Planning Commission: Planning Commission, Thursday, March 27, 2025 (Agenda/ Packet)

Here is a 3-4 paragraph executive summary of the document:

Document Summary

Airport Zoning and Safety Areas
Leelanau Township’s remote location and lack of nearby hospitals make its three small airports important for emergencies, tourism, and recreation. The township owns Woolsey Memorial Airport, while the state owns an airport on North Fox Island and a private airport is located on South Fox Island. Pressures for land use and aviation safety require protecting these airports and their surrounding areas from encroaching development and hazards.

Federal jurisdiction applies to airspace and approach/departure areas near the airports, while local jurisdiction covers issues on the ground such as high obstacles. The planning goal is compatibility with airport safety, operations, and the surrounding environment. This may involve establishing protective measures like airport area zoning as warranted.

Transportation and Facilities
The document notes that the Woolsey Memorial Airport is cross-referenced in the Transportation Plan and Township Facilities sections of the Master Plan. It provides details on the characteristics and uses of each of the three airports within Leelanau Township. Maintaining the safety and operations of these important facilities is a key planning priority for the township.

Michigan Department of Transportation “Zoning for Public Use Airports in the State of Michigan”
U.S. Dep’t of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning, Advisory Circular AC No: 150/5190-4B (2022)