Commission adopts 130-unit cap for short-term rentals in traditional residential district

The Boyne City Commission adopted a resolution capping the number of short-term rental (STR) licenses in the city's traditional residential district at 130, concluding a lengthy public comment period and commission debate about enforcement, attrition and housing impacts.

Public commenters and local operators offered competing views: some residents urged stricter limits, citing neighborhood character and vacant homes during off-season periods; several STR operators and managers warned that a static cap and uneven administration could strand recent property buyers and reduce economic opportunity. One owner said the cap had created vacancies that make some rental investments unviable and urged the commission to consider ways to permit ADUs or other flexible measures.

Commissioners discussed how best to implement a cap, whether to reduce the number through attrition, and how to treat existing licensees. Several members said they favor attrition or grandfathering rather than rescinding existing valid licenses, and staff noted the ordinance already contains renewal and expiration language. To address administrative ambiguity the commission approved an amended resolution that sets the maximum at 130 for the traditional residential district and removes a fixed-duration clause that would have tied the cap to a one-year period.

Commissioners said the vote does not preclude a broader ordinance rewrite. Several members urged staff to schedule a more comprehensive public process to revisit STR policy, permitting definitions and enforcement, and to set a timeline for that review. The amended resolution passed on roll call.