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 Offices Closure

Peninsula Township offices are closed Monday, February 16, 2026 - Presidents’ Day.

Public Hearing Notices

The Peninsula Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at a special meeting on February 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Rd, Traverse City MI, 49686, on Ordinance No. 206, the Peninsula Township Shoreline Zoning Ordinance Amendment (the “Shoreline Ordinance Amendment”) to the Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance, to, among other things, regulate uses related to the land and shoreline along Grand Traverse Bay. 
The Shoreline Ordinance Amendment contains and amends the following sections, which are summarized below: Section 1: Findings; Section 2: Amendment to Section 3.2., Definitions; Amendment to Section 6.2.2., Uses Permitted by Right in Residential Districts; Section 4: Amendment to Section 6.7.2., Uses Permitted by Right in the A-1 District; Section 5: Amendment to Section 7.4.1 Intent and Purpose (Great Lakes Shoreland Regulations); Section 6: Amendment to Section 7.4.2., Shared Waterfront Ownership; Section 7: Severability; Section 8: Effective Date; Section 9: Repeal.  
A copy of the Shoreline Ordinance Amendment can be found here (website opens in new tab). Written comments may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Planning Department at [email protected] or 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, no later than 12:00 p.m. on February 4, 2026 or at the meeting. Oral comments may also be made at the public hearing. If you are planning to attend the meeting and require any special assistance, please notify the Planning and Zoning Department at 231.223.7318.
Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at their regular meeting on February 17, 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:
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.
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 here (website open 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 February 17, 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

​Peninsula Township Requests for Proposal
for Municipal Sites for Lawn Care
and General Maintenance

Peninsula Township is soliciting sealed bids to award a service contract for the lawn care and general maintenance of specified municipal sites. Bid Deadline: March 2, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST
Project Coordinator: Becky Chown, Township Clerk, 231.223.7321. Click here (website opens in new tab) to view the RFP document.

RFP for Toilet Cleaning in Peninsula Township Parks

Peninsula Township is soliciting sealed bids to award a service contract for cleaning and maintaining toilet facilities at specified municipal sites (see map at end of RFP). By responding to this invitation, the bidder agrees to perform as per the terms and conditions set forth herein. Bid Deadline: March 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST. Project Coordinator: Maura Sanders, Township Supervisor, 231.223.7323. ​Click here (website opens in new tab) to view the RFP document.

​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.
Pay property taxes by clicking on Pay Tax Bills button above (website opens in new tab).

Quick Connect

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)