Township discusses short-term rental rules, use-and-occupancy inspections and rental registration

The board discussed several housing and rental regulation proposals, including a proposed Use & Occupancy (U&O) inspection to occur at changes in ownership or occupancy and a possible short-term rental/zoning ordinance.

On U&O inspections, staff said the goal is to review exterior property conditions (sheds, sidewalks, electrical GFI outlets) and noted inspections would be performed by the township’s third-party building inspector (LTL/QCI) and funded by inspection fees. "This would again be like an LTL situation and there would be a fee associated with the inspection," staff said. Board members asked about staffing, enforcement, and whether inspection fees would cover costs; staff said registration fees could largely fund the program.

On short-term rentals, staff noted that since the "slice-of-life" case short-term rentals are treated as a different land use and can be regulated by zoning. The board requested examples of ordinances that have withstood legal challenge and asked staff to return with data on the local prevalence and possible permit frameworks.

What the board asked for: Examples of ordinances from nearby municipalities, cost estimates and sample registration forms, and additional legal research to ensure any ordinance will withstand challenge. No ordinance or regulation was adopted at the meeting; supervisors directed staff to return with sample language and cost estimates.

Public concerns and enforcement: Residents raised concerns about parties, parking, and impacts in residential neighborhoods; supervisors cited recent examples elsewhere of large events at short-term rentals and said a policy could be designed to limit disruptive conduct. The board emphasized the need for a streamlined process and for clear enforcement pathways if registration/inspection rules were adopted.