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Council reviews draft short‑term rental cap and license policy; recusal noted
Summary
Council reviewed a police‑powers ordinance amendment to cap short‑term rental licenses in specified zoning districts and a license‑issuance policy; Attorney Jake Witte noted Councilmember White has a pending application and should not participate in the agenda item discussion.
At its Aug. 7 workshop the Saugatuck City Council reviewed a draft police‑powers ordinance amendment and a companion policy intended to limit the number of short‑term rental licenses in certain zoning districts and set procedures for issuing available licenses.
City Manager Ryan Cummins presented the ordinance change, which would impose a maximum number of short‑term rental licenses by zoning district, specify effects on existing licenses, and provide a procedure for the council to adjust limits to protect public health, safety and welfare. The draft license notification and issuance policy outlines intent and purpose, publication and notice requirements, application windows, selection criteria for applications and processing steps.
Attorney Jake Witte told the council that Councilmember White has a pending short‑term rental application and therefore should not participate in the discussion of agenda item 6C. The council did not take a formal vote on the ordinance at the workshop; staff presented the draft for review and further refinement.
Public comment included a statement from Paul Whitefield, who commented on short‑term rentals. The council asked staff to continue work on the draft ordinance, clarify how existing licenses would be treated and return with recommended language and implementation steps before any formal action is scheduled.
