🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Pittsfield, MI
New STR Ordinance Passes: Township Moves to Curb Party Houses With Owner-Occupancy Rule
Pittsfield Tightens the Reins: New STR Rules Clear First Hurdle
Pittsfield Township has taken a big step forward in reshaping how short-term rentals operate in local neighborhoods. This week, the Planning Commission approved a new set of regulations aimed at restoring a little peace and predictability for residents who have been dealing with everything from loud late-night parties to full-blown wedding receptions happening next door.
During the public hearing ahead of the vote, just a few residents spoke up, and their concerns appeared to be resolved after the commission walked through the details of the proposal. The big focus of the new ordinance is simple—short-term rentals must now be owner-occupied. This change means that hosts must actually live on the property if they want to rent it out on a short-term basis, shifting the practice away from commercial-style operations run by off-site owners.
STRisker News Tracker
Trying to keep up with STR regulations across multiple cities and states? Our News Tracker makes it easier than ever. Filter by location, search a comprehensive database, and sort by impact level—this tool helps you focus on what matters most.
Commission Chair Matthew Payne emphasized why this shift matters. As he put it, people choose a neighborhood expecting “harmony and peace and quiet,” not a revolving door of guests and events. Payne noted that residents shouldn’t feel like a commercial business has suddenly sprung up next door. With some short-term rentals being used as event venues—hosting everything from large parties to wedding receptions—the township felt it was time to introduce clearer boundaries.
These new rules aim to curb abuses of the system while preserving the option for homeowners to share their space responsibly. By requiring that rentals be owner-occupied, the township hopes to ensure that hosts remain involved and accountable for the atmosphere surrounding their property. This also helps prevent properties from becoming high-traffic hubs, something neighbors have said disrupts the residential character of their streets.
Although the proposal has cleared the Planning Commission, it isn’t official just yet. The ordinance still needs approval from the Township Board of Trustees, which is set to take it up on December 10th.
Stay Updated with STRisker
STRisker offers tools and features to keep you updated with the Short-Term Rental movement across the U.S.
👍 We’d love your feedback.
We're always looking for ways to improve Bulletins.
Was this one useful to you? Other topics you'd like to see get covered?
✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!
-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading this Bulletin? Feel free to forward this along. We want to make sure operators and stakeholders are aware of regulatory changes in their area.