Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission submitted a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to the Leelanau Township Board that would allow Farm Stay Campgrounds as a Special Land Use in the Agricultural Zoning District. The amendment originated from an application by Philip and Sarah Hallstedt of Hallstedt Homestead in Northport, was revised by Township Staff to resolve conflicts with existing ordinance language, received a Public Hearing on September 12, 2024, was unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission to the Leelanau County Planning Commission, and was reviewed and supported by the County Planning Commission on September 24, 2024. On September 26, 2024, the Township Planning Commission incorporated the County's comments and voted to forward the amendment to the Township Board for final adoption via ordinance.
Public Comments
At an earlier stage of the process, neighbors of the Hallstedts raised concerns about noise, traffic, and trespassing associated with the proposed Farm Stay Campground concept. At the September 16, 2024 Township public hearing referenced in the County Staff Report, several members of the public spoke in support of the amendment; no names or specific statements are given for these supporters. MSU Extension and the Michigan Agritourism Council were noted as supportive of the agritourism concept generally, while acknowledging the township's authority to decide if and where the use would be allowed.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The proposed ordinance defines and regulates "Farm Stay Campgrounds" as small campgrounds accessory to farming operations. Standards include a minimum 30-acre parcel size, a maximum of 3 active campsites (6 total sites, 3 cabins) on 30.00–30.99 acres, and 4 active campsites (5 total sites, 4 cabins) on parcels of 40 acres or more. Campsites are limited to Recreational Units, a 100-foot minimum setback from property lines, a three-week maximum stay per camper, and maximum occupancy limits (four adults, or two adults and children up to ten total persons per site). Quiet hours run from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., with noise capped at 75 dBA at the property line. Prohibited activities include firearm ranges, motocross, amplified sound over 20 amps, sky lanterns, and fireworks except as permitted by township ordinance.
Infrastructure Projects
The amendment requires that Farm Stay Campgrounds have adequate water and wastewater facilities (permanent or temporary), approved by the local health department and/or Construction Code Office. Road access must be approved by the Leelanau County Road Commission and/or Michigan Department of Transportation. Applicants must submit a Management Plan addressing septic disposal, power supply, potable water supply, and refuse management, along with agency reviews from the Road Agency, Health Department, Fire Department, Soil Erosion/Drain Commissioner, and Michigan EGLE if applicable.
Other Business
The Leelanau County Planning Commission's staff analysis (PC15-2024-08, reviewed September 24, 2024) found the text amendment compatible with the existing zoning ordinance, free of unenforceable or confusing language, non-conflicting with dimensional standards, and consistent with both the Township Master Plan (2010, currently being updated) and the Leelanau General Plan (2020), which supports tourism tied to farming and natural resources.
Action Items
The Leelanau Township Board must vote to adopt the proposed Ordinance No. ___ of 2024 (as amended or as presented) to formally enact the Farm Stay Campground amendment. Once adopted, the ordinance becomes effective 8 days after publication in the newspaper. The review period for County comment closes October 18, 2024. Given past neighbor concerns over noise, traffic, and trespassing, continued attention to enforcement of quiet hours, setbacks, and trespass-prevention measures is warranted.