A nearly year-old glamping resort near South Haven, Michigan, has become the focal point of a growing debate over noise levels and land use in Casco Township.
The resort, DayDreamer Domes, located off Blue Star Highway in Allegan County, offers dome-style accommodations and a lineup of wellness and music events.
As it begins its second summer in operation, it faces concerns from nearby residents about noise stemming from weekend events featuring live dance music.
At a special Casco Township meeting held Monday, June 3, township officials heard from both residents and supporters of the resort.
The meeting, initially scheduled to address an unrelated ordinance request for a now-canceled event, quickly turned into a broader discussion about the township’s current noise ordinance.
Officials said the ordinance, which caps sound at 63 decibels, is based on objective readings. However, residents are questioning whether the standard adequately addresses their concerns.
“We have sound meters that we keep on the back porch right here. And we go around the surrounding, you know perimeters of the area, and we make sure we’re underneath that 63 decibel, we don’t hit above that,” said DayDreamer Domes manager Kat Hoffman.
“Each staff member has walkie-talkies on them. So we say, ‘Hey, we need to go down. We need to go down.’”
Still, some residents reported that the volume of music is affecting their quality of life, claiming it causes headaches and disrupts peace in their homes.
“A concert and a DJ and constant thumping for a whole weekend for six to eight hours is the noise. You don’t get used to, it’s a noise I don’t get used to,” said local resident Lisa Abbott in a report by Wood TV.
Other attendees offered a contrasting view, noting that the venue is mindful of volume and expressing appreciation for the resort’s events. “Honestly, I danced up in the box where the music was behind the bass speaker, cause it wasn’t loud,” said Gina Johnson.
Hoffman emphasized the resort’s efforts to engage with the local community, stating, “Tuesdays are community days for us. So, we really do want to give back to the community too, because we wouldn’t be here without them.”
Township officials concluded the meeting by voting to form a committee tasked with reviewing and recommending potential changes to the existing noise ordinance.
Officials noted the committee would include both community members and representatives from local businesses, including DayDreamer Domes. Specific details about the structure and scope of the committee will be outlined in a future township meeting.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality industry, this case highlights the importance of proactive engagement with local regulations and nearby residents.
As glamping and experiential accommodations grow in popularity, balancing guest experiences with community expectations is emerging as a key operational challenge.
Resort operators may benefit from investing in monitoring tools, staff training, and community outreach to preemptively address concerns and ensure sustainable growth.