Park Township

codeenforcement@parktownship.org

52 – 152nd Avenue, Holland, MI 49424

Directions

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Township Website

parktownship.org

Area Overview

Park Township is a suburban general-law township in northwest Ottawa County, wrapped around the north and south shores of Lake Macatawa and fronting Lake Michigan from Tunnel Park through Ottawa Beach to the township’s Lake Michigan dunes. Population is roughly 18,770 ^[1]. The township borders the City of Holland to the east and Holland Charter Township to the south, and contains some of West Michigan’s most sought-after lakefront housing.

Park Township is the most restrictive STR jurisdiction on the Holland-Ottawa lakeshore: short-term rentals (any stay of 27 nights or fewer) are prohibited outside the C-2 Resort Commercial District ^[2]. The ban traces back to a Zoning Board of Appeals ruling that interpreted the 1974 zoning ordinance to never have permitted STRs in residential districts ^[3], and was reaffirmed in March 2024 with Ordinance 2024-01 ^[4]. After a multi-year court fight, Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge Jon Hulsing affirmed the ZBA in November 2025 ^[5] and the township resumed actively issuing civil-infraction citations against residential-district STRs in November 2025 ^[6].

Long-term rentals (lease terms of 28 nights or more) are treated as a permitted residential use in all residential districts ^[2] and are not subject to a township-administered registration or licensing program. Investors evaluating the Park Township market should plan around the LTR path or, for STR, focus exclusively on parcels zoned C-2 Resort Commercial.

Quick Status Summary

Short-Term Rentals RESTRICTED

STRs (stays of 27 nights or fewer) are only a permitted use in the C-2 Resort Commercial District ^[2]. They have been prohibited in all residential zoning districts since February 7, 1974 per the Zoning Board of Appeals’ May 5, 2025 decision ^[3], which was affirmed by Ottawa County Circuit Court on November 4, 2025 ^[5]. Active enforcement resumed November 2025 ^[6]. There is no permit pathway for new STRs in residential districts; the only narrow exception is a successful non-conforming use claim showing continuous operation since before February 7, 1974 ^[7].

Long-Term Rentals ALLOWED

Long-term rentals (any lease term of 28 nights or more) are considered a residential use and permitted in all residential zoning districts ^[2]. Park Township does not operate a stand-alone landlord registration or inspection program. State landlord-tenant law (MCL 554.601 et seq.) and the Michigan Residential Code apply; for properties on the city of Holland water/sewer system, City inspections may apply separately.

Rental Regulations

1 Where STRs Are Allowed (Zoning)

STRs (rental of a dwelling for 27 nights or fewer) are only a permitted use in the C-2 Resort Commercial District. They are prohibited in every other zoning district in Park Township, including all residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) and the Agricultural / Permanent Open Space district ^[2].

The Zoning Board of Appeals’ May 5, 2025 Resolution and Report set out the historical record: the 1963-1974 ordinance permitted STR-like “tourist home” use in Residence District B only; the 1974 ordinance (still in effect, as amended) has never permitted STRs in any residential district ^[3]. Ordinance 2024-01 (March 2024) restated this prohibition in current zoning language ^[4].

Investor takeaway: Verify the parcel is zoned C-2 Resort Commercial before relying on STR income in underwriting. A buyer cannot inherit a predecessor’s STR use unless that use qualifies as a documented non-conforming use originating before February 7, 1974 ^[7]; in practice, very few claims meet that bar.

🗺 Zoning Map 📄 Code of Ordinances (Ch. 38 Zoning)📧 Ask Community Development

2 Registration & Permit Process

There is no STR permit pathway for residential-district properties. Park Township does not issue STR licenses, lottery slots, or waiting-list positions for residential parcels ^[2]. The only ways an STR can legally operate are (a) on a parcel zoned C-2 Resort Commercial, or (b) under an approved non-conforming use determination based on continuous operation since before February 7, 1974 ^[7].

The township maintains a voluntary online registration form that current STR operators (almost all in C-2 or claiming non-conforming status) use to provide a 24-hour local-agent contact for code-enforcement purposes ^[8]. Filing this form does not create a permit or legalize an STR; it is purely a contact registry.

STR permit (residential districts)Not available

Non-conforming use applicationBy PDF to Community Development

STR contact registrationOnline voluntary form

📄 Non-Conforming STR Application (PDF)📋 STR Contact Registration Form 📧 Email Community Development

3 Fees & Penalties for Operating Without Authorization

Park Township enforces against unauthorized STRs through civil infractions issued by the Code Enforcement Officer ^[6]. The township’s approach is to inform and request compliance first; civil infractions and financial penalties follow if the violation continues ^[9].

Civil infraction starting fine$50 (escalates with repeat offenses) ^[6]

Owners who cease and cancel bookings immediatelyNot ticketed ^[6]

Continued unauthorized operationProgressive enforcement; fee structure subject to change ^[6]^[9]

The exact citation amounts beyond the starting $50 are set by the Code Enforcement schedule and may be revised; verify with the Code Enforcement Officer before assuming a specific penalty number for diligence purposes.

📞 Code Enforcement (Alonzo Palmer)📧 Email Code Enforcement

4 Existing STRs & Non-Conforming Use Claims

An existing STR continues to be illegal in a residential district unless the owner secures a non-conforming use determination. Under Michigan zoning law and Park Township’s interpretation, a non-conforming STR claim must show that the dwelling was used as a short-term rental continuously since before February 7, 1974, without abandonment ^[7]^[3].

Owners with a credible pre-1974 history can submit the Non-Conforming STR Application to Community Development for review. The litigation track (PTN v. Park Township) sought to broaden non-conforming status to any STR operating before Ordinance 2024-01 took effect, but that argument was rejected at the ZBA in May 2025 ^[3] and affirmed at Circuit Court in November 2025 ^[5].

For buyers: A claimed grandfathered STR is not a transferable right unless the township has issued a formal non-conforming use determination on the parcel. Always ask for written confirmation before relying on STR cash flow.

📄 ZBA STR Decision (5/5/2025 PDF)📄 Circuit Court Decision (11/4/2025 PDF)📄 Non-Conforming STR Application

5 Reporting & Complaint Process

Park Township investigates STR complaints from the public and prefers documentation (photos, listing screenshots, dates of activity) ^[2]. For active disturbances after hours, residents are directed to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line.

Code Enforcement (zoning violations, unauthorized STR activity): Alonzo Palmer, 616-928-9706, codeenforcement@parktownship.org
Ottawa County Sheriff non-emergency (noise after 11 PM, illegal parking): 800-249-0911
Life-safety emergency: 9-1-1

📄 Code Enforcement Complaint Form (PDF)📞 Call Code Enforcement 📞 Sheriff Non-Emergency

6 Litigation Timeline & Recent Changes

The Park Township STR question moved through four years of governance and litigation. Investors evaluating any residential-district property with a history of STR use should know the chronology.

November 10, 2022: Park Township Board voted 6-0 to ban STRs in residential zoning districts; existing operators given until October 1, 2023 to wind down ^[1].
2023: Park Township Neighbors (PTN), a 501(c)(4) of STR owners, filed suit; Judge Hulsing granted a preliminary injunction December 1, 2023 staying enforcement ^[7].
March 2024: Township adopted Ordinance 2024-01, restating the STR prohibition outside C-2 in updated zoning language ^[4].
November 21, 2024: Judge Hulsing dismissed PTN’s case and lifted the injunction ^[7].
March / May 5, 2025: Zoning Board of Appeals heard PTN’s interpretive appeal and issued a Resolution and Report finding STRs were never a permitted use in residential districts after February 7, 1974 ^[3].
October 23, 2025: Circuit Court heard PTN’s appeal of the ZBA decision.
November 4, 2025: Judge Hulsing affirmed the ZBA in all respects ^[5].
November 6, 2025: Township announced active enforcement resumed; civil infraction fines start at $50 and escalate ^[6].

Status as of May 2026: The PTN board has stated it is consulting counsel on next steps; an appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals remains theoretically open. For underwriting purposes, the enforcement stance is final unless and until a higher court rules otherwise.

1 Where LTRs Are Allowed (Zoning)

Long-term rentals (any lease of 28 nights or more) are a permitted residential use in all residential zoning districts in Park Township. The township defines short-term rental as a stay of 27 nights or fewer; everything longer is a residential rental and falls within the normal use of a single-family dwelling ^[2].

For commercial, agricultural, or mixed-use-zoned parcels, the underlying residential use must itself be a permitted (or grandfathered) use before LTR rental is allowed. Verify the parcel’s zoning district on the township zoning map, then confirm with the Zoning Department for any non-residential district.

🗺 Zoning Map 📄 Code of Ordinances (Ch. 38 Zoning)📧 Ask Community Development

2 Registration & Permit Process

Park Township does not administer a stand-alone landlord registration, licensing, or rental certification program for long-term rentals. No periodic township rental inspection cycle and no annual landlord fee applies at the township level ^[2]^[9].

What still applies:

Building permits for any work on the property that triggers Michigan Building Code or Residential Code review ^[10].
Michigan Residential Code 2015 and Michigan Building Code 2015 regulate construction and habitability standards.
City of Holland water/sewer service area: Portions of Park Township are served by City of Holland utilities; the City’s rental certification ordinance may apply to properties on the City system. Confirm utility provider before leasing.

🏢 Building Department 📞 Building Dept (Schedule Inspection)📧 Email Building Official

3 Building Codes & Habitability Standards

Park Township enforces the Michigan Building Code 2015 and Michigan Residential Code 2015 for any new construction, additions, and most remodels ^[10]. The Building Department issues roughly 1,650 permits per year and provides building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections.

Building Official: Chad Warden, cwarden@parktownship.org, 616-738-4244
Electrical Inspector: Dennis Kroeze, 616-610-2897
Mechanical / Plumbing Inspector: Bob Modreske, 616-477-4940
Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – noon and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Painting and floor coverings do not require permits. New buildings, additions, and most remodels do.

🏢 Building Department Page 📧 Permit Questions (Anna Dirkse)

4 Property Maintenance & Nuisance Standards

Park Township’s Code Enforcement Officer responds to complaints about property maintenance, junk, abandoned vehicles, illegal structures, and nuisance conditions ^[9]. The township’s stated approach is to inform and educate before issuing civil infractions, with progressive enforcement if violations continue.

Common rental-related items the Code Enforcement Officer enforces:

Yard maintenance, weed/grass height, and accumulation of refuse
Fence requirements (residential fences flyer published 12-2024)
Pool fencing and safety
Setback and accessory-building compliance

📄 Complaint Form (PDF)📞 Code Enforcement 📧 Email Code Enforcement

5 Tenant Rights & Eviction Resources

Michigan landlord-tenant relationships are governed by state law (MCL 554.601 et seq.) and the summary proceedings act for evictions. The State Bar of Michigan publishes a free Practical Guide for Tenants & Landlords covering leases, security deposits, repair obligations, and the eviction process ^[11]. These statewide rules apply in Park Township and are not modified by local ordinance.

Local court for residential eviction proceedings is the Ottawa County 58th District Court (Holland branch).

📄 MI Tenant/Landlord Guide (PDF)⚖ 58th District Court

Special Regulations

Park Township has roughly five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and substantial Lake Macatawa frontage. Investors evaluating waterfront properties should plan around shoreline-protection rules in addition to standard zoning and rental rules.

★ Critical Dunes & High Risk Erosion Areas

Park Township’s Lake Michigan frontage includes Critical Dune Areas and High Risk Erosion Areas regulated by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (MDEGLE, formerly MDEQ) ^[12]. Construction, additions, shoreline-protection structures, and significant grading in these zones require MDEGLE permits in addition to township approvals. Setback lines have shifted as Lake Michigan water levels and erosion rates have changed, and properties along Lakeshore Drive have been particularly affected in recent years.

🗺 MDEGLE Critical Dunes Program 🗺 MDEGLE High Risk Erosion Areas

★ Lake Macatawa No Wake Zones

Lake Macatawa has designated no-wake zones (especially near the channel and around marinas) that affect the practical use of waterfront rental properties that advertise lake access. The township maintains a published No Wake Zone map ^[13]. STR-style marketing of “unrestricted lake access” can be misleading and contributes to nuisance complaints during the summer.

Official Resources

Ordinances

Code of Ordinances (Park Township)

Chapter 38 (Zoning) and supporting chapters

Ordinance 2024-01 – STR Prohibition Outside C-2

Adopted March 2024

ZBA Resolution & Report on STRs

Signed 5/5/2025

Ottawa County Circuit Court Decision

Judge Hulsing, 11/4/2025

Forms & Applications

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Non-Conforming STR Application

Pre-1974 grandfathering claims

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STR Contact Registration Form

Voluntary registry for current operators

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Code Enforcement Complaint Form

Fillable PDF (revised Feb 2025)

Maps

District boundaries (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-2, AG, etc.)

Park Township Zoning Map

Ottawa County GIS Property Mapping

Parcels, utilities, sewer, tax info

Tax records, owner of record, valuations

miOttawa Property Search

Lake Macatawa No Wake Zone Map

Boating restrictions affecting waterfront rentals

Portals & Lookups

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Park Township Building Department

Permits, inspections, codes

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Park Township Planning & Zoning

Land use policy and zoning code

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Short-Term Rentals FAQ

Official township explainer

Contact & Directions

616-399-4520 (M-F 8am-5pm)

Township Main Line

Code Enforcement (Alonzo Palmer)

616-928-9706

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Code Enforcement Email

codeenforcement@parktownship.org

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Community Development Director (Meika Weiss)

mweiss@parktownship.org | 616-738-4238

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Building Official (Chad Warden)

cwarden@parktownship.org | 616-738-4244

Ottawa County Sheriff (Non-Emergency)

800-249-0911 – noise / parking complaints