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Village officials respond to growing community backlash over trailer and tent restrictions while short-term rental regulations loom.
Port Austin zoning ordinance sparks intense debate as Village president responds to community concerns ahead of public meetings
PORT AUSTIN, Mich. — A proposal to revise Port Austin’s zoning ordinances regarding trailer parking, tents, and short-term rentals continues to draw strong reactions from residents, with concerns escalating after a letter from Village President Todd Murawski addressed the issue directly on March 27. The letter clarified the village’s intent and invited public participation—but not before weeks of social media uproar and speculation about the future of property rights in this seasonal lakeside town.
The issue centers on amending Ordinance No. 31, a regulation originally enacted in 1962 to govern trailer coach parking in residential areas. Accompanying this update is a parallel move to amend Section 417 of the Port Austin Zoning Ordinance, which would prohibit tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles from being used as temporary dwellings unless in licensed parks or campgrounds.
Port Austin zoning ordinance fuels property rights concerns
The draft ordinance language bans residents from using tents, RVs, or trailers as lodging—even on private land—unless located in a designated campground. A separate proposal would prohibit parking trailer coaches overnight on village streets, driveways, or lawns unless the unit is enclosed or unused.
Local residents quickly mobilized in opposition. Dozens posted comments online criticizing the proposals as overreaching, anti-tourism, and harmful to families who rely on RVs and campers for seasonal lodging. Anita, a homeowner, said she bought her property for backyard space so her grandchildren could camp. “Now you wanna tell me they can’t come to camp out in their own backyard?” she wrote.
Others warned that the changes would hurt local tourism. “This would cause me to leave Port Austin,” wrote Kevin, citing fears that guests would stop visiting if campers and tents were banned.
Village President Todd Murawski issues clarifying letter
In response to the controversy, Todd Murawski released a letter addressed to Port Austin residents. Dated March 27, the letter attempts to cool tensions and reassure the public that no final decision has been made.
“We understand that many have seen a proposed option that suggests eliminating RV and tent camping in residential areas altogether. However, this is simply one option being considered—it is not an official ordinance,” Murawski wrote.
The letter invites residents to attend a Planning Commission meeting on April 9 at 7 p.m. to voice their concerns. A formal Village Council meeting is scheduled for April 10 at 6:30 p.m., where the ordinance discussion will continue.
Murawski emphasized the need for respectful dialogue and warned against personal attacks, referencing recent tensions on social media platforms.
Legal observers caution against broad restrictions on land use
While the village maintains that the proposed restrictions aim to prevent nuisance violations, legal experts and zoning analysts say municipalities must tread carefully. In Michigan, several communities have implemented controversial ordinances restricting property use—some of which have triggered legal challenges.
- Park Township on the state’s west side banned short-term rentals in residential zones. The decision withstood a lawsuit after a judge ruled in favor of the township in 2023.
- Ann Arbor and New Buffalo have enacted or proposed ordinances limiting short-term rentals to protect housing availability, citing neighborhood concerns.
- In Lake Township, adjacent to Port Austin, officials enacted a full ban on short-term rentals—putting further strain on accommodations across Michigan’s Thumb region.
According to a 2023 report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, such ordinances can limit affordable lodging options and lead to unintended economic impacts, especially in tourism-dependent communities. (CRCM Report)
Village response offers transparency, but raises broader questions
Murawski’s letter represents an effort to slow the narrative and signal transparency. He clarified that the intent is to revise outdated zoning codes, not to eliminate camping altogether. However, by acknowledging the possibility of banning RVs and tents in residential areas, the village risks deepening concerns about government overreach and changing the town’s character.
The proposal’s timing, just ahead of the busy summer season, has also led to speculation about pressure from campground operators or newer property owners seeking more restrictive neighborhood rules.
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