TC Commission Passes R-2 Zoning Amendments, Michigan REALTORS® Policy Matters Update from Lansing, Aspire North REALTORS® Participating in Impact Study of Short-Term Rentals in Western and Northern Michigan
The City of Traverse City Commission passes the R-2 zoning amendment which will allow up to four dwelling units per lot in the City of Traverse City’s R-2 district. The latest and greatest policy updates from Michigan REALTORS® on what’s happening in Lansing. Aspire North REALTORS® will be participating in an impact study of short-term rentals in Western and Northern Michigan thanks to Michigan REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®!
1. TC Commission Passes R-2 Zoning Amendments=
On Monday, June 2nd the Traverse City Commission passed by a 5 to 2 margin an R-2 zoning amendment which will allow up to four dwelling units per lot in the City of Traverse City’s R-2 Mixed Density Residential District. As mentioned in the April 14th GAD Top 3 Aspire North REALTORS® provided public comment in support of this R-2 zoning amendment when it was originally considered on April 7th and due to its alignment with Aspire North REALTORS® local advocacy priorities. Prior to this June 2nd meeting, Aspire North REALTORS® provided a letter of support for the R-2 zoning amendment, reinforcing our association’s support for this change. Traverse City Commissioners discussed the amendment briefly before opening for public comment which was overwhelming in support of the amendment (view here Traverse City Commissioners discussion from minute 59:20 to minute 1:04:59 and citizen public comment from 1:04:59 to 1:19:05, followed by the City Commissioners vote from minute 1:19:05 to minute 1:19:41).
2. Michigan REALTORS® Policy Matters Update from Lansing
Brad Ward, Esq. Vice President of Public Policy & Legal Affairs for Michigan REALTORS® provided the latest update on what’s happening in the Michigan State Legislature in the Michigan REALTORS® E-news this past Thursday, June 12th. Here are the highlights:
- A bill that would allow for additional splits under the Michigan Land Division Act (House Bill 4081) which has already passed the Michigan State House with strong support (96 Yeas, 6 Nays, 8 Not Voting) held a hearing in the Michigan Senate Local Government Committee where Michigan REALTORS® provided testimony supporting this REALTOR®-supported legislation. You can learn more about the Land Division bills from previous GAD Top 3 (March 17th, 2025; Nov.18th, 2024; and Nov. 13th, 2023) as this proposed amendment has been a priority of Michigan REALTORS® for some time, dating back to at least November 2023.
- Michigan REALTORS® continued to provide opposition to Michigan Senate Bills 19, 20, and 21 which would give tenants’ rights to repair. These bills are under the umbrella of a proposed “Michigan Renter Bill of Rights” that dates back to 2023 (Aug. 21st, 2023 GAD Top 3). As stated by Brad “The intention behind the Senate Bills 19-21 is to hold landlords accountable for failing conditions on their property that affect the safety and habitability of the rental. Despite positive changes based on input from the Michigan REALTORS® Public Policy Committee, the bills still go beyond bad actor landlords and create the potential for bad actor tenants to take advantage of property owners. Michigan REALTORS® remains opposed, and the focus should be on local governments enforcing current regulations and holding registered landlords accountable for the condition of their property.”
- Last, but very important update to note, the Michigan Senate Democrats voted again on Tuesday, June 10th to expand the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (Senate Bill 134) and eliminate REALTORS® exemption that has been a part of the act for over 40 years. This exemption protects the real estate industry from frivolous lawsuits and unnecessary regulation. For more information on Michigan Senate Bill 134 check out the May 19th, 2025 GAD Top 3. Michigan REALTORS® has expressed that they will continue to work to stop this legislation in the Michigan State House as they did last year.
For more information check out the Michigan REALTORS® Policy Matters report written by Brad Ward, Esq. Vice President of Public Policy and Legal Affairs. The information above is courtesy of Brad Ward and Michigan REALTORS®.
3. Aspire North REALTORS® Participating in an Impact Study of Short-Term Rentals in Western and Northern Michigan
Thanks to Michigan REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, Aspire North REALTORS®, in addition to Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® and West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS®, will be participating in an analysis of the impact of short-term rentals (STRs) in western and northern Michigan communities that will be conducted by Anderson Economic Group. The counties that will be studied include one county for Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® (Berrien County), one county for West Michigan Lakeshore Association of REALTORS® (Allegan County), and two counties for Aspire North REALTORS® (Grand Traverse and Leelanau County). The study will analyze the impacts of STRs on the housing market (including housing stock and housing prices) and the economic impact of STRs on the community. Alan Jeffries and Connor Miller will be meeting with the Anderson Economic Group’s consultants on this project very soon and additional updates will be made available as this process moves forward over the summer and early fall.
