The Flathead County Planning Office has figured out a way to shave three months off the normal eight-month-long zoning amendment process.

Shortening the process from roughly 31 weeks to just 19 weeks is a feat that’s likely to be welcomed by both individual residents and business owners needing zone changes.

Planning Director BJ Grieve explained the new timeline to the county commissioners on Monday. Because time is of the essence for many seeking zoning amendments, he wondered if the process could be shortened and discovered a way to alter the matrix used in the planning process.

“We’ve talked to all the departments that touch a zone change and found we can carve out time to 19 weeks and hit the statutory requirements,” Grieve said.

Commissioner Pam Holmquist was pleased with the streamlined process.

“I really appreciate this effort,” she said.

Here’s how the shortened process saves time:

n By scheduling the commissioners’ public hearing on a zoning amendment for approximately three weeks after the Planning Board public hearing on a zoning amendment. Notice of the commissioners’ public hearing still will be posted on site for 45 days in conformance with the regulations and statute, but it will be posted earlier and can now also include notice of the Planning Board hearing.

 By considering final resolution sooner after the statutory protest period closes at the end of the process. Previously it has taken up to 30 days.

 By cutting out 15 working days from the processing timeline for all applications (other than major subdivisions).

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