A plan to allow Class A recreational vehicles to stay for up to seven months at the Viking Creek development in Whitefish cleared a planning hurdle last week when the Whitefish City-County Planning Board recommended approval of the proposal.

Dan Averill, an owner of The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, is developing the Viking Creek project across the street from the lakeside lodge, and is seeking an amendment to the project’s planned unit development that would allow RVs on private lots where single-family homes eventually will be built.

Zoning regulations currently limit RV stays to 30 days.

In its approval, the board added a stipulation to include additional landscaping on the west side of the area where the RVs would be parked.

Board member Karen Reeves said RVs essentially are “large tin boxes” that some people may not find attractive, and added that if the developer is going to put in “a glorified trailer park” then it needs to buffer it.

Scott Sorensen, the lone board member voting in opposition, wondered about requiring garage structures in which the RVs could be parked to keep them out of sight. Others felt the size of the garages would impede the views of other residents and neighbors in Crestwood.

IN OTHER business, the board recommended approval of a conditional-use permit for a guesthouse at 56 Crestwood Drive.

Dear Tracs, a two-lot subdivision on 7.9 acres along U.S. 93 S., also was recommended for approval. The property is partially developed with Naturally Clean and Cowgirl Coffee.

The developer of Dear Tracs will work with the Park Knoll Homeowners Association on an access issue and road maintenance agreement.