Cities and towns would face limits on Lake Michigan beach parking fees

Cities and towns would have to meet two safety conditions to charge for parking, unless the older debt exception applies. This covers city or town owned parking lots on their Lake Michigan park beach property. A qualified lifeguard must be on duty whenever the beach is open for swimming, and rescue gear must be installed at any city or town pier or public access site on Lake Michigan. The fee conditions do not apply while obligations taken on before July 1, 2026, that the city or town pays or pledged to pay from parking fees remain unpaid. The proposed fee rule would start July 1, 2026.

Cities and towns could not use or promise these parking fees to pay later financial obligations. The fees come from city or town owned parking lots on Lake Michigan park beach property. The restriction covers bonds, leases, and other payment obligations taken on after June 30, 2026. The proposed restriction would start July 1, 2026.