QUINNESEC — Regulation for short-term rentals in residential areas came up for discussion during a meeting of Breitung Township Board, spurred by complaints from Frei Drive residents about a house in their subdivision being used as an Airbnb.

Rachelle Taff said she’s concerned about the safety of all who live in the subdivision.

“Not only do we fear for our safety, but also for our neighbors and our grandchildren,” Taff told the board Monday. “We have no idea who the renters are or their background. Are they vetted? Who vets them?”

Residents of the subdivision pay a lot in taxes to live where they do and should not have to pay the added expense of extra security, Taff said.

She gave an example of the risks.

“On Saturday, Aug. 12, the occupants of the Airbnb had access to a pontoon, which was owned by the homeowner. On numerous occasions the group in the boat went speeding by our home extremely close to our docks,” Taff said. “We yelled to slow down when they went flying by but they never did slow down. We had to get our grandchildren out of the water for fear they might get hit.”

Taff said on the next weekend there were problems with a large group having loud parties late into the evenings. On that weekend the state police had to be called when the renters refused Airbnb’s order to leave, she said.

The police officers said there were more than 12 occupants, some of them minors and many had been consuming alcohol, Taff told the board.

Resident Tom Nash said the Airbnb website advertises the property for up to 16 occupants. Nash questioned what will happen when there will be 16 snowmobiles ripping up the street on the way to the trails.

“I think that the board has to address some policy on this,” Nash said. “It is not going to get any better and it’s not anything negative against our neighbor, she did what she does, she is a businesswoman that is the fact of the matter.”

Township Superintendent Steve Mulka said the township is aware of short-term rentals starting up, but these were the first complaints he has heard.

“I have only had two inquiries, just about the legality of even having one in a residential district,” Mulka said.

Mulka went on to say that many communities have begun to regulate by percentage. He knows of communities that only allow 2% of available housing to be an Airbnb while others communities allow as much as 40% of available housing. Mulka also noted that many communities regulate short-term rentals by permit.

Mulka also informed those attending that there is currently legislation in the state that would take any control away from local governments, and he urged people to contact their legislators.

Township Supervisor Denny Olson said that the issues with the boats were probably out of the township’s jurisdiction and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources should be contacted if any more problems occur on the water.

Olson said the board will be looking into the matter. “We will work on this, you can rest assured but it might take some time,” he said.

Olson promised to keep residents informed and urged as many of them as possible attend future meetings.