Peninsula Township Employee Conference Call Workshop Meeting:  Click HERE for details.

COVID-19 Closures:
Peninsula Township Offices are closed until further notice.  Township emails are being monitored remotely. Link HERE for a directory and then email the staff member you think will best be able to help you.

Peninsula Township Fire Department has closed all of its fire stations to the public for the foreseeable future. The fire chief is asking that all business, with the exception of emergencies, be done by phone. Click HERE for more details.
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All Peninsula Township parks and natural areas remain open. If you visit them, please keep the required social distance from other people, and please remember to pick up after your pet! Also, please be aware that the hand sanitizer and toilet paper have disappeared, so bring your own! Finally, ​all play structures are closed until further notice as we are unable to disinfect them.

Make your vote count without going to the polls: vote absentee! With August and November elections right around the proverbial corner and the global pandemic continuing to spread, Peninsula Township is urging all registered voters who aren't already on the permanent absentee voter (AV) list to email clerk Becky Chown at clerk@peninsulatownship.com to ask to be placed on this list. All registered voters who are on this list will receive an application and ballot by mail. 

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information - By now you've received a great deal of information about COVID-19, and with the situation changing very rapidly at times, we recommend that you consider the following four sources for your primary sources of information:
  1. Grand Traverse County updates: http://gtchd.org/2231/COVID-19-Novel-Coronavirus
  2. Munson Healthcare updates: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/community-health/immunizations/coronavirus/about-the-coronavirus 
  3. State of Michigan updates: www.michigan.gov/coronavirus
  4. National updates: http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19 
Each of these sites will point you to the MOST UP-TO-DATE and ACCURATE INFORMATION on the situation. As soon as something new is learned about the virus or the situation, it is added to the online guidance information referenced on these three sites. This makes these websites your best source for what steps can be taken to protect your business and your community.  Here is a link to the latest Interim Recommendations to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 that was provided by Governor Whitmer for our state of Michigan.

American Waste - At this time all regular operations are going to run uninterrupted for the compactor station as well as for curbside pickup.
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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 2010 U.S. Census lists a population of 5,433.

Public Hearings:
None at this time
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​Peninsula Township Community Survey Results – Full Report
       In late 2019, Peninsula Township conducted a survey of township residents.  This survey included both a random phone survey of residents and an online version.  The random phone survey was aimed provided a random sample of 200 residents.  The online survey, with identical questions, was offered to reach all residents and stakeholders.  Post cards (about 3,800) were sent to unique residential addresses appearing on the Secretary of State’s qualified voter file were augmented with addresses supplied by the township assessor’s office.  
     The survey results provide and updated understanding of how residents view important issues facing Peninsula Township.  Survey results are already being used to guide steps to update the Township Master Plan.  Click HERE for the complete report of survey findings.

DRAFT ORDINANCE  - Peninsula Township has prepared a comprehensive update to its zoning ordinance.  This update amends the ordinance from cover to cover focusing on user friendliness, organization and clarity. A planning commission committee was formed several years ago. Work proceeded during many meetings with the help of a planning consultant.  Existing zoning requirements are reorganized, zoning terms are more extensively defined, requirements are linked to related material, language is clarified, and additional and improved graphics now better illustrate complicated thoughts. As extensive as this update is however, it does not deal with several involved and complicated planning and zoning issues. For example, topics such as updates to the regulation of wineries, short-term rentals, waterfront access have been set aside for now as we address related regulatory issues. 
     The planning commission is seeking comments on the current draft provided at the link below. The public is invited to be a partner in the steps going forward to make sure we have a solid document to serve as a solid foundation for future amendments.  Formal public hearings will be held as this process moves forward. However, at this point written comments are encouraged by April 6, 2020. Comments can be on any topic or issue and may emailed to planner@peninsulatownship.com. The Planning Commission will consider all comments received at its meeting on April 15, 2020, make necessary changes and consider next steps forward.      
     Click HERE to view the 01-27-20 DRAFT OF THE PENINSULA TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE
     Click HERE to view the March 2020 DRAFT Zoning Map

Bluff Road Closure - Click HERE to read the details from the Grand Traverse County Road Commission.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (formally known as DEQ) is expediting shoreline erosion permits for homes threatened by high lake levels.  Click HERE for more details.  Be sure to check in with the Peninsula Township Zoning Administrator Christina Deeren (231-223-7318 or zoning@peninsulatownship.com) to see if you need a land use permit before starting your project.  Click HERE to view the Minor Project Categories (MP49, page 37) and revised policy and procedure WRD-008 – Part 353 Activities Not Constituting a Use (#13, page 3), related to the use of sand bags along the Great Lakes and Critical Dune Areas, respectively.  Both were revised and issued on November 15, 2019, from this point forward, an EGLE permit is required for the placement of sand bags along the Great Lakes shoreline.  The policy and procedure will be posted soon; the Minor Project Categories and a new Frequently Asked Questions document are available online via:  www.Michigan.gov/HighWater.  Click HERE to November 15, 2019 EGLE press release.
     Erosion and periods of high and low water are natural processes along the Great Lakes Shoreline.   The sand that forms our beautiful beaches and sandy nearshore areas, originally eroded from the bluffs and dunes along the lakes.  The first thing property owners should consider is moving threatened man-made structures further landward.  Moving structures back is healthier for the Great Lakes than hardening the shoreline, and will create a natural buffer from shoreline erosion.   It also often costs less than the construction and maintenance of permanent shore protection.  There are professional structure movers experienced in relocating structures a safer distance from the shoreline.  A list of contractors that specialize in this type of work can be found at Michigan.gov/HighWater.   A permit to move the structure is required from EGLE’s Water Resources Division if the property is in a designated High Risk Erosion Area or a Critical Dune Area.
     Hardening of the shoreline with permanent shore protection, such as sea walls and stone riprap, can negatively affect neighboring properties and has long-term negative consequences for the Great Lakes.   However, it may be necessary in some cases to protect a homes and critical infrastructure.  If permanent shore protection structures are necessary, they should be designed by a qualified professional to minimize adverse impacts to neighboring properties and coastal natural resources.  Information on different shore protection types can be found under the heading “Living on the Coast” on EGLE’s Great Lakes High Water Levels webpage, Michigan.gov/HighWater.   A permit is required from EGLE’s Water Resources Division and from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for shoreline protection projects.   An expedited permit category for Riprap Shoreline Protection that avoids and minimizes impacts is available to assist applicants in applying for the joint EGLE/USACE permit.


Complete the form below if you would like Peninsula Township's Community Police Officer, Virnell France, to check your property while you are away.  Include in the comment box the dates you will be gone and any special instructions.  You will receive an email confirmation when your email is received.  Please contact Virnell at 231-223-4525 with any questions or concerns.:

    Law Enforcement Property Check - please see instructions above in red.

Quick Connect

Grand Traverse County Household Hazarded Waste 2020 dates:
(Sign up will be available online one month before each event.)  Appointments are required.
  • Thursday, May 14th
  • Thursday, June 18th
  • Thursday, August 6th
  • Saturday, September 26th
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Donation of Development Rights
The Township's DDR program may be a great option for you! Contact Randy Mielnik, Planner, at 231-223-7314 if you are interested in more information. The application is available HERE 
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Fire Prevention Tips: 
  • Check your smoke detectors monthly by simply pressing the test button.
  • Click HERE for tips to keep your home safe.
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