Keweenaw County’s proposed short-term rental zoning rules are on hold after the planning commission tabled the amendments Monday, Oct. 5, according to WLUC TV6. The station reported that most speakers at the public hearing voiced concerns about the changes.

County zoning is also on the agenda Tuesday, Oct. 6, when the county board of commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Eagle River courthouse. The official special-meeting notice lists zoning as a discussion topic but does not specify a final vote.

The tabled amendments would have created a consistent annual permitting system for short-term rentals, according to WLUC. Zoning Administrator Susan Hockings said the permits would maintain an inventory of active rentals and confirm they comply with county requirements.

Hockings said existing, lawfully established short-term rentals would not need to re-prove their right to operate each year. New rentals would still need to meet zoning ordinance requirements before opening.

The county has posted a staff report and proposed amendment materials for public review.

Ruth Lahti, a Keweenaw County short-term rental owner, told the commission she values the ability to share her property with visitors. “Adding more to the zoning, and adding more restrictions and adding fines and fees, is not a good thing,” Lahti said, according to WLUC.

AJ Kern, a former planning commission member, raised a procedural objection. Kern argued that including an “aggrieved party” definition in the amendments would indirectly expand the zoning administrator’s authority. She said state courts, not the legislature, define that term, and the proposed definition was outdated and should be removed.

TV6 was not present for the final vote to table the amendments. The decision was confirmed through a phone call with a public attendee, according to the station’s report.

WLUC reported that no date had been set to revisit the amendments and that further consideration would follow Tuesday’s special board meeting.

The zoning debate has been building for months. At a Sept. 14 public hearing in Mohawk, more than 100 residents and visitors filled the Horizons Alternative High School gymnasium to weigh in, according to WLUC’s earlier coverage. Many supported continued zoning but offered changes.

Allouez Township Supervisor Mark Aho called at that hearing for an end to countywide zoning, citing the Michigan Joint Municipal Planning Act as a framework for townships to manage their own rules. Keweenaw County resident John Kern urged the board to work with townships on a recurring short-term rental licensing fee to tap tourism revenue.

Budget pressure is part of the equation. Keweenaw County Treasurer Eric Hermanson said in August 2026 that American Rescue Plan Act funds used to hire a deputy sheriff are running out, making current spending levels unsustainable in 2027. Zoning revenues have not met expectations, WLUC reported.

The county zoning ordinance covers Grant, Sherman, Houghton and Allouez townships and Ahmeek Village, according to the county zoning department. Eagle Harbor Township maintains its own separate zoning.