County zoning staff to review RV-as-dwelling standards; Planning Commission granted Kaliseum fee waiver for short-term-rental presentation

Kalkaska County Zoning Administrator Gaynelle Gentelia reported on an ongoing enforcement matter in Springfield Township where a previously ordered vacation of property remains unresolved and a complainant has threatened litigation. Gentelia asked for board direction on next steps; commissioners expressed concern about litigation costs and emphasized seeking remedies residents could reasonably comply with. Gentelia said she will look for health grants and other funding options that would help residents install septic systems where needed and will continue to research ordinance changes.

Separately, the Planning Commission requested and received a waiver of the Kaliseum conference-room rental fee to host a Michigan State University Extension presentation on short-term-rental policy options. Commissioner David Comai moved to waive the fee; Scott Matley supported the motion and it passed by consensus. The board asked MSUE to provide a delineated breakdown of the value exchange for the waived fee (plat books and large maps) at the next meeting.

Gentelia and commissioners also discussed options to require future RV occupants to connect to utilities and potential amendments to zoning language to allow recreational vehicles to be used as dwellings if they meet health and safety requirements. No ordinance changes were adopted at this meeting; Gentelia will continue researching options and possible grant support.