Park Township keeps short-term rentals in its C-2 resort district

Own a cottage along the lakeshore in Park Township and picturing weekend rental income? Check the zoning before doing the math. The township’s current code lists “short-term rentals and tourist homes” as a permitted use in the C-2 Resort Service District. That is a narrow zoning rule, not general permission to rent homes across the township.

The dispute grew out of the township’s decision in 2022 to enforce its view that short stays were not an allowed residential use. Rental owners sued, and a judge temporarily paused enforcement while the case moved forward. Ordinance 2024-01 then made the zoning text explicit: effective April 1, 2024, the C-2 list includes short-term rentals and tourist homes.

In November 2025, an Ottawa County circuit judge upheld the township’s position and allowed enforcement to move ahead. That was an important ruling, but it should not be read as permanent approval or denial for every parcel. Appeals, later court orders, and ordinance changes can still affect the picture.

For a buyer, the practical move is simple: confirm the parcel’s zoning and ask the township planning office for a written answer before counting rental income. If the property is in a residential district, do not assume a prior listing or a neighbor’s rental proves the use is allowed. This is a starting point, not legal advice for a particular property.