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 will hold the second public hearing for the Fire Special Assessment District and the Police Millage for the fiscal year 2025–2026 during its special meeting on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Peninsula Township Conference Room 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 2.6 mills for fiscal year 2025–2026 for maintenance, equipment purchases, building upgrades, and operation of the department. Peninsula Township is requesting .35 mills for fiscal year 2024–2025 to maintain operations for its community police officers. A draft copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the township office or on the township website. 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 a public hearing at their regular meeting on April 8, 2025, at 7:00 PM 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 5, 2025.
A copy of the proposed large event application may be examined at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI, 49686 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Written comments regarding this item may be submitted to the Peninsula Township Clerk, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 not later than 9:00AM on April 7, 2025.
If you are planning to attend this meeting and need reasonable auxiliary aids or services, contact the Peninsula Township Clerk at  231.223.7321 or [email protected].

Employment Opportunity - Planning & Zoning Administrator

Peninsula Township is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Planning and Zoning Administrator. This position will work closely with the Planner and staff to administer the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and the needs of the Township. The position works closely with the Planner to support the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals and supervise the code enforcement officer. This position will have the opportunity to truly impact the future development of the community.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year (4) college or university, and 1 – 3 years related experience and/or training in municipal planning or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of the principles of planning and zoning.
  • Knowledge of relevant specializations such as land use /zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation, or economic development.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as governmental regulations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, general business periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
  • Ability to effectively write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to attend to details while keeping the Township Master Plan in mind.
Wage range of $70,000 – $75,000, DOQE, with an excellent benefit package.
The workday schedule is Monday 7:30 am - 6:30 pm and Tuesday - Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm (Township offices are closed on Friday). This is a 40-hour-per-week position. Attendance at evening meetings is a requirement for the position.
Candidates will be reviewed upon receipt of the application with an application.  For questions, contact Maura Sanders, [email protected]. For more information, visit the zoning page (website opens in new tab) and click on "Planning & Zoning Administrator Job Description". 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, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

New Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Selection Round Opens

​Click here for the application and more information (website opens in new tab). Applications must be received by April 21, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

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

Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest/resumes for a part-time Code Enforcement Office. 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.

​Shoreline Regulation Education Session

​Peninsula Township Board has scheduled a special meeting for a Shoreline Regulation Education Session for April 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at St. Joseph's Church Hall, 12675 Center Road. This meeting will be available on YouTube as well.  This is a continuation of the Shoreline Regulation Study Group.  Representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay will be presenting and answering questions.

​Non-Motorized Transportation Planning is Now Underway

​Thanks to generous grant support from the DALMAC Fund and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund – Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles Program, Peninsula Township has begun a non-motorized transportation planning project to enhance safety, accessibility and mobility for non-motorized users.
Please click here to learn more about the planning process and opportunities for public engagement (website open in new tab).

​WOMP LAWSUIT COURT FILINGS (website opens in new tab)

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 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 10, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday May 15, 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday June 26, noon - 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday August 14, noon - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday September 13, 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.​​​
  • 2025 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)