Vernon reintroduces STR ordinance

The Vernon Township Council on Monday re-introduced its short-term rental ordinance with an eye toward approving the measure at the next Township Council meeting.

The measure was introduced by a 4-1 vote with only Councilwoman Jean Murphy voting against it.

Ruth Ann Mekita of Hewitt, who operates a short-term rental on Red Lodge Road said some of the ordinance’s requirements might be a little too onerous.

Mekita said she and her husband moved to Hewitt, they were unable to sell their condo.

She said she already provides her Homeowner’s Association with the name of each guest, the make and model of their car if it’s available, how many guests are coming and how long they are staying.

“To provide a driver’s license to the township might seem a little too onerous,” she said.

She also said most of that information is already provided to Airbnb.

The ordinance also called for a $350 short-term rental annual license fee for a unit not occupied by its owner and $150 for units that are occupied their owners.

She said that seemed a little steep as she already pays a monthly $250 Homeowner’s Association fee.

The new version of the ordinance does not limit the number of vehicles a short-term rental is allowed, but it does not allow parking on lawns or in the street.

The ordinance also states that if a short-term rental property is the subject of two or more substantiated complaints, the mayor or his representative can revoke the permit issued for the property.

Mekita said that hasn’t been an issue in her condo.

“Any neighbors feel things are getting too rambunctious or noisy, they let us know right away and there’s only been a couple,” she said.