Infrastructure Projects
The application proposes a new private drive off North Onominese Trail, to be built to Township private road standards, including a 60-foot turnaround approved by Fire Chief Hugh Cook in a letter dated January 1, 2026. The drive will cross two minimal wetland areas, for which an EGLE permit application is pending; the applicant requests that final EGLE approval be made a condition of Planning Commission approval. Each of the five parcels will be served by individual private wells and low-pressure septic systems with drainfields located in an off-site easement on neighboring property (draft easement included). The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department approved the land division based on site evaluation report File #L25-065V, finding seven of eight test pits suitable for conventional systems and one requiring an at-grade alternative system. The Leelanau County Road Commission approved the land division for access purposes (letter dated January 14, 2026, from Craig M. Brown, P.E.), contingent on a final certificate of survey. No sewer, marina, or cell tower matters were discussed.
Other Business
The application also includes requests for numerous ordinance waivers under Section 11.4.C.2 (e.g., regarding signage, lighting, landscaping, screening, and setbacks), citing the project's limited scope. The applicant requests setbacks of 30 feet (front), 15 feet (side), and 40 feet (rear), which are less than the 40/40/40 Agricultural district standard, and asks that this be treated as a waiver if required. The applicant states the density proposed (5 parcels) is only half of the 10 parcels calculated as allowable under Article 13's Open Space density formula. The Leelanau Conservation District (letter dated January 9, 2025, from Lori Schroeder) confirmed soil erosion permits will be obtainable and noted the EGLE wetland findings from July 21, 2022 expired July 21, 2025 and may need reassessment.
Financial Summary
A filing fee check in the amount of $1,300 was submitted by Pete Miller (dated January 27, 2026) to Leelanau Township, covering the Major Site Plan Review, Open Space Residential Development, and Private Drive application fees. A separate $1,330 fee was paid to the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department (receipt dated July 29, 2025) for subdivision review. The applicant's supplemental statement argues the development will not increase Township service costs, stating residential growth will increase Northport Public School funding and the Township's tax base, since infrastructure will be privately installed and paid for.
Action Items
Applicant Pete Miller states he will submit a Land Division application immediately upon Planning Commission approval of the Site Plan, and will finalize and record the certificate of survey, open space covenant, drainfield easement, and private drive easement agreement. The applicant requests that final EGLE wetland-crossing permit approval be made a condition of Planning Commission approval. All open space and drainfield easement areas are to be legally described in a final certificate of survey upon Planning Commission approval. No conflicts involving public housing or churches appear in the document.