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Planning Commission

The purpose of the Planning Commission is to guide the Township’s land use and development. The Planning Commission, in conjunction with the Township Board of Trustees, adopts zoning ordinances to accomplish the goals of the Township’s Master Plan.

Planning Commission Bylaws

Effective November 6, 2025

Click Here
Master Plan

Effective 2024

Click Here
Township Zoning Ordinance

Effective July 28, 2024

Click Here
Zoning Permit Form

Effective 2024

Click Here
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Planning Commission

David Hunstad, Chair

Fay VandenBerg, Vice Chair

Jim Schilling, Township Board Representative

Jim Gurr, Secretary

Rachel Byron, Member

Darren Whipple, Member

VACANT, Member

Meetings Schedule

Planning Commission meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Community Center, governmental meeting room.

2026 Meeting Schedule
7pm – Governmental Board Room
February 5, 2026
April 2, 2026
May 7, 2026
June 4, 2026
July 2, 2026
August 6, 2026
September 3, 2026
October 1, 2026
November 5, 2026
December 3, 2026

Planning Commission Meeting Agenda

Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Helena Township Community Center • 8751 Helena Road, Alden, MI 49612
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Meeting ID: 686 779 9200
Passcode: 49612
  1. Call to Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance
  3. Roll Call
  4. Introduction of New Planning Commission Member
  5. Approval of Agenda
  6. Conflicts of Interest
  7. Oath of Office
  8. Approval of Minutes from July 2, 2026
  9. Communications
  10. Public Comment
  11. Zoning Administrator: Jackie Petersen
  12. Zoning Report
  13. Food Trucks and ADUs

OLD BUSINESS

  • Definitions (Faye and Rachel)
  • Data Centers - Review
  • Fire/Emergency Access Ordinance
  • Blight Ordinance
  • Municipal Civil Infraction Ordinance: Review Police Power Ordinance - Informational Only

NEW BUSINESS

  • Minutes Production Procedure
  • Approval of Minutes Process
  • Meeting Packet Preparation
  • Add-ons to Meeting Agenda
  • Zoning Ordinance Discrepancies - typos, wording, references
  • Cancellation of July Meetings
  1. Announcement of next meeting: September 3, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
  2. Adjourn
NOTES
Minutes are posted at helenatownshipmichigan.gov
Helena Township - The Heart of Torch Lake.
Download a PDF of the agenda here.

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Below are the agendas, summaries, and official minutes for Planning Commission meetings.

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