State lawmakers may vote on legislation this week that would strip communities of the ability to regulate vacation rentals.
Weekend and week-long rentals have exploded in popularity in recent years, leading cities and small lakeshore towns to regulate where they are allowed, and how many there can be.
Yarrow Brown is with “Housing North." It’s a non-profit in northwest lower Michigan.
She says towns need to be able to make rules, otherwise there would be few year-round housing options for residents.
“We really believe this should be a decision that’s made locally because that is where the impact is and it’s different depending on your community.”
Supporters of the proposed legislation say local governments put too many unnecessary restrictions on short-term rentals.
They say housing shortages need to be addressed, but property owners should not be restricted.