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Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cascade Township

Updated 2026-06-24  ·  0 primary sources linked  ·  All sides presented

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cascade Township

The proliferation of Airbnb and VRBO rentals in Cascade Township lakefront and neighborhood areas has generated complaints about noise, parking, and property maintenance. The Township Board is considering whether to adopt a short-term rental ordinance requiring registration, limiting rental nights, and establishing neighborhood complaint processes.

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Short-Term Rental Regulations in Cascade Township

3 Yes — support  ·  2 No — oppose  ·  1 Still deciding  · 6 total

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Short-Term Rental Regulation in Cascade Township

Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have enabled thousands of homeowners to rent their properties to travelers for short stays, typically under 30 days. Cascade Township, like many Kent County communities, has been evaluating whether and how to regulate STRs following neighbor complaints about noise, parking, and the character of residential neighborhoods.

Michigan law (PA 57 of 2022) originally limited local governments' ability to ban owner-occupied STRs outright, but the Michigan Supreme Court and subsequent litigation have complicated the landscape. Townships retain authority to regulate operational conditions, limit density, and require licensing — even if outright bans face legal challenges.

The Regulatory Landscape
  • State preemption debate: PA 57 of 2022 barred local STR bans for owner-occupied units. However, enforcement has been contested and several communities have continued their own ordinances pending further court guidance.
  • Township review: Cascade Township's Planning Commission has reviewed STR activity and zoning implications. Township zoning currently treats most residential properties as single-family uses; repeated STR use can create commercial-character concerns.
  • Neighbor complaints: Kent County townships have seen complaints about party houses, increased traffic, and properties effectively removed from the long-term rental market — contributing to housing affordability pressures.

Source: Michigan Legislature, PA 57 of 2022

The Two Sides
For Regulation
  • Residential neighborhoods should remain places for neighbors, not rotating guests
  • STR operators profit from community amenities while imposing costs on neighbors
  • Properties used as de facto hotels reduce the pool of long-term housing
  • Local government should have authority to protect community character
Against Heavy Restriction
  • Property owners should have the right to use their homes as they choose
  • STRs supplement income for families, helping with mortgages and retirement
  • Most STR guests are well-behaved; problem properties can be addressed case-by-case
  • Tourism and visitor spending benefit local businesses
What to Watch
  • Planning Commission meetings: Monitor Cascade Township Planning Commission agendas for any STR ordinance language. Meetings are typically the third Tuesday of each month.
  • Michigan court rulings: Ongoing litigation over PA 57 preemption will clarify how much authority townships retain. A definitive ruling could reopen or foreclose local regulatory options.
  • Licensing requirements: Any new ordinance would likely require STR operators to register, pay fees, and meet safety standards. Watch for proposed licensing language.
How to Participate
  • Attend Cascade Township Planning Commission meetings — agendas posted at cascadetwp.com.
  • Submit written comments to the Township Planner at Township Hall, 2865 Thornhills Ave SE, Cascade Township, MI 49546.
  • If you operate an STR, document your compliance with existing rules; if you're a neighbor with concerns, log specific incidents to provide evidence for the record.