(Michigan City, IN) - Regulations on short-term rental homes are being considered in Michigan City.  Under the proposal, owners of such properties would be required to obtain a permit.  The proposal calls for fines for a violation and the permit being revoked after the third violation.

 

At this week’s Michigan City Common Council meeting, Councilwoman Dalia Zygus said

the proposal resulted from complaints by citizens about things like neighborhood disruption

from large gatherings at short-term rental homes.

 

Councilman Sean Fitzpatrick said there are existing laws in the books covering things like noise to govern short-term rentals.  He said homeowners should use their properties to supplement their incomes without being infringed by more rules or fees.

 

The cost of a permit would be $150.  “I know there’s always a war on Illinois people. I’m pretty sure this is where a lot of this stems from. I just don’t think it’s our place to sit and say who can make money or who can’t make money at their houses,” Fitzpatrick said.

 

The city council voted to table the matter to have more discussion and possible amendments before the proposal comes back to the council for a possible vote.