HOW THE SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE CAME TO BE: The Crystal Lake Township Planning Commission and Board have been working on this project for years. The resulting ordinance is an answer to the concerns of our residents who are looking to help guide development in a positive direction, in a way that enhances the area and protects against that which detracts it. The two biggest problems that a Short Term Rental policy helps to resolve are, 1) increased numbers of nuisances associated often with short term renters; and 2) the loss of continuity of community for the permanent residents. Northern Michigan has a rich history of welcoming renters and this is not a policy directed at keeping rentals from being available. It is, however, an approach that many other government entities have adopted in their own communities (all over Michigan, all over the world!) to try and limit certain negative aspects when it comes to the business of rentals.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE ORDINANCE SAY? Click here for the full readable/downloadable ordinance. Click here for the application fee schedule and the violation fee schedule. It is important to note that although this ordinance was passed on March 19, 2025 and will be become effective 30 days after publication in our local newspaper, the Record-Patriot, this first year is a "freebie." That is, we are starting in Spring of 2025 to only collect information on the local rental situation in our township. This also gives time for the potential rental property owners to learn about what's expected of them. ALL property owners in CLT will be getting a hard copy letter in the mail announcing the process, the schedule, the steps to take. Instituting all the measures of the ordinance will not actually happen until Fall of 2025. Full implementation is slated for 2026.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE ORDINANCE SAY? Click here for the full readable/downloadable ordinance. Click here for the application fee schedule and the violation fee schedule. It is important to note that although this ordinance was passed on March 19, 2025 and will be become effective 30 days after publication in our local newspaper, the Record-Patriot, this first year is a "freebie." That is, we are starting in Spring of 2025 to only collect information on the local rental situation in our township. This also gives time for the potential rental property owners to learn about what's expected of them. ALL property owners in CLT will be getting a hard copy letter in the mail announcing the process, the schedule, the steps to take. Instituting all the measures of the ordinance will not actually happen until Fall of 2025. Full implementation is slated for 2026.
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