The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has sent word to local state lawmakers that it’s opposed to legislation that would prevent local governments from having restrictions on short-term rental properties. Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, Chair Mac Elliott said House Bill 4722 would strip local control. He reflected on the joys of homeownership and how that could conflict with having a short-term rental next door.
“You get the quiet enjoyment of your home,” Elliott said. “A peaceful setting, you have some privacy, and how wonderful it must be when you read that someone has purchased a house and they are remodeling it to accommodate bunk beds in the bedrooms and jam 20 people in there like so many sardines in a can.”
The bill would amend the state’s zoning act, resulting in diminished local powers to restrict short-term rentals. The city of St. Joseph is opposed. Commissioner Bob Harrison of Lincoln Township said he’s hearing the same in his area.
“I’ve had a number of local residents and representatives from other municipal entities contact me regarding it,” Harrison said. “All have been in opposition to this proposed law.”
Commissioner Ezra Scott said the state shouldn’t interfere with local affairs. The board instructed County Administrator Brian Dissette to send communicate its opposition to the bill to state lawmakers. They noted he’d better hurry because a state House vote on the bill was expected soon.
