Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Grand Haven City Council has unanimously approved an introductory resolution that would allow short-term rentals by special land use in the Centertown Overlay area of the Neighborhood Mixed-Use District. This zoning change would make 23 additional parcels—mainly located off Washington Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets—eligible for short-term rentals. Currently, the city has about 350 such rentals in operation.
Although there was initial interest earlier this year in allowing short-term rentals by right, city leaders ultimately chose the more measured approach of requiring special land use approval. This means anyone seeking to operate a short-term rental in the Centertown Overlay must apply for approval and comply with all existing regulations.
Some of the key requirements include:
Meeting parking standards
Ensuring that all usable first-floor space facing Washington Avenue and Seventh Street remains 100% commercial or retail, effectively limiting short-term rentals to upper floors
The zoning change makes 23 additional parcels—mostly located off Washington Avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets—eligible for short-term rental use. There are currently around 350 short-term rentals citywide.
The City of Grand Haven is calling on qualified planning consultants and consultant teams to submit proposals for the Centertown Vision Plan Update.
Assistant City Manager Dana Kollewehr:
This key initiative will guide the future of one of Grand Haven’s most important neighborhood commercial districts, ensuring it grows as a connected, vibrant, and sustainable part of the community
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