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.

​Avian Flu Detected in a Seagull found at Haserot Beach

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Disease Laboratory tested a seagull taken from Haserot Beach that tested positive for Avian Flu. For more information about Avian Flu visit the MDARD website (website opens in new tab).

Public Hearing Notices

Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at their regularly scheduled meeting on June 17, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686  231.223.7314. The following applications will be heard:
Request No. 923, Zoned R1-C - Applicant: CF Campbell, JML Design Group, Ltd., 225 E. 16th St, Ste. B, Traverse City, MI 49684, Property Owner: Acmepen One, LLC, 10602 Bluff Road, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 10602 Bluff Road, Traverse City, MI 49686,Parcel Code #28-11-625-009-50
Request:
  1. Requesting a variance under Section 7.5.6 of the Zoning Ordinance to replace a single-family dwelling.
  2. Requesting a 25-foot variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a single-family dwelling in the road right of way and within the required 25-foot front yard setback.
  3. Requesting a 14 ft 5 inch variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a single-family dwelling within the required 15-foot side yard setback.
  4. Requesting a 58-foot variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a single-family dwelling within the required 60-foot ordinary high water mark setback.
  5. Requesting a variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a single-family dwelling exceeding the maximum required lot coverage of 25 percent to allow for 40 percent lot coverage.
  6.  Requesting a variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to replace a legally nonconforming single-family residence on a lot which does not meet the minimum required lot size of 20,000 square feet or 100 feet in width.
  7. Requesting a variance from Section 7.4 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a new 1,610 sq ft single family dwelling in the floodplain.
Request No. 924, Zoned R1-C - Applicant: DRF Services LLC, 1807 Perry’s Loop, Traverse City, MI 49685, Property Owner: Carrie and Matt Currie, 16330 Shannon Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95032, Property Address: 6536 East Shore Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-031-013-12
Request:
  1. Requesting a variance under Section 7.5.6 of the Zoning Ordinance to replace a retaining wall below the ordinary high water mark.
  2. Requesting a 60-foot variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a retaining wall within and below the required 60-foot ordinary high water mark setback.
  3. Requesting a 25-foot variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance to construct a retaining wall and stairway within the required 25-foot front yard setback.
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 on the Township website (website opens 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 June 10, 2025.

​Ready, Set, Survey!

​Peninsula Township will soon be undertaking a township-wide survey — and we want your feedback to be as informed and impactful as possible. This survey is a vital opportunity for residents to weigh in on the big decisions shaping our community’s future, from land use and agritourism to shoreline management and township governance.
Before taking the survey, we encourage you to review these background materials, which offer valuable insights into the key issues facing the township (website open in new tab).
Upcoming Survey Committee meetings: Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 6:00 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.

​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).
June 24, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Non-Motorized Transportation Planning Community Workshop, 2699 Island View Road.
Peninsula Township is in the beginning stages of creating a Non-Motorized Transportation Plan—a vision to improve safety and connectivity throughout the township and region for all road users, including farmers, residents, and visitors, whether walking, biking, or driving.
Join us at Old Mission Peninsula School Gymnasium for a Community Workshop to share your thoughts, explore ideas, and help set priorities for non-motorized infrastructure and safer streets across the peninsula.​

​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 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:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • 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)