🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Lake Township, MI
Lake Township Adds 19 Months to Short-Term Rental Freeze as Review Continues
Laketown Hits the Pause Button: STR Moratorium Extended to 2026
Lake Township has officially decided to pump the brakes on the growth of short-term rentals, voting Wednesday night to extend its moratorium on new STR licenses all the way to June 30, 2026. If you’ve been following the conversation around STRs in the township, this moment has been building for months—part reflection, part research, and definitely part community soul-searching.
The original six-month moratorium took effect on May 19 of this year and was set to run out on November 18. But township leaders clearly felt that more time—and more clarity—was needed before opening the door to additional licenses. With Wednesday night’s vote, the pause now stretches an additional 19 months, specifically targeting new license applications for free-standing short-term rentals where the owner does not live on the property.
Importantly, this does not affect existing licensed STRs. Current operators can continue business as usual, and the township has made no move to restrict or suspend those active permits. The focus right now is squarely on managing growth while leaders figure out what a balanced STR future might look like.
To get a full picture of how STRs are impacting housing, neighborhoods, and property values, the township launched a joint committee of Township Board and Planning Commission members earlier this year. That group held four meetings to gather facts, hear from residents, and explore potential regulatory paths. The committee wrapped up its work on November 5, and that same night the Planning Commission unanimously recommended extending the moratorium—essentially giving township leaders more breathing room to craft a solid plan.
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Township Supervisor Steve Ringelberg didn’t mince words during discussions. He raised concerns about the influence STRs may be having on rising property values, noting, “If people wonder why your property values are going up so fast — STRs are part of the reason.” His comments reflect a growing tension in many communities: balancing the economic boost STRs bring with local housing affordability and neighborhood cohesion.
The extended moratorium gives officials time to create a comprehensive enforcement plan, something they’ve emphasized as a top priority. And here’s the important nuance: if that enforcement plan is finished before next summer, the township says the moratorium could be lifted early. In other words, this isn’t a locked-in freeze—it’s a “pause until we’re prepared.”
For residents, STR owners, and prospective applicants, the next several months will be key. Township leaders are clearly signaling that thoughtful, well-built policy is on the way, but not rushed. As Laketown continues steering through the STR conversation, locals can expect more developments, more transparency, and hopefully a future set of rules that balances community needs with responsible rental growth.
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