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 July 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Township Hall, 13235 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 (231) 223-7314. The following application will be heard:
Request No. 924, 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.
Request No. 925, Jesse Mitchell- Bob Mitchell and Associates, PO Box 306, Kingsley, MI 49649, Property Owner: Dennis and Theresa Ward, 12375 Bluff Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 12375 Bluff Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-031-013-12. Request:
  1. Requesting a 5.8 - foot side yard setback variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance for an after-the-fact permit for a covered hot tub within the required 15-foot front yard setback.
  2. Requesting a 10.5 - foot side yard setback variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance for an after-the-fact permit for a 96 sq ft shed within the required 15-foot front yard setback.
Request No. 926, Formation Architecture, LLC, PO Box 234, Traverse City, MI 49684, Property Owner: Todd and Stephanie Galdes, 6300 Hawks View, Traverse City, MI 49686, Property Address: 6300 Hawks View, Traverse City, MI 49686, Parcel Code #28-11-514-024-00. Request:
  1. Requesting a 6’-9”rear yard setback variance from Section 6.8 of the Zoning Ordinance for an addition to a single family dwelling within the required 30-foot rear yard setback. 
Please be advised that the public may appear at the hearing in person or by counsel. A copy of the variance application may be viewed on the Township website at https://www.peninsulatownship.com/zoning1.html (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 July 8, 2025. If you are planning to attend the meeting and require any special assistance, please notify the Planning and Zoning Department at 231.223.7313.

​ZONING BOARD of APPEALS VACANCY

​Peninsula Township is accepting letters of interest and/or resumes for individuals to serve on the Zoning Board of Appeals. One three-year position is open. This board meets at 7:00 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month; site visits often precede the meeting. Additional meetings may be scheduled. Applicants must be qualified electors of the township. Please submit a letter of interest and/or resume to Township Clerk Becky Chown at [email protected] or mail it to her at 13235 Center Road, Traverse City MI 49686 by 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 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: Thursdays: July 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m., July 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m., July 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m., July 31, 2025, 10 a.m., August 7, 2025, 7:00 p.m., August 14, 2025, 10:00 a.m., August 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m., and August 28, 2025, 10:00 a.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).

Goats at Bowers Harbor Natural Area (BHNA): Our hungry friends are so excited to be at Bowers Harbor Natural Area, they are arriving a week early! 

The GoatWork crew and their small herd of Alpine goats will start their work at BHNA on Monday, July 7. You can watch them at work Mondays through Thursdays the month of July– just follow directional signs to reach the designated observation area. Please honor the following guidelines to keep everyone safe. All dogs will need to be leashed. Stay on trail and within the designated observation area. Do not approach the goats; they are surrounded by an electric fence and will likely have poison ivy oil around their mouths and on their coats. In addition to observing the goats, we have some fun and unique activities planned for the community. Watch for updates. 
This is a combined project of Peninsula Parks and Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan’s YouthWork Conservation Corps to reduce invasive species and provide space for native plants and habitat.

​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.
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:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
  • ​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)