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Planning Commission recommends Board weigh two options for short-term rental regulation
Summary
Harrison Township's Planning Commission recommended that the Township Board consider both a prohibition of short-term rentals in single-family zones and a second option that would allow STRs under strict licensing and zoning controls; public commenters expressed both support and opposition.
The Harrison Township Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the Township Board asking it to choose between two regulatory approaches for short-term rentals (STRs).
Township Planner Adam Young outlined the options under consideration: Option 1 would prohibit STRs in single-family residential zoning districts and allow them only in select nonresidential districts; Option 2 would permit STRs, including in single-family districts, but subject them to strict licensing requirements and companion zoning rules. Commissioners discussed both approaches and the types of definitions and sale/occupancy combinations that would need to be specified.
Commissioner Larry Tomenello moved, supported by Tim Duncan, to recommend that the Board consider both Option 1 and Option 2 and make the final determination. During public comment, residents offered mixed views: Nancy Byers and C. William Bardill spoke in opposition, while Chris Lopez and Jackie Danckaert spoke in support; Mary Drapeau commented on rental length and Mike Riley spoke in opposition.
The commission recorded that it had conducted outreach and received residential input and recommended providing the Board with both alternatives and clearer definitions of what constitutes an STR.
