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 2020 U.S. Census lists a population of 6,068.

Peninsula Township Offices Closure Notice

Peninsula Township offices are closed Thursday, April 6, 2023 in observance of Good Friday.

Public Hearing Notices

Township Board - Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. a public hearing will be held on the following application for special use permit:
  • Special Use Permit (SUP) #35, Amendment #2 – OMP Seven Hills Development LLC, involving a request to expand the capacity of the whiskey and coffee bar from 32 to 70. The increased capacity includes outdoor seating. In addition, they would also like to utilize space outdoors for gathering, games and other activities. Outdoor uses may utilize amplified sound. PROPERTY LOCATION: 13795 Seven Hills Road, Traverse City, MI 49686. PARCEL ID#: 28-11-128-002-00. A copy of the proposed special use permit application may be examined at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Written comments regarding this item may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Planning Department, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 not later than 9:00 a.m. on April 5, 2023. 
Township Board and Planning Commission - will conduct a joint public hearing at a joint meeting of the Township Board and Planning Commission concerning the adoption of amendments to the Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance related to Roadside Stands in the A-1 Agricultural district (website opens in new tab) at the Township Board’s regular meeting on Tuesday April 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, (231) 223-7314. 
The Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1972. There have been 202 approved amendments to date. Proposed amendments include:
  • Changing the name of the use currently described as a Roadside Stand to Farm Stand; 
  • Removing the definition of Roadside Stand and replacing it with the definition of Farm Stand under Section 3.2 - Definitions;
  • Amending the regulations under Section 6.7.2.(8) for Farm Stands in the A-1 – Agricultural district to be consistent with the Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices (GAAMPs) for Farm Markets prepared by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting. If you are unable to attend, written comments may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Planning Department, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 not later than 9:00 a.m. on April 5, 2023.

Employment Opportunity - Planning and Zoning Administrator

​Peninsula Township seeks an energetic, committed individual for the position of Planning and Zoning Administrator. A bachelor’s degree in planning and AICP certification is preferred but not required. This individual will work under the Director of Planning and Zoning to assist with a myriad of tasks, including the following:
  • Review proposals for special use permits and site plan review for conformance with codes, plans and regulations.
  • Evaluate land use permit applications, including site plans, surveys, and outside agency permits to efficiently issue permits that meet the requirements of the Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance and local, state, and federal laws. 
  • Assists the Land Division Review Committee in processing and reviewing land division applications.
  • Answer inquiries regarding the zoning ordinance, practices, policies, and procedures; administer its provisions; and conduct field evaluations and assessments.
  • Draft correspondence, conformance letters, notices of violation, memos, charts, tables, graphs, and business plans as needed.
  • Maintain records in accordance with the township’s records retention policies.
  • Assist with the implementation of programs and activities in conjunction with the township’s planning goals. 
  • Work with the Code Enforcement Officer to investigate complaints and recommend appropriate corrective measures. 
  • Act as staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
  • Evaluate variance applications to ensure the ZBA has the information needed to make decisions.
  • Support the Parks Committee.
  • Participate in meetings and special projects.
A complete description of the position can be found in the Documents section under Zoning ​(website opens in new tab
or Planning tabs ​(website opens in new tab). If you have questions, please email the township clerk at clerk@peninsulatownship.com. Deadline to apply is May 20, 2023.

Request for Proposals for Administration of the Purchase of Development Rights Program

Peninsula Township is soliciting sealed bids to award a contract to assist the Director of Planning with the administration of the Purchase of Development Rights Program as outlined in Ordinance #23, Amendment #3. Program administration includes; oversight of the process for the selection and prioritization of eligible lands, negotiation of conservation easements, closing, annual monitoring and assistance with enforcement. Assistance with public education and outreach will also be important. All monitoring shall comply with the Land Trust Alliance Standards as amended. Issue Date: February 28, 2023. Bid Deadline: April 25, 2023, 5 p.m. Bids Opened: Immediately after deadline on April 25, 2023 in the Peninsula Township  Office Conference Room, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.  
Program Coordinator: Jenn Cram, Director of Planning planner@peninsulatownship.com or 231.223.7314.

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

​Grand Traverse County Road Commission
Road Issues

​Go to the Grand Traverse County Road Commission website: https://www.gtcrc.org/ (website opens in new tab) and click "Report a Problem" to open the Grand Traverse County Road Commission Citizen Problem Reporter Web Application and report an issue that needs GTCRC attention.

Grand Traverse County Household Hazardous Waste

(Sign up will be available online one month before each event.)  Go to the Grand Traverse County Recycle Smart website (website opens in new tab) to make an appointment.​​ Schedule:​​​​​
  • Thursday, April 13, 2023
  • Thursday, May 11, 2023
  • Thursday, June 22, 2023
  • Thursday, August 10, 2023
  • Saturday, September 16, 2023

​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.​​
  • Thursday, May 11, 2023

​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.