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Candidates say short-term rentals are hard to count and enforce under state rules
Summary
Speakers discussed short-term rentals (Airbnb) as a neighborhood issue; Ferndale has an ordinance but faces enforcement limits and state-level constraints, and candidates suggested more code enforcement or staffing to address unregistered units.
Short-term rentals drew repeated questions from seniors concerned about neighborhood stability. Candidates said the city enacted a short-term rental ordinance but enforcement is difficult because state law constrains local authority and many units are unregistered or not listed publicly. Laura Michalski said she did not know how many short-term rentals exist but noted the city has an ordinance aimed at ensuring “good neighbors.” Quinn Ziegler recommended adding code enforcement capacity to locate and investigate unregistered rentals, and suggested collaborating with other communities and state legislators for stronger regulation. Eddie Sabertini said estimates ranged widely in his conversations: "between 92 and 140," and added that some rentals are not advertised on major platforms, making counts and enforcement harder.
Why it matters: Residents raised concerns about nuisance behavior, loss of long-term housing, and rising rents; candidates framed enforcement capacity and state policy as central constraints.
Details discussed: Options included hiring additional code enforcement staff, using online platform searches to identify listings, targeted enforcement of registration requirements and collective advocacy to change state law. No ordinance change or vote occurred at the forum.
Ending: Candidates urged continued monitoring and expanded enforcement capacity while calling for regional cooperation and state-level fixes.
