From the Associated Press — Some of Michigan’s smallest towns are seeing ripples from short-term lodging popularized by Airbnb and other websites. Calumet is on the Keweenaw Peninsula in the far north of the Upper Peninsula. Short-term rentals came up at a recent meeting of the village council. The planning commission chairwoman says the rentals are not a permitted use under Calumet’s zoning law, but they are occurring. Colleen Kobe says even if the ordinance is changed, Airbnb-style rentals could reduce long-term rentals and cause a population loss in Calumet. Planning commissioner Virginia Dwyer says Hancock, 12 miles south, allows short-term rentals, but the owner must pay for a permit and have a property inspected.
