Holland Plan Commission recommends zoning ordinance update after public hearing

The Town of Holland Plan Commission on May 4, 2026 unanimously recommended that the Town Board adopt Ordinance 2026-Draft(E), an amendment to Chapter 330 of the Town Code that updates zoning definitions and the standard for unnecessary hardship.

At a public hearing, resident David Valenti said, “The language about unnecessary hardships in the Town’s ordinance does not match state statute,” and urged the commission to adopt the statute’s wording to reduce variance requests that do not meet state requirements. Valenti also questioned why the proposed definition of “hotel” includes “five or more rooms” and recommended the town tighten definitions for hotel, motel and short-term rental to reduce litigation risk. He suggested the town consider non-cash forms of consideration for stays, such as points or credits.

Chair David Huenink responded that the proposed definitions for hotel, motel and short-term rental in the draft ordinance "match the definitions of these terms within state statute exactly," and said the draft would update the town’s definition of unnecessary hardship to be more consistent with state law. Following discussion, a motion by Matt Teunissen, seconded by David Mueller, recommended that the Holland Town Board adopt Ordinance 2026-Draft(E). The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote: Bryan Kaiser — Yes; David Mueller — Yes; Jack Stokdyk — Yes; Matt Teunissen — Yes; Roy Teunissen — Yes; Brody Stapel — Yes; David Huenink — Yes.

The commission’s recommendation moves the ordinance amendment to the Town Board for final consideration. The Plan Commission record shows public notice postings on April 15 and publication in local newspapers on April 23, 2026.