General Zoning Information
The Zoning Department works closely with township residents regarding land use issues. They review and approve proposals for land divisions and issue Land Use Permits for all forms of new construction.
Randy Mielnik, Planner 231.223.7314 or planner@peninsulatownship.com
Christina Deeren, Zoning Administrator 231.223.7318 or zoning@peninsulatownship.com
Ordinance Enforcement Officer, Dave Sanger 231.216.1212 or enforcement.peninsulazoning@gmail.com
The Township has a five-member Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) which hears citizen appeals for variances from or interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Hall.
Members include
Randy Mielnik, Planner 231.223.7314 or planner@peninsulatownship.com
Christina Deeren, Zoning Administrator 231.223.7318 or zoning@peninsulatownship.com
Ordinance Enforcement Officer, Dave Sanger 231.216.1212 or enforcement.peninsulazoning@gmail.com
The Township has a five-member Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) which hears citizen appeals for variances from or interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Hall.
Members include
- Chair - Bernie Soutar - Email Address: bernolfsouter@aol.com
- Vice-Chair - Rachel McBride - rach.marie.mcbride@gmail.com
- Ashley Wahl - Email Address: awahlzba@gmail.com
- Member - John Dolton - Email Address: jdolton@charter.net
- Member & PC Representative - Al Couture - Email Address: acouture@need-lawyer.com
- Alternate - Laura Serocki - Email Address: larocki1323@gmail.com
- Alternate - Barb Rowlett - Email Address: barbara.rowlett15@gmail.com
Zoning Forms
Contact Director of Zoning, Christina Deeren at 231.223.7318 or zoning@peninsulatownship.com for the following forms:
- Land Use Permit
- Storm Water Packet Application
- Zoning Complaint Form
- Variance Application
- Barn Storage Application
- Daycare
- Farm Processing Application
- Home Occupation Permit
- Private Road Application
Zoning Ordinance
Direct all Zoning Ordinance questions to Director of Zoning Christina Deeren at 231.223.7318 or zoning@peninsulatownship.com or Director of Planning Randy Mielnik 231.223.7314 or planner@peninsulatownship
Dark Night Sky Memo
With the summer months just around the corner, its time to start anticipating those beautiful clear night skys and star gazing trying to find the big and little dippers. In order to preserve this annual ritual, I’m sure that you are aware by now that in July 2008 the Township adopted an amendment to our Zoning Ordinance regarding Exterior Lighting Regulations (Dark Night Sky Ordinance).
In brief, the adopted regulations (See Sec. 7.14 of the Zoning Ordinance) shall be met on all new outdoor lighting fixtures and specified lighting practices installed and or implemented after that date. Voluntary compliance is urged for all outdoor lighting fixtures that were in existence prior to the July 2008 date. It should also be noted there are 5 exemptions to the regulations. They are (1) emergency equipment while in use (2) holiday decorations excluding search lights or stroboscopic lights (3) decorative fixtures or porch lights or walkway lighting (4)solar or fossil fuel combustion lights that do not create a glare, and (5) lighting fixtures to illuminate the American Flag provided they are properly aimed and shielded.
The Township is now in the process of shielding or replacing all of its site lighting at the Township Hall, Office Building, the two fire Stations, the compactor, and the parks. Also any street lights at those locations.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage property owners and the boards or committees of residential complexes to review for compliance any outdoor site lighting or street lights they may have. If someone has a question concerning their existing exterior lighting or any proposed new exterior lighting as to if it meets the ordinance requirements. I will be more that happy to help you in this matter.
One of the most numerous types of outdoor lights found in the Township is the so called security yard (barn) light. (See photo) These lights usually have mercury vapor or metal halite bulbs in them with a translucent lens. As stated earlier, these lights can remain until such time as the fixture needs to be replaced, and then the new one shall comply with the ordinance. In the mean time, however, they can be made more compliant by installing a shield on them. Again, please call me at 223-7318 and I will be happy to help you find a source to purchase one of these shields.
In brief, the adopted regulations (See Sec. 7.14 of the Zoning Ordinance) shall be met on all new outdoor lighting fixtures and specified lighting practices installed and or implemented after that date. Voluntary compliance is urged for all outdoor lighting fixtures that were in existence prior to the July 2008 date. It should also be noted there are 5 exemptions to the regulations. They are (1) emergency equipment while in use (2) holiday decorations excluding search lights or stroboscopic lights (3) decorative fixtures or porch lights or walkway lighting (4)solar or fossil fuel combustion lights that do not create a glare, and (5) lighting fixtures to illuminate the American Flag provided they are properly aimed and shielded.
The Township is now in the process of shielding or replacing all of its site lighting at the Township Hall, Office Building, the two fire Stations, the compactor, and the parks. Also any street lights at those locations.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage property owners and the boards or committees of residential complexes to review for compliance any outdoor site lighting or street lights they may have. If someone has a question concerning their existing exterior lighting or any proposed new exterior lighting as to if it meets the ordinance requirements. I will be more that happy to help you in this matter.
One of the most numerous types of outdoor lights found in the Township is the so called security yard (barn) light. (See photo) These lights usually have mercury vapor or metal halite bulbs in them with a translucent lens. As stated earlier, these lights can remain until such time as the fixture needs to be replaced, and then the new one shall comply with the ordinance. In the mean time, however, they can be made more compliant by installing a shield on them. Again, please call me at 223-7318 and I will be happy to help you find a source to purchase one of these shields.
Zoning Ordinance Re-write
Contact Director of Zoning Christina Deeren at 231.223.7318 or zoning@peninsulatownship.com or Director of Planning Randy Mielnik 231.223.7314 or planner@peninsulatownship for questions about the Zoning Ordinance re-write status.