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.

​Public Hearings

Joint Peninsula Township Board & Planning Commission Special Meeting - Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.: 
  • Proposed adoption of amendments to the Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance related to Farm Processing Facilities and Winery-Chateaus: 
    The Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1972. There have been 200 approved amendments to date. Proposed amendments include:
    • Removing the Winery-Chateau use under Sections 6.7.3(22), 8.7.2(11) and 8.7.3(10); 
    • Updating the Farm Processing Facility as a use by right under Section 6.7.2(19);
    • Adding new uses for Retail Farm Processing Facilities that are approvable with a Special Use Permit under Sections 6.7.3(22), 8.7.2(11) and 8.7.3;
    • Modifying Section 3.2 – Definitions as they pertain to Farm Processing Facilities and Winery Chateaus;
    • Modifying Section 7.6.3(9) – Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements by removing Winery-Chateaus and adding requirements for Farm Processing Facilities, and
    • Updating the Table of Contents as appropriate for all proposed amendments.  
Township Board Regular Meeting - Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.: Planning Commission - Monday, August 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.:
  • Special Use Permit (SUP) #142 – Cooley Bed and Breakfast, involves a new Bed & Breakfast establishment consisting of the rental of three bedrooms with a maximum capacity of eight persons to be operated within the existing home of the applicant. Property Location: 6901 Mission Ridge, Traverse City, MI 49686. Parcel ID#: 28-11-031-005-10.

Zoning Board of Appeals - Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.:
  • ZBA #903 - Applicant & Owner: John C. Ansted Sr. Trust, 10215 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: Kroupa Rd., Traverse City, MI 49686:
  1. Requesting a variance from the required sixty (60) foot setback from the ordinary high water line to a fifty (50) foot setback from the ordinary high water line in order to construct a single family residence w/ an attached garage. Parcel Code # 28-11-108-001-02.
  • ZBA #904 - Applicant & Owner:  Joshua B. & Lesli-Anne D. Humphrey, 1101 Elmer Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 1101 Elmer Drive, Traverse City, MI 49686:
  1.  Requesting a variance from the required thirty-five (35) foot front yard setback to a thirty-three (33) foot front yard setback in order to construct a 38’x30’ garage attached by a breezeway.Parcel Code # 28-11-008-021-55

Grand Traverse County Unofficial August 2, 2022 Election Results (website open in new tab).

Peninsula Township Unofficial Results of the August 2, 2022, PDR Vote:

​Precinct 1
Yes: 394
No: 264
AVCB 1
Yes: 624
No: 314
Precinct 2
Yes: 382
No: 162
AVCB 2
Yes: 668
No: 197

​New ISO rating effective 09-01-2022

Dear Town Board,
I am writing to you in reference to the fire departments Insurance Service Office rating for Peninsula Township.  Ratings are scored on a 1 to 10 basis with 10 being the worst.  The current rating for us is a 3 in the south end where there are fire hydrants, a 5 in the middle of the township to from 1000 feet north of a fire hydrant to 5 road miles from fire station number 1 and a 10 outside of the 5 road miles from station #1.  
Effective September 1, 2022, the rating will change.  The new rating is a 3 in the hydrant areas and a 4 outside of 1000 feet of a hydrant in the south all the way north to the tip of the township.  The only area that will be a 10 would be if a structure was more than 5 road miles from a fire station, which I believe will not be the case for any residents or structures in our township.  This will be a significant savings for residents, depending on their insurance carrier, who had a rating of 10 prior to September 1, 2022.
Residents should call their insurance carrier and inquire about the new rating as of September 1, 2022.  The fire department has been working very hard to improve our service and lower our rating.  The above ratings are a testament to the hard work we have put in and the support of the community to fund the needed improvements. The department is dedicated to continue improving all our services.  If any residents have a question about their rating, please contact the fire department.
Thank you again to the board and residents for their support.  We look forward to continuing to serve our community. 
Respectfully,
Fire Chief Fred Gilstorff

Traverse City Triathlon - Sunday, August 21st

The Olympic and sprint-distance races start in the calm, clean waters of Bowers Harbor on West Grand Traverse Bay for a looped swim. The bike courses point athletes past picturesque orchards and vineyards and over a few tough climbs. Heading out on the run, racers follow Neahtawanta Road along the water before turning up a dirt road into the Pyatt Nature Preserve. Athletes then return to the pavement for the final stretch to the finish line at Bowers Harbor Park, visit their website (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.
Pay property taxes (website opens in new tab)

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, August 11th
  • Saturday, September 17th

​The Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery Department (RecycleSmart) will be conducting Scrap Tire Collection Events in 2022. 

Appointments are required and can be made by calling the Resource Recovery Department, 231-995-6075 to schedule your appointment.​​
  • Sunday, September 18, 2022

​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.