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(Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports in with updates about short-term rentals, the new fire station, Bluff Road closure, Seven Hills, a community workshop for the non-motorized transportation plan and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates that keep us tuned into what’s happening at the Township offices. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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June 6, 2025
Other than the smoke in the air, it has been a great week around the Township!
The Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting this week. There were several items, including an amendment to the Peninsula Community Library SUP (they are building a bookery/storage shed) and the Zoning Ordinance Section 8.10 Hotel, Motel, Tourist Courts Amendment. This pertains to building heights, and will move through the planning process for public hearing and then recommendation to the Township Board.
There were a few items brought up during “Other Matters or Comments by Planning Commission Members” towards the end of the meeting (view the video here). Short Term Rentals in the A-1 (agricultural zone) were discussed, and a request was made for the survey committee to ask for public input, as Short Term Rentals in the A-1 are currently not allowed. (For more information about short-term rentals, the Lighthouse Keepers Program, and history of the Lighthouse, see the comments section below for notes from Maura and Lighthouse Manager Ginger Schultz. -jb)
This went through the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) years ago to make it clear for the Township to enforce the ordinance. Simultaneously, the Agricultural Advisory Committee is working on the Agritourism definition for our Township and what that might include (Country Inns has been floated as a topic).
Another item that was discussed was the Seven Hills Special Use Permit (SUP). This will be on the Township Board agenda for next week. Again, this can be followed at the end of the Planning Commission meeting via YouTube.
The Survey Ad Hoc Committee met yesterday. Committee members continue their work to prepare for the community-wide survey in September. You can follow along via our YouTube channel. (Read committee member John Jacob’s note here. -jb)
I was able to attend the annual meeting and potluck for the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society at the Legion Hall last evening. What a great organization!! I encourage all residents to check them out, as well as our other two historical organizations: Mission Point Lighthouse Keepers Association and the Peter Dougherty Society, which manages the historic Dougherty House and Museum.
History, knowledge and passion for our historical assets is alive and well in our historical organizations. They are always looking for volunteers for projects and educational promotions. (Read about the upcoming Log Cabin Day here. -jb)
Updates from Down the Hall
Treasurer: The Treasurer’s Office is moving forward with tax bill payment options via credit card in the township office. We will keep you posted on the progress.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The Township Board will have our June regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. in the Township Hall. The full meeting packet can be found here. Of interest will be a shoreline discussion regarding shared waterfront developments. The meeting packet includes some history and a letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers explaining procedure and protocol for shoreline shared developments.
We appreciate being able to rely on our state and federal partners to keep our most precious natural resource safe and accessible for our residents and visitors. If you are curious about your shared waterfront ownership and use rights, please work with your HOA on reviewing your recorded Master Deed and bylaws, along with any applicable Special Use Permits (SUPs) and Amendments.
The Township Board will also be entering into Closed Session (pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(d)) to discuss the Township’s Financial Position in regard to purchasing property on which to locate the new fire station. The proposal can be found on page 92 of the meeting packet.
Fire Chief Fred Gilstorff, (231) 223-4443, is encouraging the public to reach out to him to discuss the need for a new fire station. The top three needs are:
- Properly house our firefighters who work 48-hour shifts.
- House our assets, fire trucks and equipment properly.
- Provide space to effectively train our firefighters and the public.
An additional need for the safety of all employees of Peninsula Township Fire Department, especially EMTs, is the need for secure decontamination. This involves cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and potentially contaminated individuals after exposure to hazardous materials or infectious agents.
Currently, the only place that this can be accomplished at Fire Station #1 requires walking through the living area to get to the limited community showers. This is a biohazard for everyone in the building.
On June 17, at 8 a.m. at the Grand Traverse County Road Commission offices (1881 LaFranier Road), I will be meeting with members of the Road Commission and our Drain Commissioner, Andy Smits, to discuss how we are going to open Bluff Road. The Road Commission has asked the Township to pay for half of the TBD project cost. I can assure you that I will not make any agreements to the financial burden requested of the Township. (Per Maura, township residents are welcome to attend this meeting. -jb)
The Township is working on the fine details of our Road Commission millage and the return on that levy. We plan to have all of that information available in our Summer Newsletter in early July.
The Non-motorized Transportation Working Group is hosting a Community Workshop on June 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Old Mission Peninsula School. Please come and help shape the future of walking and biking on Old Mission Peninsula.
Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Maura Sanders, Peninsula Township Supervisor
Phone: (231) 223-7323
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Mondays 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays – Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Friday – Sunday and Holidays. If TCAPS is closed due to weather, Peninsula Township offices are closed at least until 10 a.m. Please check the website homepage for any updates.
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“I can assure you that I will not make any agreements to the financial burden requested of the Township.” Hmmm…
Hi Brad, feel free to join the meeting. 8 AM on Tuesday June 17th at the Road Commission: 1881 LaFranier Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696
Hi Maura. Please explain why the township is allowed to have short term rentals via the lighthouse keeper’s program when the land is zoned agriculture. It is my understanding that STR’s are not allowed anywhere. Thank you.
This is a great question. I also appreciate that after some research you are now in agreement – STR’s are not allowed anywhere except in the commercial zone or a legal prior (1972) non-conforming use.
I think that Article 6 of the Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance will help you have a better understanding of how zoning works. If that property ever changes use then it would no longer be considered legal prior non-conforming. Regarding the Lighthouse, it is in the township assessment rolls as: Property Class 201 COMMERCIAL-IMPROVED and Zoning Code A1.
There are a few more examples of this type of “grandfathering” in the Township where the property would change to meet the current zoning code if the legal prior non-conforming use goes away: Old Mission Inn, Old Mission Tavern, The Neahtawanta Inn, The Jolly Pumpkin, Old Mission Elementary School and Old Mission Associates. Interestingly, those properties are all privately owned. The Lighthouse, like the township hall/offices, is owned by the Township and have the same Property Class and Zoning Code.
June 5, 1972 = Peninsula Township Zoning Ordinance effective date. The Lighthouse is a wee bit older than the zoning ordinance makes it a legal prior non-conforming use (“grandfathered”).
https://www.peninsulatownship.com/uploads/1/0/4/3/10438394/final_zoning_ordinance_with_amd_192-204_08-15-24.pdf
Thank you for bringing this up. If you are interested in the educational programs at the lighthouse, volunteering for programs, performing the duties of a lighthouse keeper or just learning more and then sharing with visitors please visit their page and get involved. The township as a whole benefits from such a historically rewarding property: https://www.missionpointlighthouse.com/
The lighthouse is not an STR. It is a volunteer program where the keepers work for 5 days in the gift shop and stay at the lighthouse maintaining the building and the park. They are my eyes and ears for the property while caring for this beloved historical building. And yes they pay a fee to help cover paper products and utilities.
Ginger Schultz, Lighthouse Manager
Thanks, Maura and Ginger, for the information and explanation about the Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keepers Program. I’ve included a note in the story directing folks to read the comments.