Suttons Bay Township planners last week continued their review of zoning ordinance language related to the township’s agriculture district.

According to township staff planner Kathy Egan, the Planning Commission took no action at its regularly monthly meeting Aug. 1, but gained a better understanding of what is currently in the zoning ordinance related to agriculture.

She explained that township planners have a long-range goal of expanding the zoning ordinance to allow for more opportunities for agritourism in Suttons Bay Township. Last month they reviewed language related to farm markets and roadside stands. This month they reviewed standards for wineries.

“The zoning ordinance may need to be clearer about the distinctions between wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries,” Egan explained. “Are they all agricultural uses, or are they commercial?”

Planners last week looked at examples of zoning ordinance language from other townships, and will continue researching the topic next month, Egan said.

In addition, Suttons Bay Township planners also discussed some possible changes to their bylaws at last week’s meeting, Egan reported.

They also learned that the county planning department will host yet another meeting about flood plain maps being created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which some township planners may attend, Egan said. That meeting will be held Wednesday, Aug. 22 at the county Government Center.