The question of how to regulate floating homes, or houseboats, in South Haven is being explored by the city council.
At a Monday meeting, members heard from Assistant City Manager Griffin Graham that staff have been working on an ordinance amendment for houseboats for a couple of years. He outlined some of the things the new rules would do.
“Create an annual registration and inspection process to either more or rent a floating home in the city of South Haven,” Graham said. “Require a certificate of acceptability from the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes, essentially setting minimum construction standards and limit these units to two per marina.”
Council member Mary Hosley said more discussion should be held so the council better understands exactly what’s being done.
“I’m reminded of us having to redo the fireplace ordinance, which was just passed last session after two years, and the environmental impact statement, both of which had to be redone because of unintended consequences, unappreciated consequences,” Hosley said.
The council scheduled a public hearing for March 18 to learn more.
Last summer, the city council placed a moratorium on floating homes while study could be done. The question of whether they could be used as short-term rentals was among the things that prompted the action.
