7607 Michigan Avenue • P.O. Box 68 • Thompsonville, MI, 49683 • Phone: 231-378-2144 • FAX: 231-378-4665 • Hours by Appointment

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2007-2024 by
Colfax
Township, Michigan

and
ATI Consulting

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Welcome to Colfax Township in Beautiful Benzie County !!

UPCOMING EVENTS:
• Monday, March 25, 2024   7:00 PM – Officials of the Colfax Township Board, the Village of Thompsonville Council, and the Joint Planning Commission will meet at the Village Community Center, 14714 Lincoln Avenue, to continue discussion of the Greater Thompsonville Area Joint Zoning Ordinance. Opportunity for public input will be scheduled in the future as part of the amendment process.
(Posted 3/22/2024)
• Wednesday, March 27, 2024   The Township board will meet at 7:00 PM for the purpose of adopting the 2024-25 fiscal year budget and addressing other matters that require action by the board.
(Posted 3/26/2024)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Colfax Township seeks residents who are interested in serving on the Board of Review, Election Board, and Joint Planning Commission. Send a letter of interest to the Supervisor at P.O. Box 68, Thompsonville 49683 or colfaxbenziesupervisor@gmail.com.
(Updated 8/22/2022)
• See the following links for the Colfax Township and Village of Thompsonville joint zoning ordinance, effective May 15, 2015
- Greater Thompsonville Area Zoning Ordinance
-
Greater Thompsonville Area Zoning Map
These and the zoning permit applications are on the Documents and Forms page.
(Updated 6/10/2020)
• An approved zoning permit is required for certain land uses such as a new addition or deck to a dwelling, adding a shed or greenhouse or installing fencing, solar panels, patios and signs. Demolition/removal of structures including mobile homes also requires a permit (no fee). Find out about permits and land use standards by contacting the zoning administrator Shelley Greene at 231-378-2334 before starting a project which could result in extra cost for non-compliance. The Joint Zoning Ordinance serves both Colfax Township and the Village of Thompsonville For everyone’s safety, call Miss Dig at 811 to arrange for the utilities to flag your property at no cost prior to a project
(Updated 8/22/2022)

Colfax Township is situated in the southeast corner of beautiful Benzie County in Michigan's northwest Lower Peninsula. Its residents enjoy the area's quiet rural character yet have the convenience of services offered in nearby Benzonia and the villages of Thompsonville and Beulah. The larger cities of Manistee, Cadillac and Traverse City are an easy drive from the township, between 29 to 39 miles away. The township is about 40% state land with a population of 657 residents according to the 2010 census.

Colfax Township offers residents and visitors a variety of seasonal activities.

  • Early spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and the township has over ten thousand acres of state land to explore, much of it along the Betsie River. Don't forget your camera!
  • In May the hunt is on for morel mushrooms just as trilliums begin to bloom.
  • During the summer the Betsie River is well-known for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing and offers many access points.
  • The Betsie is a designated Natural River and an important natural resource that runs through the entire township.
  • Camping at the township's rustic Grass Lake Campground on the Betsie River and golfing at nearby Crystal Mountain Resort are also popular summer activities.
  • Salmon fishing takes center stage in September (check the DNR website for rules and dates).
  • There are many trails to travel on state land throughout the year by foot, bike or horseback and are especially spectacular when fall colors are in full display.
  • Winter months offer outdoor enthusiasts many choices, including downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and sledding.