Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission reviewed a draft ordinance amendment establishing regulations for "Farm Stay Campsites" as a Special Land Use in the Agricultural Zoning District. The draft, dated June 27, 2024, proposes definitions, minimum location standards, operational limitations, and site plan submittal requirements for small campgrounds operated as an agritourism accessory use to commercial farming operations. Several provisions remain in draft form with open questions still to be resolved by the Commission.
Infrastructure Projects
The draft requires that Farm Stay Campsites have adequate water and wastewater facilities, either permanent or temporary, approved by the local health department and/or Construction Code Office. Applicants must also submit provisions for septic disposal, power supply, potable water supply, and refuse management as part of a required Management Plan. Road access must be approved by the Leelanau County Road Commission and/or Michigan Department of Transportation.
Other Business
The draft also proposes amendments to Article 2 (Definitions) to add a definition for Farm Stay Campsites using existing Campground and Recreational Unit definitions, and to Article 3 (General Provisions) to reconcile RV and camper use sections. Standards discussed include a minimum 20-acre parcel size, a sliding scale for maximum campsites (2 sites on 20 acres, 3 on 30 acres, 4 on 40+ acres), a 100-foot minimum setback from property lines, a 75 dBA sound limit at property lines, quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and a maximum stay of three weeks per camper. The owner or manager must reside on the parcel and be physically present overnight (10:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m.) when campsites are occupied, or otherwise available within 30 minutes.
Action Items
- The maximum number of guests permitted per site is left blank in the draft and needs to be determined.
- The list of prohibited activities (e.g., firearm ranges, motocross, concerts/amplified music, sky lanterns) is marked as still under discussion ("Prohibited Activities???").
- An open question is noted regarding how the three-week maximum length of stay applies to farm workers.
- Agency reviews still needed as applicable include the Road Agency, Health Department, Fire Department, Soil Erosion/Drain Commissioner, and Michigan EGLE.