Increased fines and fees announced for Saugatuck short-term rental owners

SAUGATUCK — Saugatuck’s updated short-term rental fine structure is now officially in place.

The new structure was approved Monday, March 25, during a Saugatuck City Council meeting. In a report to council, Interim City Manager Ryan Cummins said existing fines haven't been updated in several years, and will be tracked in an enforcement database moving forward.

More: Fees for short-term rental owners could skyrocket in Saugatuck

The most egregious fines are reserved for those who run a short-term rental without a license, which is $1,500 for a first offense and increases to $5,000 for a third violation.

Other fines include:

• Exceeding occupancy limits: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,500 for a third.
• Failing to comply with zoning rules: $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second and $2,500 for a third.
• Noise violations: $150 for a first violation, $300 for a second and $500 for a third.

Notably, residents can be fined for making false complaints about short-term rentals, with $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third.

Councilmembers voted unanimously on the fine structure and voiced support for the changes.

“Thank you, Ryan, for putting the math down and making sure we are covering our expenses so this isn’t put on the burden of our taxpayers,” said Councilman Gregory Muncey. “... Also, I haven’t gotten a lot of pushback from the rental community on these increases. I think it’s a long time coming.”

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The approval comes several weeks after Saugatuck City Council approved short-term rental ordinance updates, including an annual licensing requirement, rather than once every three years.

The previous fee was $350 for a three-year certificate with a $100 re-inspection fee. The new cost is $525 annually, with a $150 re-inspection fee.

Council meets again at 7 p.m. Monday, April 8.

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Increased fines and fees announced for Saugatuck short-term rental owners