The issue of banning temporary structures in the North Fork Zoning District’s 150-foot setback from public roads and bodies of water is the focus of a Jan. 14 public hearing before the Flathead County commissioners.

The hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the commission chambers, 800 S. Main St. in Kalispell.

The North Fork Land Use Advisory Committee is asking for a zoning text amendment that would require temporary structures to abide by designated setbacks.

The amendment also includes a definition for temporary structures. Operable and licensed motor vehicles such as recreational vehicles aren’t considered temporary structures.

The zoning request stems from a 2009 zoning violation in which a shed on skids was placed in the 150-foot setback along the North Fork Road.

Zoning Administrator Jeff Harris determined the temporary structure didn’t need to conform to setbacks because it wasn’t a permanent building, but advisory committee members, as well as many North Fork residents, said it was their understanding that the intent of the setback requirements covered both permanent and temporary structures.

The text amendment would apply only to the North Fork Zoning District. The Planning Office said in its staff report that given the unique nature of the district, its remote rural character and large setback requirement, it seems appropriate that temporary structures be dealt with specific to that district rather than modifying county zoning regulations across the board.

The Flathead County Planning Board on Dec. 8 voted 4-3 to recommend approval of the text amendment. Board members in opposition were Jeff Larsen, Charles Lapp and Bob Keenan.

Lapp and Larsen said they didn’t agree with having a separate definition applied to only one zoning district.

Randy Kenyon, a member of the North Fork Land Use Advisory Committee, said at the Planning Board hearing that the committee simply wants zoning regulations to reflect the original intent of the setback requirement.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com