Welcome to Peninsula Township

​​The Old Mission Peninsula is perhaps Michigan's most unique and scenic township. Unlike the typical six-mile by six-mile-square township, the Old Mission Peninsula is finger-like in shape, projecting approximately 16 miles into Grand Traverse Bay. The township varies from one to three miles in width and encompasses approximately 42 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. Peninsula Township was founded February 3, 1853. The 2020 U.S. Census lists a population of 6,068.

Public Hearing Notices

Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing at their regular meeting on May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, (231) 223-7322, on the following application for a large event:
  1. Large Event Application submitted by the Festival Foundation for the Festival of Races to be held on private property and public roads on Saturday July 11, 2026.
A copy of the proposed large event application may be examined here (website open in new tab). Written communications regarding this item may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Clerk, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, no later than 9:00 AM on May 11, 2026. 
Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Peninsula Township Clerk, Becky Chown as soon as possible at [email protected], 231.223.7321, or 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.
TOWNSHIP OF PENINSULA 
Becky Chown 
Peninsula Township Clerk 
Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at their special meeting on May 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 231.223.7318. The following applications will be heard:
  1. Request No. 929: Applicant & Property Owner: Russ Knopp, 12000 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 12000 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-440-024-00. Requesting a variance to allow 4 ft wide stairs in the waterfront setback and floodplain.  The ordinance allows for up to 3 ft stairs (boardwalks) to be located in the setback and floodplain.
  2. Request No. 930: Applicant & Property Owner: Richard & Dianne Frank, 7215 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 7215 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-325-036-00. Requesting a variance to allow reconstruction and reconfiguration of a deck in the waterfront and side setbacks.  The deck is proposed to be located 25 ft from the ordinary high-water mark and 2 ft from the side property line.  The ordinance requires a 60 ft setback from the ordinary high-water mark and 15 ft from the side property line.
  3. Request No. 932: Applicant & Property Owner: Zuri & Rachel Betz, 2088 Phelps Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 2088 Phelps Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-109-029-04. Requesting a variance to allow the replacement of a damaged, non-conforming structure with a new deck pursuant to Section 6.2.2(2)(d). The applicant is also requesting approval for a covering over the new deck in the same location and of a smaller size than the previously covered deck, which is currently in disrepair. The variance is requested due to the existing non-conforming location within the required setback, which prevents reconstruction in compliance with current ordinance standards.
Please be advised that the public may appear at the hearing in person or by counsel. A copy of the variance applications may be viewed on the Township website at here (website opens in new tab). Written comments may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Planning and Zoning Department at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 15, 2026. If you are planning to attend the meeting and require any special assistance, please notify the Planning and Zoning Department at 231.223.7318.

​Grand Traverse County Road Commission Road Work

Starting Monday, May 4, 2026:
  • Blue Water Road, US31 to Bluff Road – Wedging
  • Old Mission Road, Peninsula Drive to US31 – Wedging 
*Contractor crews will be working on road wedging.
*Work will take place between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. All work is weather dependent.
*Traffic will be maintained by flaggers.
*Please expect delays.
​Contact Dan Watkins, Manager, 231.922.4848 extension 229 or [email protected] with any questions. Do you wonder what wedging is, check out this YouTube video from the Grand Traverse County Road Commission (website opens in new tab).

Peninsula Township Fire Department Conducting Fire Hydrant Flow Testing

For the month of May crews will be conducting hydrant testing on the south end of the township. Please be mindful and give crews space as you pass them and give them a friendly wave! This testing is a requirement for ISO ratings and also ensures we get the flow out of the hydrants that we need for fires.
Residents on municipal water may notice intermittent water pressure decrease and debris in water. This is normal, run your water until the debris runs clean. 
Please direct questions or concerns to Fred Gilstorff at 231.463.0330.

​​Non-Motorized Transportation Planning Online Survey

Help shape the Peninsula Township non-motorized plan for safer and more connected streets and pathways for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers. The survey is open until May 10 at PeninsulaFeedback.com (website opens in new tab). For more information about the non-motorized planning, check out their webpage (website opens in new tab). Please direct questions to Becky Chown at ​[email protected].

​Peninsula Township Announces Boardwalk Construction at 
Pelizzari Natural Area

Summary: Peninsula Township will begin the first stage of a boardwalk construction in the popular hemlock wing of Pelizzari Natural Area beginning the week of April 20th with completion expected by the beginning of June.
Dates, location, and contact: April 20th through early June at Pelizzari Natural Area on Center Road of Old Mission Peninsula/Peninsula Township. For media inquiries, please contact parks chairperson Dave Murphy at 231.313.5177.
Pelizzari Natural Area on the east side of Center Road on Old Mission Peninsula is among the Traverse City Area’s top hiking destinations. The hemlock wing of the park is its most popular feature, and a successful “Hope for Hemlocks” fundraising effort will pay for a necessary boardwalk to preserve the keystone species within the park.
Construction begins the week of April 20th and is expected to conclude by early June. There will be trail disruption during construction with barriers placed for the protection of hikers. Please comply with the suggested precautions.
The park will be closed for one day during construction for the primary delivery of boardwalk materials. Please check the township’s website for the precise date of closure as well as other updates at peninsulatownship.com.
The preservation campaign began nearly three years ago when it became clear that the hemlocks were literally being “loved to death” with so much foot traffic that sensitive roots were being damaged. The township applied a portion of its ARPA funds and secured significant grants from the Huckle Family Foundation, the Thomas Family Foundation, the Tim and Libby Ash Foundation, the Oleson Foundation, the Biederman Family Foundation, the Traverse City Track Club, and the Schmuckal Family Foundation. The balance of funding was provided by generous donations of hundreds of individuals.
As always, Peninsula Township also thanks the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for its partnership in preserving Pelizzari Natural Area and ongoing support in the park’s management.
As the project approaches completion, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be announced.

​Employment Opportunity – Part-time Peninsula Township Code Enforcement Officer

Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest/resumes for a part-time Code Enforcement Officer. Appointee must be available nights and weekends. This position is for 15 hours maximum per week. Click here to view the job description (website opens in new tab). Contact Maura Sanders, supervisor, at [email protected] or 231.223.7323. Please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Becky Chown, township clerk, at [email protected] or by mail to 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Township Meetings Streaming on YouTube

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​Most township meetings held at the township hall are streamed live on the township's YouTube channel (website opens in a new tab) and are available for viewing for 30 days after they are held.

Quick Connect

New Interactive Zoning Map

Searchable Interactive Zoning Map (website opens in tab)

Grand Traverse County Household Hazardous Waste

Sign up is available one month before each event.  Go to the Grand Traverse County Recycle Smart website (website opens in new tab) for details on how to make an appointment.​​ Schedule:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 
  • Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. 
  • Thursday, June 25, 2020,  1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 13, 2026, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.  
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

​The Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery Department (RecycleSmart) will be conducting Scrap Tire Collection Events. 

Appointments are required and can be made by calling the Resource Recovery Department, 231-995-6075 to schedule your appointment.​​​
  • Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Scheduling opens August 2026

​Donation of Development Rights​

The Township's DDR program may be a great option for you! 
Contact the Planner at 231.223.7314 if you are interested in more information.

Grand Traverse County is Changing from CodeRED to "Grand Traverse Alert"

Effective immediately, CodeRED is changing to "Grand Traverse Alert" utilize these links: As Grand Traverse County is always trying to improve how they can effectively send emergency alerts and notifications to their citizens and visitors, Grand Traverse County has transitioned to a new system called Grand Traverse Alert. This system is a game changer in their ability to issue emergency alerts and notifications.
One of the major upgrades is the ability for a citizen to now register any Special Accessibility Needs which Grand Traverse County can then display in an emergency situation to better get them assistance. For example, if there are widespread power outages, Grand Traverse County can see on a map all citizens that registered they have home oxygen or are wheelchair bound or need dialysis. Grand Traverse County could then ensure messaging to assist them more expediently.
Grand Traverse County also has the ability to send out the alerts in approximately 105 different languages.