🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Buchanan, MI
STR Debate Heats Up, But Buchanan Hits Pause to Prioritize Process - Revised Ordinance Procedures Slightly Delay Adoption Process
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STR Debate Heats Up, But Buchanan Hits Pause to Prioritize Process
The City of Buchanan is on the verge of adopting its first major short-term rental (STR) ordinance—but before anything’s finalized, city officials are pumping the brakes to make sure the process is as solid as the policy.
At Monday’s City Commission meeting, a new set of rules for adopting ordinances took center stage. City Clerk Kalla Langston-Weiss laid it out: from now on, proposed ordinances—like the one targeting STRs—must go through an introduction, followed by a public hearing held no sooner than 14 days after public notice. And if there are any revisions along the way? A second hearing will be required.
These new procedures, approved unanimously by commissioners, replace the city’s old “first and second reading” model that didn’t always include a public hearing. “We want to make sure the public has the opportunity to give feedback,” said Langston-Weiss. Mayor Mark Weedon backed it up, saying clearer policies help avoid misrepresentation and confusion.
Because of these updates, the original STR ordinance hearing—set for this week—has been rescheduled to August 25. That gives the city more time to meet the new transparency standards—and gives residents more time to weigh in.
Even with the delay, the commission dove into the STR proposal itself. City Manager Tony McGhee explained the goals: STRs will be concentrated in the downtown corridor, not allowed in single-family residential areas, and limited to preserve the local housing stock. The city currently has 15 STRs, which will be grandfathered in. Another 15 will be allowed, but only in areas zoned appropriately.
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Planning Commission approval came earlier this summer, and Commissioner Dan Vigansky—who initially opposed regulating private property—said he now supports the ordinance.
“Short-term rentals are a commercial enterprise, not just a room rental,” he said. “They can hurt our school district and housing if we don’t manage them.”
Mayor Weedon added that Buchanan wants to avoid the fate of other towns flooded with STRs. “This is about protecting families, housing, and the heart of the community,” he said.
With the public hearing now officially scheduled for August 25, Buchanan residents have time to get familiar with the proposal and prepare their thoughts. One thing’s for sure: the city is moving carefully—but confidently—toward a future where STRs are welcome, but well-regulated.
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