Summary
This document is the proposed ordinance amendment on Farm Stay Campsites in the Agricultural Zoning District, presented for public hearing before the Leelanau Township Planning Commission on September 12, 2024. It is not a record of discussion or votes but the draft language itself, amending Article 2 (Definitions), Article 3 (General Provisions), and Article 4 (Agricultural District) of the township zoning ordinance. The amendment would create a new Special Land Use category, "Farm Stay Campsites," defined as a small campground accessory to a primary commercial farming operation.
Infrastructure Projects
The draft requires that any approved Farm Stay Campsite have adequate water and wastewater facilities, either permanent or temporary, approved by the local health department and/or Construction Code Office. This is a proposed regulatory standard within the ordinance rather than a public infrastructure project being undertaken by the township.
Other Business
The proposed ordinance sets detailed standards for Farm Stay Campsites, including: minimum parcel size of 20 acres; a sliding scale allowing 1 campsite for 20–29.99 acres, 2 for 30–37.99 acres, 3 for 38–39.99 acres, and 4 for 40+ acres; owner/manager residency on-site; road access approval by the Leelanau County Road Commission and/or MDOT; a 100-foot minimum setback from property lines; noise limits of 75 dBA at property lines; quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.; a maximum stay of three weeks per camper; guest limits of four adults or two adults with dependent children per site; required emergency vehicle access; and prohibitions on firearm ranges, motocross, amplified sound over 20 amps, sky lanterns, and fireworks (except as allowed by township ordinance). Permitted accessory uses include offices, a community room, playgrounds/passive recreation, firewood sales, and restrooms. Applicants must submit a site plan, vicinity map, detailed management plan (covering restrooms, septic, power, potable water, refuse management, emergency plans, occupancy limits, and trespass prevention), and required agency reviews (Road Agency, Health Department, Fire Department, Soil Erosion/Drain Commissioner, and Michigan EGLE if applicable).
Action Items
- Proposed amendment scheduled for public hearing on September 12, 2024.
- Applicants seeking to establish Farm Stay Campsites must obtain a Special Land Use Permit and complete Site Plan Review before operating.
- Document notes an open drafting question regarding whether the three-week maximum stay limit should address farm workers ("what about workers?"), indicating this provision may need further review before finalization.