Deck builders on the Old Mission Peninsula
Decks for Peninsula Township, the narrow strip of orchards, vineyards and shoreline that runs north from Traverse City between the two arms of the bay.
The Old Mission Peninsula reaches about 17 miles north into Grand Traverse Bay and is only about 3.25 miles across at its widest, so a lot of homes here look out over the East Arm, the West Arm or both. All of it is Peninsula Township, which had 6,068 residents in 2020. M-37, Center Road, runs up the spine to Mission Point Light near the 45th parallel, past cherry orchards and the wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, and through communities like Mapleton and Old Mission.
Typical peninsula projects
- Bay-view decks on hillside homes, often tall on the downhill side
- Replacing worn decks on older cottages near Bowers Harbor and Old Mission Harbor
- Cable or glass-style railings that keep the water in view
- Covered decks to take the edge off wind and afternoon sun
Permits start with the township
Peninsula Township's land use permit form says all structures of 25 square feet or more need a land use permit, and decks and patios that aren't flush with the ground count toward lot coverage. Shoreline lots must show the ordinary high water mark on a certified survey, and setbacks vary by zoning district. Work within 500 feet of the bay can also need a county soil erosion permit. The building permit is a separate step, so have your builder confirm which office issues it for your parcel.
Wind, sun and exposure
Decks facing open water take more wind and sun than ones tucked into a city yard. That shows up as faster graying on wood, hotter surfaces on dark composite, and railings that need stout posts. Ask the builder how your deck's exposure should shape the material choice.
Common questions
Do you connect homeowners on the Old Mission Peninsula?
Yes. Give us your address and we'll pass your request to a builder who works up the peninsula.
Does my bayfront deck need a survey?
Peninsula Township's land use permit form requires shoreline properties to show the ordinary high water mark on a certified survey.
Services in Old Mission
- New decksDecks on footings set below frost, from a back-door landing to a multi-level deck down a slope.
- Composite and PVC decksLow-upkeep decking that skips the staining, on a new frame or a sound existing one.
- Deck repair and rebuildsFix soft boards, loose ledgers and shifting footings, or tear off a tired deck and rebuild.
- Railings and stairsGuards, handrails and stair runs built to the Michigan Residential Code, new or replacing loose ones.
- Covered and screened decksRoofs and screen rooms over decks, with posts and footings sized for snow on top.
Nearby areas
A deck that's gone gray and soft, or one you've only pictured over the bay?
Call the number above and a Grand Traverse area deck builder will talk through what makes sense for your house.