MUSKEGON, Mich. — A decision has been made on short-term rentals in Muskegon. The city commission adopted a new ordinance, that affects owners of properties that include Air BnB's. The approval came after public comment and deliberation during Tuesday's city meeting.
An amended ordinance was approved two weeks ago but wasn't adopted because the vote was not unanimous and on Tuesday night, it passed.
The approved ordinance will allow the city to move forward with a uniform policy regarding short-term rentals like Air BnB's.
Some residents said short-term rentals are pushing people out of their neighborhoods, especially with the housing shortage.
"With the potential limitations being imposed on the number of short-term rentals allowed in an area. This pretty much eliminates the option of selling my property to an investment group, I anticipate a major drop in my potential sales price as a result," said Muskegon resident, Karen Kendra.
The ordinance will be published next Tuesday and ten days after that, it will go into effect and the current moratorium lifted. Another Muskegon resident said he's in favor of the new approval.
"I know it might be kind of labor-intensive to look at this property per property, but there's never been any problem with my place, and I really want to get the most out of it when I do sell and transferability is a big part of that," said another resident.
The planning commission recommended the ordinance not allow for the transferability of short-term rental licenses upon sale, but the commission voted to allow it one time in the updated ordinance. City Manager Jonathan Seyferth said the ordinance will be in effect the week of Nov. 11.
In a statement to 13 ON YOUR SIDE he said quote, "On that same date, the short-term rental registration pause will come to an end allowing those in zones that haven't met the cap to apply for a short-term rental license," said Jonathan Seyferth.
City leaders said they can revisit the ordinance in the future if there are problems or issues.