Quick Updates on STR Updates Throughout the Region, Leelanau County Broadband Update, and Michigan State Legislature Session for 2024 Likely to End by November 29th.
As we wind down into fall weather some of the talks on short-term rental policies are heating back up. Check out some quick updates on short-term rental ordinances and enforcement occurring around our region. Updates in Leelanau County as construction of their fiber internet network is in full swing and increasing connectivity throughout the county since construction began early this summer. Finally, the Michigan Legislature will be moving quickly to accomplish its goals with an early end to the 2023 Legislative session on the horizon.
1. Quick Updates on STR Updates Throughout the Region
- Cleveland Township Planning Commission Passes STR Ordinance to the Cleveland Township Board for consideration - Following a Sept. 6th Public Hearing (pages 1 to 3) on a proposed amendment to allow a defined number of well-regulated short-term rentals in the residential and agricultural districts. The Cleveland Township Planning Commission passed a motion to the Cleveland Township Board to adopt Zoning Amendment 4.28 Short Term Rental Ordinance (pages 11 to 19).
- Village of Suttons Bay Admin/Personnel Committee Recommend Granicus STR Enforcement Proposal - at the Oct. 4th Village of Suttons Bay Administration/Personnel Committee Meeting there was consensus of the Committee that the Granicus Proposal of $8,245.80 for short-term rental (STR) enforcement via address identification and a 24/7 Hotline for reporting STR Ordinance violations be recommended for approval to the Village of Suttons Bay Council. It will be funded by raising the STR fee by $100 on all active Village of Suttons Bay STRs. You can view the full details of the proposal here (pages 13 to 19).
- Clearwater Township Planning Commission Renews Consideration of a STR Ordinance - At the Sept. 25th Clearwater Township Planning Commission Special Meeting (pages 1 to 2), a motion was passed to return the Clearwater Township draft short-term rental ordinance with the planning commission's comments and concerns to the Township Board and the township legal counsel for a full opinion with recommendation for further work.
2. Leelanau County Broadband Update
An update was provided at the Sept. 19th Leelanau County Board of Commissioners Meeting(page 2) on the progress that has been made to increase broadband internet access in Leelanau County through their contracted partner, Point Broadband. In their report, it was mentioned that they can connect more than 840 homes that were previously unserved. The areas of Leelanau County where they have currently completed construction include southern portions like Elmwood Charter Township and Solon Township (mapped here on page 2). Read more about the progress being made on Leelanau County’s fiber internet network in this article from the Leelanau Ticker.
3. Michigan State Legislature Session for 2024 Likely to End by November 29th
The Michigan State Legislature is working under an aggressive timeline this fall due to an early “sine die” (legislative proceedings that have been adjourned with no appointed date for resumption) date of November 29th to ensure that the new Michigan presidential primary date becomes law. The reason for this timeline is a bill passed earlier this year to move the Michigan Primary date from “March to February 27th, 2024, and to the fourth Tuesday in February in each presidential election year after 2024” takes effect “the 91st day after the Legislature adjourns sine die”. It could be an eventful October and November as legislation moves quickly or falls by the wayside. Keep your eye out and stay tuned to the GAD Top 3! An explainer of these efforts to move Michigan’s Presidential Primary date can be found here, courtesy of MLive.
