We’re holding a blood drive at the township hall on
Wednesday, October 25 from 2:30 to 7:00 pm!
Please use this link, use the QR code or call to sign up for an appointment time.
See flyer for more details and special incentives!
Election Commission Meeting
ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE
PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP
16201 PORT SHELDON ST.
WEST OLIVE MI 49460
616 399 6121
DATE AND TIME OF MEETING:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023
11:00 A.M.
LOCATION:
PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP OFFICE
16201 PORT SHELDON ST.
WEST OLIVE MI 49460
PURPOSE OF MEETING:
To appoint precinct workers and worker pay
for the November 7, 2023 School Election
_____________________________________
Teresa De Graaf, Clerk
POSTED October 9, 2023 11:40 a.m.
This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 OF 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act, MCLA 41.72 a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Port Sheldon Township board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities as the meeting or public hearing upon 1 days’ notice to the Port Sheldon Township Board.
Retirement Open House for Township Clerk Teresa DeGraaf
Special Township Board Meeting
SPECIAL TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING NOTICE
PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP
16201 PORT SHELDON ST.
WEST OLIVE MI 49460
616 399 6121
DATE OF MEETING: Monday, October 2, 2023
TIME: 11:30 a.m.
AT: TOWNSHIP OFFICE
16201 PORT SHELDON ST.
WEST OLIVE MI 49460
PURPOSE OF MEETING:
To consider appointment to fill the Township Clerk position which becomes vacant on November 1, 2023
_____________________________________
Teresa De Graaf, Clerk
POSTED 5:45 p.m. September 27, 2023
This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 OF 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act, MCLA 41.72 a (2) (3) and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Port Sheldon Township board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities as the meeting or public hearing upon a one day notice to the Port Sheldon Township Board.
Channel Update
The State of Michigan has granted approval for Consumers Energy’s Fall Dredging Project at Pigeon Lake Channel.
The United State Army Corps of Engineers is now considering the joint permit with a 20 day public comment period which will begin with confirmation of a complete application still under review.
It is anticipated that the project will commence and be completed yet this calendar year starting in late October barring unforeseen circumstances.
Fire Prevention Night – October 2 from 6-8pm at the Fire Department!
The Port Sheldon Fire Department will be hosting Fire Prevention Night this year on Monday, October 2nd. The fire station will be open from 6-8pm.
Pizza, pop, water and ice cream will be provided! Stop by the fire station on Port Sheldon Street, east of the township hall and check out the fire trucks, gear, displays and get some cool stuff for the kids.
We hope to see you there!
Road Closure: Blair Street between 144th and 152nd
Ottawa County Road Commission is planning a culvert replacement on Blair Street between 144th Ave. and 152nd Ave. The road will be closed during this project, which will begin on September 18- weather permitting.
See the Ottawa Co. Road Commission’s website for more details!
Short Term Rental Regulation – History, and Why Now?
It is no secret that short term rentals are increasing in popularity in communities across the country, including Port Sheldon.
The History
Port Sheldon Township currently has close to 100 advertised short term rentals (STRs) in existence across most residential zoning districts, operating largely without issue, for many years. Some of the cottages and houses have a rental history dating back to the 60’s with no recorded complaints. The Township planning commission and board have considered short term rental regulations at various times over the last few decades, however after much research, public comment, and deliberation, the concerns at that time didn’t merit moving forward. Throughout that time, most neighborhoods have existed with short term rentals, with little to no issues, which seemed to validate the officials of that time’s decisions. Several Lakeshore HOA’s have their own strict regulations, or rules regarding STRs which have probably contributed to the lack of issues and complaints.
Why Now?
Simply put, Port Sheldon Township does not presently have an ordinance that speaks to short term rentals. Considering the recent prohibition of STRs in Park Township, and fairly strict regulation in Grand Haven to the north, we currently stand without the tools needed to manage existing and potential new STR’s that might be attracted to Port Sheldon. Contrary to some of the media’s reporting and some online reactions, the township is not intending to create an ordinance to allow for a barrage of short term rentals. One of the key considerations for such an ordinance is to help ensure there’s a balance between allowing STRs, while also keeping the interests of all property owners in mind.
Over the last several years, the planning commission and Township board have responded to resident concerns regarding the possible proliferation of STRs. They have engaged in appropriate research, listened to public comment, and have conferred with legal counsel to consider regulation that proactively addresses concerns with STRs before they become problematic.
The Concerns and the Proposed Ordinance
Most of the concerns revolve around the potential nuisance issues, such as parking, noise, and lack of respect for adjacent private property owners. The draft ordinance versions being considered by the planning commission addresses not only the valid concerns of potential nuisance issues, but also the health and safety concerns such as, illegal and overcrowded bedrooms that have no means of egress, lack of proper smoke, or carbon monoxide detectors, and living quarters in accessory buildings, etc.
Final Thoughts
While no STR ordinance is perfect or a one size fits all remedy, please recognize that the Township board and planning commission are doing their best to be proactive, responsive, and transparent in preparing for the potential challenges that come with living in the best township in West Michigan… possibly the world.
Last day to pay summer taxes and extended treasurer hours – September 14, 2023
The last day to pay taxes without interest is September 14th 2023 by 5pm.
Port Sheldon Treasurer will have extended office hours for tax collection on Thursday, September 14th, 2023 9am-5pm.
Notice of Public Hearing
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
Please take notice that a Public Hearing will be held at the Port Sheldon Township Hall, 16201 Port Sheldon Street, West Olive, Michigan, by the Port Sheldon Township Planning Commission on September 27, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. to hear and consider the following matter(s):
Request from Sarah Romine of 8710 160th Avenue LLC for a Special Land Use for a Private Street at 8710 160th Avenue, West Olive, Michigan 49460. Parcel # 70-11-11-100-031
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE PORT SHELDON TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE; TO AMEND SECTION 2.21 TO ADD A NEW DEFINITION FOR SHORT-TERM RENTAL; TO AMEND SECTION 3.05 TO AMEND THE TABLE OF USES TO PERMIT SHORT-TERM RENTALS AS A PERMITTED USE IN THE R-1, LSR, AND AG-1 DISTRICTS; TO AMEND SECTION 5.03 TO PERMIT SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN THE R-1 DISTRICT AS A PERMITTED USE, TO AMEND SECTION 6.03 TO PERMIT SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN THE LSR DISTRICT AS A PERMITTED USE, AND TO AMEND SECTION 10.03 TO PERMIT SHORT-TERM RENTALS IN THE AG-1 DISTRICT AS A PERMITTED USE.
Any persons interested in these matters may appear at such hearings in person or by agent or attorney. Written comments will be received at the Township Office until the night of the hearing. Copies of the application and other documentation are on file at the township office for public inspection during regular business hours. Direct phone inquiries to the Port Sheldon Township Building and Zoning Administrator at 616-399-6121.
Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township by calling 616-399-6121.
