Ionia City Council is expected to vote Oct. 1 on a recommended ordinance that would provide more details about short-term rental requirements within city limits.
While the changes may not have a significant impact on property owners already engaged in short-term rentals, the alterations serve as a reminder that anyone who plans to rent their property must register with the city to avoid significant fines — and must remain compliant with city ordinances — according to Assistant City Manager Jonathan Bowman.
A draft ordinance was presented to the Ionia Planning Commission in August and discussed Sept. 11. The updated ordinance would include the definition of a short-term rental, capped at 27 day-long stays, and the establishment of certain exclusions, like renting out a bedroom in an owner-occupied home.
The language identifies prohibited activities, such as renting tents, campers, trailers and sheds, vehicles and more, according to Bowman. City Attorney Jeff Sluggett of Bloom Sluggett, PC in Grand Rapids also recommended the changes to clear up misunderstandings based on current language.
“There’s not much impact on residents already operating short-term rentals,” Bowman said.
Final approval is a two-step process. The proposed amended language is expected to be introduced to Ionia City Council on Oct. 1. Officials will then schedule a public hearing, with a final vote expected Nov. 5.
“We would encourage residents who aren’t sure if they are (following the law) to contact city offices,” Bowman said. “All rental property has to be registered with the city of Ionia.”
If passed, the updated ordinance will apply to residents whether their property is a primary or secondary residence, Bowman said, although federal and state tax implications will vary depending on the label.
— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Sentinel-Standard. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@sentinel-standard.com
This article originally appeared on Ionia Sentinel-Standard: Ionia City Council to consider updated short-term rental rules in October
Reporting by M. Alan Scott / Ionia Sentinel-Standard
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