Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission's working draft of the Master Plan Update, dated September 25, 2025, outlines the mission, goals, economic factors, zoning framework, and future land use direction developed since the update process began in 2022 with consultant Beckett & Rader. More than 400 opinion surveys were collected and a public information session was held; additional public sessions are planned before the plan is finalized. The draft emphasizes balancing economic growth, agricultural heritage, housing needs, and shoreline resiliency.
Public Comments
The document notes that more than 400 surveys were received from residents, property owners, visitors, and other interested persons, and that a public information gathering session was held at the township hall. The appendices reference Public Surveys (including the Public Input Survey & Open House, LTCF survey, and Housing North survey) and a Public Comment section, but no individual speaker names, specific concerns, or responses are detailed in this draft. Further public informational sessions are planned before the plan is completed.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The plan seeks to expand housing options through "Missing Middle" housing (duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, bunkhouses, dormitories), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and workforce housing incentives. The township will study incentives for workforce housing and re-evaluate density and lot sizes in the Agricultural District, including seasonal workforce housing. Short-term rentals are noted as reducing long-term housing availability, particularly non-waterfront homes being converted; the township board will continue monitoring this trend and may consider limits. The Village of Northport perimeter and Omena area are proposed for new zoning to support multiple and mixed housing types, developed in cooperation with the Village and Omena community.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Township owns four parks providing public access to the Lake Michigan/Grand Traverse Bay shoreline, including Christmas Cove and Peterson Park. Leelanau State Park and its campground are cited as major tourism assets. Preserving public access to the water is identified as a planning priority.
Infrastructure Projects
The draft references the Village Marina and Omena's small marina and Yacht Club boat launch as part of the local economic base, though no specific marina project or funding decision is described. Three small airports are identified as important infrastructure: Woolsey Memorial Airport (a Township facility), and airports on North Fox Island and South Fox Island, which have no ferry service. The plan states the township will consider establishing airport-area protective zoning measures as warranted, per state and FAA guidance.
Other Business
The draft addresses new zoning districts (Shoreline Residential, Rural Residential, Village of Northport Perimeter/Omena), review of Commercial and Industrial district standards, home-based occupation regulations, and renewable energy standards, distinguishing between accessory solar/wind systems and large-scale facilities (50+ MW solar, 100+ MW wind) newly regulated under 2023 Michigan legislation. Natural resource standards for wetlands, streams, and shoreline setbacks are also to be reviewed, along with Article 15 of the zoning ordinance.
Action Items
- Study and consider density/housing type changes for Rural Residential and Village of Northport Perimeter/Omena districts, in cooperation with the Village and Omena community.
- Re-evaluate ADU standards to increase housing without increasing short-term rentals.
- Continue monitoring short-term rental impacts on workforce housing.
- Research options for regulating large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage facilities under 2023 state legislation.
- Review Article 15 (Environmental Standards) and wetland/stream setback requirements.
- Consider airport-area protective zoning measures.
- Complete and add the Future Land Use Map to the draft.
- Hold additional public informational sessions before finalizing the plan.