Summary
This packet for the Leelanau Township Planning Commission's September 11, 2025 regular meeting includes the tentative agenda, draft minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting, zoning administrator reports for June/July and August 2025, and a Michigan State University Extension guide on solar energy zoning. The June 26 minutes show the Commission approved scheduling a special meeting for August 14, 2025 to review the Master Plan draft, contingent on a searchable document being available beforehand, and approved the May 22, 2025 minutes as amended.
Public Comments
At the June 26, 2025 meeting, Chair Steve Kalchik opened the floor for public comment twice; none was received either time.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore reported receiving correspondence from EGLE regarding a permit issued to Point Broadband, which the Commission had previously requested be forwarded to it. FEMA also sent a letter announcing hydrogeological studies of inland water bodies in Leelanau County. Regarding Woolsey Airport, Patmore, acting as a volunteer, is researching an ordinance to regulate airport activities after a request was made to camp under aircraft wings at the airport; Tom Weatherbee was also asked to look into it. The goal is to avoid conflicts between aircraft and non-aircraft activity. The Commission discussed whether Woolsey would still be considered a township park and noted the Township Board governs hangar use and leases. The Commission consensus was that Patmore's dual role posed no conflict of interest.
Other Business
The Commission discussed the Leelanau Township Master Plan, a two-part document covering the mission statement, implementation, and future land use; a printed copy was distributed by Patmore. Zoning reports for June/July and August 2025 detail permit activity: 30 land use permits issued year-to-date through July (compared to 39 in 2024 and 32 in 2023), and 31 through August (compared to 45 in 2024 and 39 in 2023). Twenty-four short-term rental permits were issued for 2025. The Township Board approved a Local Government Resolution for an MLCC Winery Permit. Other zoning work included investigation of camper use on Omena Point Road, potential blighted buildings, a fence/tree planting issue, and a Zoning Board of Appeals dimensional variance application being scheduled.
Action Items
Patmore and Tom Weatherbee are to continue researching an airport activities ordinance. The Commission is to hold a special meeting on August 14, 2025 to review the Master Plan draft if a searchable document is ready. Commissioner Silvia Gans distributed a list of township-owned properties. Commissioner Brigid Hart, not seeking re-appointment, was thanked for her service.