Planning Commission: Planning Commission Thursday, April 25, 2024 @ 7:00 pm (Zoning Report 1 & 2)

The Leelanau Township Planning Commission is currently reviewing a formal application submitted by Philip Hallstedt on April 17, 2024, for a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to allow Farmstays in the Agricultural Zoning District. This amendment, if approved, would introduce a new Section 4.6 titled “Agritourism Farmstays” to the township’s zoning ordinance. The proposed section would define and regulate Farmstays as a permitted use-by-right, subject to a Site Plan Review by the Planning Commission. The amendment process follows the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and involves multiple steps, including a public hearing scheduled for May 23, 2024, and reviews by both the County and Township Planning Commissions before a final decision by the Township Board.

The application process for the text amendment began with the submission of the application and fee, followed by scheduling the item for the Planning Commission meeting on April 25, 2024. The Planning Commission will review the application based on the standards in the Zoning Ordinance and make a recommendation to the Township Board. The proposed amendment has sparked preliminary questions from the Zoning Administrator, including clarifications on terms like “agritourism” versus “agrotourism,” the definition of “tillable acreage,” and the necessity of a homestead for a “working farm.” Additionally, there is a recommendation to consider Farmstays as a Special Land Use rather than a permitted use-by-right, which would involve more stringent review processes.

Historically, the concept of Farm Stay camping was discussed by the Hallstedts and the Planning Commission a few years ago, but no consensus was reached at that time. The current Master Plan review process recommends further study of Agritourism Uses in the Agricultural District. The Zoning Administrator has suggested hiring a Professional Planning Consultant, such as Nathanial Mehmed, to assist with the review of this application. The Planning Commission is encouraged to consider the clarity and compatibility of the proposed language with the existing ordinance and the Master Plan, as well as its potential impact on neighboring properties.

Leelanau Township