Torch Lake Township
Tue., Nov. 17, 7 p.m. · Township Board regular meeting, Community Services Building, 2355 N. US-31, Kewadin
That meeting (Tue., Nov. 17, 7 p.m.) has passed. We’ll post what happened when minutes are out.
Before the board, and recent decisions
- Info
What the zoning ordinance says about docks: it has no rule on renting docks, slips or boats, and no marina use. It limits lake access shared through a waterfront lot, including access by lease (§ 4.2.5), and allows one dock and three registered boats per 100 feet of frontage.
- Pending
The agenda included a short-term rental update, appointments to the appeals board and the Planning Commission, and a winter snow-plowing contract. The minutes aren’t posted yet.
- Info
The October zoning report in the board packet shows that an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision on the 3910 US-31 project was filed in June and withdrawn. The appeals board approved a covered entry there, and a change-of-use permit followed on Oct. 12.
- Discussed
Reviewed results of the Sept. 21 Master Plan open house. A design workshop for the villages of Eastport and Torch Lake drew the most first-priority votes (19). Asked whether they would pay more for recreation, people split 16–16. The minutes aren’t posted yet.
- Discussed
Residents spoke against the Flock cameras; board member Cook stated his “continued support.” A Master Plan open house was set for Sept. 21.
- Info
Short-term rentals: the township attorney had mailed 8 letters to people whose homes are listed as rentals, and 4 had responded, the minutes say. The board also approved $9,974 to widen the Day Park entrance, 5–0.
- Info
Short-term rentals: two violation letters had gone out. The minutes describe the steps: a violation letter, then a second letter warning of fines, then tickets for each day of violation. The sheriff also gave “an update on the benefits of Flock Cameras.”
- Approved
At a special meeting, hired an enforcement officer for short-term rentals at $33.40 an hour, 5–0.
- Approved
Approved the site plan for a 12-seat deli and three boutique hotel rooms at 3910 US-31 S, 5–0 (decks excluded).
- Approved
At a special meeting, put a road millage on the August ballot: renew it and restore it to the full 1 mill (cut to 0.9682 by state rollbacks) for six years, 2027 through 2032, raising an estimated $412,650 in the first year. 3–0, two absent.
- Approved
Adopted the 2026–27 budget and tax levies, 3–0, two absent: 1 mill for the general fund, 1 mill for roads, 2.25 mills for ambulance and 1.75 mills for fire.
- Info
The township’s new zoning ordinance took effect.
- Approved
Adopted a zoning definition of short-term rentals (stays of under 30 days), Ordinance 2026-01, 4–0. It took effect March 5 with the new zoning ordinance, which lists short-term rentals only as a special use in the Village Business Overlay District.
- Approved
Approved an MDOT performance resolution “related to Flock installation,” 4–0.
- Approved
Approved two Flock license-plate readers “at locations based on Flock Research,” 5–0.
Projects in this township
- Deli and boutique hotel at 3910 US-31Change-of-use permit issued; state and health permits not checked
When it meets
| Township Board | Third Tuesday, 7 p.m., Community Services Building, 2355 N. US-31, Kewadin (Nov. 17 and Dec. 15, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Planning Commission | Third Monday, 7 p.m., Community Services Building (Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 on the adopted calendar; the Oct. 20 board agenda lists Nov. 17, so check the township website) |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., Community Services Building (Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 on the adopted calendar) |
County commissioner: District 2, Jarris Rubingh (vice chairman). District map · What the county board decides
Where to find the records
Official website: torchlaketownship.org
Take part
Township meetings are open to the public and start with public comment. Written comments go to the township clerk or, for zoning matters, the zoning administrator. Official notices of hearings are published in a print newspaper, which must also post them free on mipublicnotices.com. For a zoning request, neighbors within 300 feet are also sent notice by mail. Townships often post the notice on their own website too. We aren’t a paper of record (why). Know something we should look at here? tips@torchlakeobserver.com. A correction: corrections@torchlakeobserver.com.