The application process for the text amendment began with the submission of the application and fee, followed by scheduling the item for the Planning Commission meeting on April 25, 2024. The Planning Commission will review the application based on the standards in the Zoning Ordinance and make a recommendation to the Township Board. The proposed amendment has sparked preliminary questions from the Zoning Administrator, including clarifications on terms like "agritourism" versus "agrotourism," the definition of "tillable acreage," and the necessity of a homestead for a "working farm." Additionally, there is a recommendation to consider Farmstays as a Special Land Use rather than a permitted use-by-right, which would involve more stringent review processes.
Historically, the concept of Farm Stay camping was discussed by the Hallstedts and the Planning Commission a few years ago, but no consensus was reached at that time. The current Master Plan review process recommends further study of Agritourism Uses in the Agricultural District. The Zoning Administrator has suggested hiring a Professional Planning Consultant, such as Nathanial Mehmed, to assist with the review of this application. The Planning Commission is encouraged to consider the clarity and compatibility of the proposed language with the existing ordinance and the Master Plan, as well as its potential impact on neighboring properties. Leelanau Township