Leelanau Township unanimously approved a zoning amendment to allow farm stay campgrounds as a special land use in the agricultural zoning district at its Oct. 8 regular meeting. The approval gives farmers the option if eligible to add value to an existing commercial farming operation through farm stay campgrounds and obtaining a special land use permit from the township in the process.
The farm stay campsite concept and zoning amendment has been something Hallstedt Homestead owners’ Phil and Sarah Hallstedt originally approached the township about several years ago. Earlier this year, they submitted an application and proposed language for a zoning ordinance text amendment that would allow farm stay campsites as part of a new agrotourism section of the zoning ordinance.
“I am thrilled as the community took a step to strengthen and support many, many working farms in Leelanau Township. The next step is for our farm, Hallstedt Homestead Cherries, to apply for the special use permit, and if successful, we would hope to be open for farm stays in May 2025,” said Phil.
