Planning Commission: Planning Commission, Thursday, February 25, 2025 (Annual Report Draft)

Executive Summary:

Introduction
– The Leelanau Township Planning Commission is required to submit an annual report on its operations and planning activities.
– This report covers the activities of the Planning Commission during the calendar year 2024.

Membership Changes
– Commissioner Tom Weber resigned mid-year, and Trustee/Commissioner Gina Harder did not run for re-election.
– The Planning Commission welcomed new Commissioner Hugh Scott in August and new Trustee/Commissioner Sylvia Gans in December.

Meeting Schedule
– The Planning Commission met 18 times in 2024, including one special meeting focused on the Master Plan update.
– One regular meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Continuing Education
– Commissioners and staff attended various webinars, presentations, and conferences related to planning and zoning topics.

Key Projects and Discussions
1. Master Plan Update: The Planning Commission continued reviewing the Master Plan update, with a focus on housing, agriculture, home occupations, and commercial development.
2. Communications Tower Special Use Permit: The Planning Commission received and reviewed an application for a new communications tower, and will continue this discussion in 2025.
3. Farm Stay Camping Zoning Ordinance Amendment: The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of a zoning ordinance amendment to allow farm stay camping.
4. Timber Shores Property: The Planning Commission heard a presentation from New Community Vision on the purchase of the former Timber Shores property.
5. Library Survey: The Planning Commission received the results of the Leelanau Township Library Survey.

Other Work
– Commissioners represented the Planning Commission at various community meetings and events.

https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/community/planning-and-zoning/michigan-planning-enabling-act