Summary
This document is an application package submitted to the Leelanau Planning Commission, not a record of a commission meeting. On January 28, 2026, attorney Pete Miller, on behalf of applicant Kilcherman Investments, LLC (members Brandon Kilcherman and Casey Wilcox/Kilcherman), submitted an Application for Major Site Plan Review, Open Space Residential Development, and Private Drive Approval for a 22.65-acre vacant parcel on N. Onominese Trail (Parcel #45-008-106-005-00), to be named "North Gill's Pier Preserve." The applicant proposes dividing the property into five residential parcels of at least 2 acres each, with 11.34 acres preserved as permanent open space (exceeding the 11.325-acre/50% minimum required under Article 13). No commission decision, discussion, or vote is recorded in this document; it is the applicant's submission awaiting review.
Infrastructure Projects
The application proposes a new private drive (North Preserve Drive) accessed from N. Onominese Trail, which connects to Onomonee Road. Leelanau Township Fire Chief Hugh Cook approved the road plan by letter dated January 1, 2026, requiring a 60-foot turnaround per Township Road Ordinance. The Leelanau County Road Commission (Craig M. Brown, P.E.) approved the land division on January 14, 2026, contingent on documentation justifying use of Onominese Trail and a final Certificate of Survey. Each of the five parcels will have individual private wells and low-pressure septic systems; the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department approved the site evaluation (File #L25-065V), finding seven of eight test pits suitable for conventional systems and one requiring an alternative at-grade system. Drainfields will be located in an off-site easement on adjacent property under a draft agreement. EGLE issued a Wetland Identification Report (July 21, 2022) identifying 9.6 acres of regulated wetland; a permit application is pending for the private drive's crossing of two minor wetland areas, and the applicant requests that EGLE approval be a condition of Planning Commission approval.
Other Business
The applicant requests multiple waivers from Article 11.4 site plan requirements (e.g., sections on steep slopes, sand dunes, signage, exterior lighting, landscaping, screening) due to the project's limited scope, arguing most do not apply to a five-lot residential division. The applicant also requests a setback waiver under Article 13.3.C, proposing 30'/15'/40' (front/side/rear) setbacks, less than the 40/40/40 required in the Agricultural district. The applicant states it is using only 5 of 10 parcels allowable under the density calculation for open space development.
Financial Summary
A filing fee of $1,300 was submitted covering Site Plan, Open Space Review, and Private Drive applications. A separate Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department receipt shows $1,330.00 paid for subdivision review fees (July 29, 2025).
Action Items
Upon Planning Commission approval, the applicant will: file a Land Division Application; finalize and record the Certificate of Survey, Open Space Covenant, Drainfield Easement, and Access/Drainage/Utility Easement; and obtain final EGLE wetland permit approval for the private drive crossings, which the applicant proposes as a condition of approval.