Riviera Home Owners Association

News

Rental Properties in Riviera

Posted on Jun 16th, 2024

Homeowners who rent their property must abide by New Buffalo Township short term rental ordinance, as must the people who rent the property. The New Buffalo Township website provides short term rental information, including:

The short term rental requirements include the following:

Parking spots must be at least nine feet wide and 19 feet long.
No street parking is permitted.
Occupants not to exceed four (4) persons per bedroom...In no case shall the maximum total occupancy for any dwelling unit exceed the occupancy limits permitted.
The maximum occupancy, along with good house rules/guest guide, shall remain posted. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the renters are aware of these...
Rentals must comply with township and/or ordinances regarding noise, smoke, dust, litter, odor, burn, and solid waste collection.
Rentals may use township inspection checklist as a guideline for compliance.
Any violation of this ordinance is a municipal civil infraction...The township specifically reserves the right to proceed in any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaining an injunction, restraining order or other appropriate remedy to compel compliance with this ordinance. The violator shall pay costs which may include all expenses, direct and indirect, which the Township incurs...

Rental guests must comply with all township ordinances, including the Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance and the Fireworks Ordinance. The Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance NO. 690720 in general states, "No person, firm, or corporation shall cause or create any unreasonable or improper noise or disturbance, injurious to the health, peace and quiet of the residents and property owners of the Township of New Buffalo."

For violations of the Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance, the RHOA Board has communicated with the Township Supervisor and the Sheriff's Department to compile suggested courses of action :

Talk to the neighbor or rental people in person
Call the homeowner
Call the Berrien County Sheriff Patrol: Non-Emergency (866) 630-7679
Document the incident and send an email to both Lt. Ryan Sullivan (Rsulliva@berriencounty.org) and Michelle Heit, New Buffalo Township Supervisor (mheit@newbuffalotownship.org).

In the left column of this Riviera HOA website is a link to guidelines for Visitors & Renters. Homeowners are encouraged to include a PDF version in the requisite Guest Book. While you enjoy the amenities the region has to offer, please respect the neighbors who reside all around you.