The Flathead County commissioners on Nov. 17 tabled a proposal to allow accessory dwelling units in most zoning districts after several people called for further study.

The Flathead County Planning Board worked on the proposed amendment over the past 18 months. The goal has been to protect property rights of landowners, promote affordable housing and financially assist homeowners, according to the planning staff report.

Accessory dwelling units would be defined as single, separate living units for stays of 30 days or longer, limited to no larger than 40 percent of the floor area of the principal home on the property. Only one accessory dwelling could be rented per tract of record.

The proposal would allow accessory dwelling units in agricultural, suburban agricultural and some residential zoning districts as a permitted use and in higher-density residential zones as a conditional use.

Comments opposed to the amendment noted that the definitions were too vague or too broad, and there were too many opportunities for abuse when it comes to short-term rentals.

Planning board member Greg Stevens defended the proposed amendment, which he said not only created a financial benefit to landowners but also a social benefit because renters and landlords could help one another. Stevens said the planning office conducted an exhaustive study of how other areas of the country handle accessory dwellings.

Commissioner Gary Krueger had questions for planning staff about accommodating farm families with vacant dwellings that once housed ranch hands. Krueger said many farmers need the ability to be able to rent out those accessory dwellings to preserve the agricultural fabric of many areas. He called for more work on the agricultural zoning section.

Commissioner Pam Holmquist said she needed time to review additional e-mails and testimony. Commissioner Cal Scott agreed, saying the amendment “seems to be a reasonable start.”

The commissioners tabled a vote on the amendment, but agreed to put it back on the agenda for further discussion in early December.