Residents urge Holland to prioritize enforcement of modified-vehicle exhausts, propose stronger local penalties

HOLLAND, Mich. — A resident who said he has been collecting accounts from downtown visitors and neighbors told the Holland City Council on Dec. 3 that modified-vehicle exhausts are degrading downtown livability and require immediate prioritization by the police department and code enforcement.

Steven Willard identified himself as a resident of Holland Charter Township and told the council he has spoken to dozens of residents, college students and an on-duty Holland City firefighter who encouraged him to press for enforcement. Willard said state law (Michigan vehicle code section 257.707(c)) sets limits and prohibits certain muffler modifications but that enforcement in Holland City is inconsistent.

"The community is telling you we want enforcement," Willard said, urging the council to direct the Holland City Police Department and code enforcement to make modified-exhaust enforcement an ongoing priority. He proposed the city collaborate with Holland Charter Township and the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office on a unified standard and asked the council to enact a local noise ordinance that would supplement state law with escalated penalties of $250, $500 and $1,000 for repeat offenders; he said the state cap is $100.

Willard also asked for regular public reporting on enforcement actions and said he would return in spring with comprehensive data and policy recommendations.

Mayor Box and staff noted the five-minute public-comment limit; staff interjected when Willard's time elapsed. No immediate council action was taken on his request during the meeting.

What's next: Willard said he will return with data and proposals in the spring. Council members did not commit to a schedule for staff to draft a supplemental noise ordinance during the meeting.