🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - South Haven, MI
South Haven Tightens Up Short-Term Rental Zoning Rules
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.
South Haven Approves Refined Zoning Ordinance for Short-Term Rentals
South Haven is one step closer to clarifying the future of short-term rentals (STRs) in the city. At its most recent meeting, the South Haven City Council gave a final approval to a revised zoning ordinance focused on STRs—capping off a lengthy review process that included community input and legal review.
The new ordinance includes updated definitions for short-term rentals, what constitutes lawful conforming and non-conforming uses, and clearer language around what happens if a rental property is considered “abandoned.” Council members also tightened up the revocation process for STR licenses, aiming to make enforcement more straightforward.
This final version follows a preliminary approval from April 21, with only a couple of tweaks made at Monday’s meeting. Among them, the city changed the language from “may” to “shall” in a key section—signaling a shift toward firmer enforcement—and refined the criteria for when a property is deemed abandoned.
Council Member George Sleeper underscored the importance of following due process.
“I spent over a year on a committee redoing our zoning ordinance. We got into trouble in the past by making last-minute changes without going through the planning commission.”
While the changes may seem minor on paper, city leaders say they’re significant in helping align the ordinance with state law and make it enforceable. The ordinance now provides clearer guardrails for STR operators and city staff alike, potentially reducing conflicts and confusion.
If you’re a current or prospective STR host in South Haven, now’s the time to review the changes and ensure compliance. Stay tuned for updates from the planning department about how these changes will be implemented.
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