I don’t care if we get sued. Get sued. If someone doesn’t die, it’s worth it,” Winn added.

🏠 Owners Defend Rentals

Short‑term rental owners attended the meeting to defend their properties and argue for a more strategic approach.

“I’m here to offer a different perspective, and the fact that we’re not all bad actors,” said one Airbnb host, explaining she rents her personal home a few times a year during major events. “This is a really big deal for someone who can make $25,000 to $30,000 off their home, because there’s some tournaments locally.”

Another owner said she wanted the city to avoid heavy‑handed restrictions. “I understand everyone’s need and want to have this happen quickly, but I also am really voicing the desire to look at this more strategically for those of us doing the right thing,” she said.

📎 Enforcement and Next Steps

The moratorium suspends new licenses for 180 days while the Planning Commission develops recommendations for managing short‑term rentals. Police pledged to increase patrols near rental properties and track noise complaints. Code enforcement officers also vowed closer monitoring of existing rentals.

Commissioner Brad Host was the lone vote against the moratorium.

City officials said they avoided an immediate ban because neighboring communities that enacted bans are now facing lawsuits. The city manager advised caution, noting Birmingham could face similar legal challenges.

📍Airbnb Responds

Airbnb removed the host and listing involved in the April 11 shooting, as well as the booking guest, citing violations of company policy.

“There is no place for gun violence on Airbnb, and we’ve removed the booking guest, as well as the host and listing, from our platform,” the company said in a statement. “The safety of our community and local neighborhoods is a priority and we invest extensively in these efforts, from banning disruptive parties to running criminal backgrounds on hosts and guests booking in Michigan.”

Airbnb added that it provides 24/7 channels for neighbors and law enforcement to report issues and offers tools like its city portal for local officials.

🎤 Community Divided

The moratorium highlights a growing divide in Birmingham over short‑term rentals. Residents near problem properties say they have endured months of disturbances, while owners argue rentals provide valuable income and support local events.

For now, the city has opted for a temporary pause while exploring long‑term solutions. The Planning Commission is expected to review zoning and regulatory options in the coming months.

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