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Editor’s Note: Peninsula Township Supervisor Maura Sanders reports on happenings in the community, including the Agri-Tourism Summit, Burning Permits, the official name of Old Mission Point State Park and more. Big thanks to Maura for these weekly updates. Read on for this week’s note. -jb)
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May 16, 2026
It’s a VERY busy time of the year, so I am trying to get weekly updates out, but at a minimum, I will provide updates twice a month.
We had a few calls earlier this week regarding all the first responder presence at Old Mission Peninsula School. Well, it was “Touch A Truck” day with an extra special guest – North Flight Aero Med (EMS Air Transportation). The kids loved it! Thank you to our Peninsula Township Fire Department for this great event for our kiddos.
Mission Point Lighthouse opened for the season on May 1st. The weather has not deterred visitors. We hope to see you at the Lighthouse this season.
The Zoning Ordinance Re-write subcommittee met on May 5th (view the meeting packet here). They discussed the draft Airport Overlay, draft Lighting Regulations, Community Facilities, and an overall Draft Zoning Ordinance general discussion.
The Planning Commission (PC) met on May 7th (view the meeting packet here). They had a packed agenda with discussions on zoning for: Amendment #207 – conditional rezoning for a split zoned parcel to R1-C; Amendment #208 – signage; Amendment #209 – short term rentals (no policy change – just structure discussion within the zoning ordinance); and Amendment #210 – special use permit (SUP) process. An example of the special use permit process for small changes was already recommended to the TB regarding St. Joseph’s Church!
The Township Board (TB) met on May 12th with a packed agenda. Follow along on our YouTube channel here (starts at the one-hour time mark). The TB heard a great update from Parks Committee member Christine Murphy regarding Old Mission Point State Park. Of note, it was recently discovered that the name IS NOT Old Mission State Park, but rather Old Mission Point State Park.
The Parks Committee has been actively engaged with the DNR for the long-term planning of the park. Did you know that Old Mission Point State Park encompasses 650 acres of land and just under three miles of waterfront? The Parks Ordinance is being reviewed to better align with the DNR regulations to promote long-term viability and sustainability.
The public hearing for the Festival of Races was held, and the TB approved the permit application for the 2026 Festival of Races on July 11th. Click here for more info about the race.
The TB also discussed a request for clarity on recommendations from the Agricultural Advisory Committee to the Planning Commission. The TB was able to provide specific guidance to the PC to take up work on 1) signage; and 2) small farmer (5 to 39.9 acres) recommendations, as long as they do not involve alcohol (processing, sales and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission/MLCC).
The TB also had a great discussion regarding the draft Shoreline Ordinance Amendment #206. All of our changes were captured and will be incorporated into the draft presented at the May 26th TB meeting after tabling the discussion at the May 12 meeting.
MSU Extension hosted their 2026 Agritourism Summit: Cultivating Opportunities Through Collaboration, Innovation and Policy on Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at the Grand Traverse Resort. Members of the Township Board (TB), Planning Commission (PC) and Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) were in attendance. It was great to hear from representatives at the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDARD), local planners, and conservation and funding opportunity representatives (American Farmland Trust and others).
I really enjoyed the panel led by Brad Lonberger of the Brixton Development Group. He was able to walk through an example, Cultivating Capital: Innovative Funding From Idle Fields, to bring a small 40-acre farm into a financially stable agricultural experience for generational success. The information and networking will be helpful for the PC when they begin discussions on the small farmer recommendations from the AAC.
Updates from Down the Hall
The Planning Department continues to assist with the Zoning Ordinance re-write. They have successfully navigated the Special Use Permit amendment process for small changes with the St. Joseph’s Church outbuilding request. This is now in front of the Township Board and will be scheduled for public hearing in June.
The Zoning Department is cranking through permits. Eight permits were issued last week. On Thursday, May 14th, the zoning administrator met with Grand Traverse County reps to go over the final details to get us up and running on EPIC-GT. All permit applications will be fully integrated with Grand Traverse County.
WHAT IS EPIC-GT? EPIC-GT is Grand Traverse County’s Electronic Permitting and Inspections Center. Residents and builders must access this self-service portal for permitting and inspection needs. It was developed to streamline communications for users, make applying for permits and inspections easy, and to aid in speeding up the approvals process.
Looking Ahead to Next Week – and Beyond
The Agricultural Advisory Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, May 19th, at 2 p.m. (view the meeting agenda here, and the packet here). They will continue their discussion on the guidance provided by the TB for continued zoning language progress within the agricultural zone. They will also continue their discussion on farm stays. All are welcome to attend these meetings.
Department of Natural Resources Burning Permits. These are updated regularly. Please check this link before lighting any open debris fire.
Reminder from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office: Call 911 for all emergencies (health, safety, property, danger to the public). If you see something – say something!
Please keep an eye on all upcoming meetings via the Township website and our live streamed meetings (saved for 30 days) on our YouTube Channel.
Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead, neighbors!
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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