Hallstedt Homestead (HH) Cherries: Special Land Use Request Jan 14, 2021 Phil and Sarah Hallstedt
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Hallstedt Homestead (HH) Cherries: Special Land Use Request Jan 14, 2021 Phil and Sarah Hallstedt
Summary of Request Hallstedt Homestead Cherries “HH Cherries” is a sweet cherry orchard and flower grower that is requesting a special use permit as an Accessory Agricultural Support Business to enable up to 10 “Farm Site” camping (eg: tents, RVs) and provided lodges (eg: Glamping, Yurts, Lodges) for use by families wishing to experience living on a working orchard. The goal is “low density/low impact” vacation housing with a maximum of 1 site per 5 acres of land to support the primary purpose of producing sweet cherries and other farm products. (Refined Jan 11, 2020)
HH Cherries: Overview
Founded in 2006 – First generation farmers seeking to produce high quality
sweet cherries for fresh produce. Mentored by Bardenhagens, Carlsons,
Jelineks, the MSU network, and others.
Challenging wholesale economics forcing pivot to U-pick and Pre-pick direct
retail sales augmented by authentic agrotourism experiences.
Desire a “low density/low impact” framework for short term overnight stays
at the orchard with a limited number of visitors to augment commercial fruit
and flower production.
Seasonal, self-contained units or tent camping
Duration of stays: 2-31 days
Emphasis on the natural outdoor experience of Leelanau and the orchard
Optional agricultural experiences for guests (eg: WWOOFing)
MI Township Reviews of Farm Sites Ordinances
Reviewed Peninsula (Old Mission), Banks, Cosco, Bingham, Brooks and Kasson townships.
Several allow overnight housing on commercial farms, but not in a comprehensive manner.
Ordinances reference:
Campsites: Tents/RVs provided by renter. Four or fewer per MI Dept of EGLE. Primitive in nature.
Temporary Structures: Seasonal tent, RV or yurt provide by facility. No external utility service. Glorified
camping with porta-potties/sewage removal meeting health codes. Size, occupancy and duration limits.
Lodges or Chateaus: Four season “minihouses” for rent. Full utility connections. Size, occupancy and duration
limits. Would meet most short term rental requirements of Leelanau Township.
Several are particular to winery operations, which seems unfair for other farms.
Eligibility is limited by farm parcel size, active crop production, lot line setbacks, etc
Several restrict amplified music, external guests with renters and special events.
Many are trying to support agriculture in new methods to leverage onsite crops with value
added goods or services.
Farm Site Housing Options
Rocky Top Farms – Bigham Township
Tent/RV Temporary Lodge or “Tiny House”
Renter provided
•
• Max 4 sites
Structure • Self Contained
• Structure Provided: Tent, • Full utilities and year round
• No utilities
Yurt, Hard sides • Max 6 people per site
• Water, fire ring,
• No utilities; self contained • Meets health codes
porta-potty onsite
solar power, removable
• Max 8 per site
• Max 6 people per site NOTE: could withhold this category
• Abide by EGLE
• Meets health codes for consideration in the future
Proposed Farm Site Features : Updated Jan 21
More restrictive than typical camping or wedding venues (examples)
No amplified music will be allowed at farm sites, although acoustic music (eg: guitars,
wood winds, cellos, etc) would be encouraged. Sound levels at the property boundaries
would be dramatically less than the 75db references in other regulations.
Mainly seasonal when the orchard is in operation to enable participants to assist with
activities. Focus on April 1 to November 15
The maximum number of farm sites would be 1 per 5 acres, with up to 8 overnight
people per site. For our 53 acre property the maximum allowed would be 10 farm sites.
A local or onsite manager will be available 24 hour per day for farm site rule
enforcement, coordination and emergency response.
All guests would abide by Good Agricultural Practices ”GAP”
Significant requirements for land size, set backs, active agricultural operations, etc
Other details…. TBD
Do Farm Sites Fit Leelanau’s 2010 Master Plan? Subsection Agricultural Resources Goql: Encourage the retention of prime agricultural lands within the Township in recognition of the agricultural industry’s direct impact on the region’s economy and quality of life. Objective #1: Provide for entrepreneurial agricultural and limited rural development that preserves large agricultural and forested areas. Strategy #1: Ensure that land development codes allow for activities that might reduce costs or provide supplementary income for local farmers, such as wineries, farm stands and agritourism activities, consistent with community character. Subsection Tourism: Strategies #2: Develop special use standards for considering proposals for lodging and dining facilities which, by their size, character, architectural design, location, and established need are appropriate for the area and are compatible with adjacent properties.
What are the Benefits to Leelanau?
1. Support farms with additional income from on-farm experiences
2. Not focused on alcohol production or consumption. Maintains family friendly
orientation.
3. Not driven with high density/high impact events with 300 people. Minimal noise
concerns.
4. Expands access to younger demographic (Future residents? Future employers?)
Millennials (24-
38 yrs)
Gen X (39-56
yrs)
KOA SurveyWill People Value a Farm Site Option? Gen X and Millennials are drawn to authentic, cultural, exploratory and culinary experiences in a price sensitive manner. The U-pick/direct ship orchard with Farm Sites would add to other existing businesses and activities in Leelanau. MSU Sourced: Destination Analysts 2015
Next Steps?
Provide feedback on interest and scope for draft ordinance
development
o Focus only on campsites and temporary structures?
o Additional township research requested?
Create draft ordinance
Other?
Thank you and please see handout for further informationYou can also read
