Lake County commissioners approve vacation rental ordinance

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The Lake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a new ordinance on vacation rental homes Tuesday.

The new ordinance redefines what a short-term rental property is and allows them in areas along the North Shore where they previously weren’t allowed. That was the most controversial aspect of the revisions, allowing rentals in the R4 neighborhoods that comprise nearly 75 percent of Lake Superior shore property in the county.

Beginning in August, those wanting to rent a home in those areas would have to apply for an interim license, meaning it would be subject to the county planning commission for review each year.

While the county was sorting out the new vacation rental ordinance, there had been a moratorium on all vacation rentals for two years. Operators needed to file for a conditional use permit since August of 2009. The moratorium was put in place to protect renters from homes and cabins that don’t meet specific codes. The county health department had been seeking more definition on what to look for when inspecting buildings intended for vacation rental.

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