Jason and Shannon Steinebach, owners of lakefront property at 4552 East Shore Drive on Green Lake, have filed a civil lawsuit in Allegan County Circuit Court against Leighton Township. The complaint, filed on May 22, 2026 (Case No. 26-72096-CZ), challenges the validity and selective enforcement of Ordinance No. 2025-12-11-RV, which regulates camping trailers and recreational vehicles on private property.
The lawsuit alleges that the ordinance was improperly adopted in violation of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, that it has been selectively and retaliatorily enforced against the Steinebachs while similarly situated properties have not been cited, and that the Township has engaged in a pattern of misconduct including violations of the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. The complaint also raises constitutional claims under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, including First Amendment retaliation and equal protection violations under a “class of one” theory.
The Summons and Complaint are scheduled to be served on Leighton Township today, June 4, 2026. A Motion for Preliminary Injunction is currently pending before the Honorable Mathew Antkoviak.
In addition, the Steinebachs have prepared a federal complaint that is expected to be filed in the near future.
“This is about fundamental property rights and fair treatment under the law,” said Jason Steinebach. “We were singled out for enforcement while others were not, and we were cut off from any meaningful communication with Township officials when we tried to resolve the issues.”
The Steinebachs are representing themselves in the state court action and are preparing to move forward with both the state and anticipated federal claims.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
