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. The 2010 U.S. Census lists a population of 5,433.

Peninsula Township Offices Are Open

Township staff will be at the office during our normal business hours and are seeing residents by appointment. If you do not need to see a staff member, feel free to use the after-hours drop box out in front of the office to drop off anything you want to get to a staff member or use the Township Directory (directory opens in new tab) and then email the staff member you think will best be able to help you. Note: please contact the treasurer’s office for all property tax-related inquiries and the clerk’s office for election and cemetery inquiries.

Public Hearings

Zoning Board of Appeals - Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.:

ZBA #893 - Applicant & Owner: Walter F. Bell, 2117 Alta Ave., Louisville, KY 40205, Property Address: 1444 Linwood Ave., Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code # 28-11-565-508-00. Request:

Requesting a variance from the required fifteen (15) foot side yard setback on the southerly property line to a ten (10) side yard setback to construct a 144 square foot deck and a 195 square foot screened enclosed porch.
Requesting a variance from the required fifteen (15) percentage of lot coverage to 15.88% lot coverage.

Job Opportunity - Township Planner

Peninsula Township in Grand Traverse County is accepting applications for the position of Planning Director. Peninsula Township is a very unique northern Michigan community. It manages one of the first PDR programs in the nation and includes more than 40 miles of Great Lakes coastline. The Planning Director is responsible for a wide range of tasks including master plan development/updates, zoning updates, special use permits, community engagement, grant writing/administration, and planning coordination with adjacent jurisdictions and other government entities. This position requires strong communication and organizational skills and an ability to work effectively with others. A master's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is preferred but not required. Applicants must be able to demonstrate substantial years of experience in the aforementioned job skills and/or in related fields. AICP certification is preferred but not required. Please submit a cover letter and resume no later than Monday, May 31, 2021. More information is available by contacting the Peninsula Township Clerk at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Seeking Part-time Lighthouse Retail Assistant!

Need a reliable, retail-minded person with hospitality and people skills for up to 12 hours per week from mid-April through November. Some weekends and holidays will be required but hours are somewhat flexible. Pay is $14.00/hour. No benefits. Must be able to climb 37 steps a couple of times a day. Tasks include:

Helping schedule local volunteers to work on the keeper’s day off;
Assisting manager on keeper switch day;
Training volunteers to work in the gift shop and to perform light cleaning duties; and
Assisting manager with community events.

Please submit resume and references to Lighthouse Manager Ginger Schultz at missionpointlight@gmail.com.

Participate Old Mission

Peninsula Township recently launched a new public participation tool called Participate Old Mission. This tool provides a means to constructively share ideas, ask questions, and exchange thoughts. One component of this online platform is an opportunity to weigh in on topics relevant to updating the township master plan. Please take some time to explore this site and contribute your thoughts about the future of Peninsula Township. Visit https://participateoldmission.com (website opens in new tab) and check it out.

Winery Lawsuit Status from the Peninsula Township Attorney Gregory M. Meihn

March 3, 2021:
For those residents that are seeking information regarding the WOMP lawsuit, the demands, and other matters related to the lawsuit suit, please refer to our minutes of past Board meetings (website opens in a new tab) and legal updates at current Board meetings. Further, residents can view any documents at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, using case no. 20-CV-01008. If you request documents, feel free to contact the Board attorney, Gregory M. Meihn, at gmeihn@foleymansfield.com and he can provide you with the originally filed complaint and amended complaint.

Consider Giving Locally This Year to Peninsula Township's Restricted Capital Campaign Fund and Make a Difference Here at Home (website opens in a new tab)

Ordinance Draft (website opens in a new tab)

Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance DRAFT (05/17/2021) (opens in a new tab)
Draft Ordinance - Background, The Current Status, The Purpose of a Public Hearing and The Process Going Forward (opens in a new tab)

DTE Gas Renewal Project

The project will begin April 5 in the City of Traverse City. The yellow line where the new pipe and services will be installed. They will start at Front Street and Barlow and run east and north up Peninsula Drive. The project is expected to be completed by the end of July however most of the work on Peninsula Drive that would possibly impact traffic is expected to be completed by the end of June. General Questions: 616.551.2621 Restoration Concerns: 616.226.6913. A DTE representative is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. If calling after hours, leave a message and expect a return call within 2
business days. FAQ’s: www.dteenergy.com/gasrenewal (website opens in new tab).

Map indicating where the new pipe and services will be installed.

Quick Connect

Grand Traverse County Household Hazarded Waste & Scrap Tire Collection

(Sign up will be available online one month before each event.) Go to the Grand Traverse County Recycle Smart website (website opens in a new tab) to make an appointment.
Thursday, June 17, 1pm - 7pm
Thursday, August 12, 1pm - 7pm
Saturday, Sept., 18, 9am - 2pm
Thursday, October 14, 1pm - 7pm

The Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery Department (RecycleSmart) will be conducting Scrap Tire Collection Events in 2021.

There is a limit to how many tires they can accept per event so you must call the Resource Recovery Department, 231-995-6075, to schedule your appointment.

June 17, 2021

Donation of Development Rights

The Township's DDR program may be a great option for you!
Contact Randy Mielnik, Planner, at 231-223-7314 if you are interested in more information.

sandy beach with wave pattern on East Bay