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Saugatuck council approves caps on short‑term rentals in 4–2 vote after extensive public comment
Summary
The Saugatuck City Council on Aug. 26 approved two zoning and licensing ordinance amendments and a licensing policy to impose maximum limits on short‑term rentals and set issuance procedures; each passed 4–2 with one abstention after numerous residents spoke for and against the measures.
The Saugatuck City Council on Aug. 26 adopted two ordinance amendments and a licensing policy intended to limit the number of short‑term rental licenses in specified zoning districts and to establish how any available licenses will be issued. Councilmember Dean moved the measures, Mayor Pro‑Tem Baldwin seconded them, and each measure passed by roll call vote 4–2 with Councilmembers Anderson, Baldwin, Dean and Mayor Stanton voting yes, Councilmembers Gardner and Muncey voting no, and Councilmember White abstaining.
The ordinances—filed in the meeting record as Ordinance No. 240826‑A (zoning amendment) and Ordinance No. 240826‑B (licensing amendment)—were presented as measures to “protect the public health, safety and welfare,” according to the motions recorded in the minutes. The council also approved a Short‑Term Rental License Notification and Issuance Policy intended to govern how any newly available licenses are communicated and assigned. The meeting record does not specify the exact numerical caps, the method of distribution beyond the adopted policy, or effective dates for the ordinances.
The council heard extended public comment on the agenda items before the vote. During the agenda‑item comment period, residents including Ethan Barder (584 Lake Street), Chris Peterson (742 Pleasant), John Thomas (141 West), and others addressed the council on short‑term rentals. After the votes, several residents including Ethan Barder, Laura Godfrey (550 Francis), Bobbie Gaunt (341 Mason) and Severyn Nowicki (841 Holland) returned to comment on the outcome and related concerns such as enforcement and community impact. The minutes record these interventions but do not include verbatim quotes.
Councilmembers framed their votes in brief closing remarks. Councilmember Anderson thanked staff and participants for a difficult but healthy discussion; Mayor Pro‑Tem Baldwin described the result as a compromise and welcomed community engagement; Councilmember Gardner and Councilmember Muncey opposed the measures, with the minutes recording their “no” votes but not longer floor remarks explaining their positions; Councilmember White abstained. The record does not include detailed floor debate or amendments to the ordinances beyond the motions and roll‑call results.
What happens next is not specified in the posted minutes: the record does not state a formal effective date for the ordinances or include implementing regulations beyond the adopted policy. The council adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
