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.

Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County, and City of Traverse City Office Closures

Monday, March 16, 2026 - due to inclement weather, Peninsula Township offices will be closed at least until 11:00 a.m. Please check back here for updates before coming into the office. Stay safe!
Delayed Opening for Grand Traverse County and City of Traverse City Offices  - Monday, March 16, 2026
Due to impending inclement weather expected to begin on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Grand Traverse County and City of Traverse City offices will delay opening until 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.
This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution to allow road conditions to improve and to help ensure the safety of employees and residents traveling to government facilities.
Officials will continue to monitor weather and road conditions throughout the morning, and adjustments to operations may be made if conditions warrant.
Emergency services and road maintenance operations will continue as normal. First responders, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical personnel, remain on duty, and road crews will continue working to monitor conditions and maintain safe travel routes throughout the community.
Residents are encouraged to use caution when traveling, allow extra time, and stay informed of weather conditions. Whenever possible, community members are also encouraged to limit non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Updates will be shared through the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County websites and social media channels. Grand Traverse County and the City of Traverse City appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we prioritize safety during this weather event for all community members.

Public Hearing Notices

​Township Board will hold the first public hearing for the fire special assessment district for the fiscal year 2026–2027 at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Peninsula Township Hall located at 13235 Center Road.
The property tax millage rates proposed to be levied to support the proposed budgets will be a subject of this hearing.
The Peninsula Township Fire Department is requesting up to 3 mills for fiscal year 2026–2027 for maintenance, equipment purchases, building upgrades, and operation of the department. A draft copy of the fire budget will be available for public inspection at the township offices after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 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 Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township general fund and special funds budget for the fiscal year 2026–2027 at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Peninsula Township Hall located at 13235 Center Road.
The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing.
A draft copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the township offices after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The budget will be considered for adoption following the hearing. 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 Board will hold the second public hearing for the fire special assessment district for fiscal year 2026–2027 during its special meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall located at 13235 Center Road.
The property tax millage rates proposed to be levied to support the proposed budgets will be the subject of this hearing.
The Peninsula Township Fire Department is requesting up to 3 mills for fiscal year 2026–2027 for maintenance, equipment purchases, building upgrades, and operation of the department. A draft copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the township office or on the township website at www.peninsulatownship.com (website opens in new tab) after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The budget will be considered for adoption following the hearing. 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.

​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)

Peninsula Township Fire Department Community Evaluation

Gathering Feedback to Enhance Local Emergency Services
  • The fire department is conducting a community survey to better understand residents' needs and concerns regarding fire safety and education. The survey is designed to collect feedback on the quality of services, public education efforts, and overall satisfaction with the department. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and suggest improvements for fire prevention programs and outreach activities.
  • The survey includes questions about how well the fire department communicates with the community, the effectiveness of fire safety campaigns, and any specific concerns residents may have about fire hazards in their neighborhoods. Responses will be used to help the department develop targeted initiatives, allocate resources more efficiently, and improve service delivery for everyone in the community.​​
All responses are confidential, and the survey can be completed online. The fire department appreciates the community's input and is committed to using the results to make meaningful changes that enhance safety and preparedness.
Please click here (website opens in new tab) to view the survey. Please by March 15, 2026.

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:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • 2026 Dates TBA 

​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.​​​
  • 2026 Dates TBA  

​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.
The CodeRED system will be used to send critical communications, from evacuation notices to missing child alerts. Sign up here (website opens in new tab)