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Kalispell council revisits short-term rental rules

Seaborn Larson | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 years, 2 months AGO
by Seaborn Larson
| May 9, 2016 10:48 AM

After tabling a decision on conditions for short-term rentals in Kalispell last week, the City Council will revisit the issue at Monday night’s work session.

Short-term rentals are currently operating out of compliance with Kalispell city codes, which define any residential rentals to include rental periods of one month or more; anything less is a hotel or bed-and-breakfast. Short-term rentals would be allowed in commercially zoned areas by the city code, but not in residential areas.

While the city has found over 100 short-term rental websites, 35 rentals were found inside Kalispell city limits on VRBO.com alone.

The conditions proposed by the Planning Board to allow short-term rentals include requiring owners to provide proof of an inspection by the fire department; proof of a state license subject to county health inspections; proper registration to contribute to the state bed tax fund; and contact information available to neighbors if any complaints or concerns arise.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the council will review a request for a grant sought by Flathead County officials for upgrades to the county fairgrounds. The county has requested that the city of Kalispell act as a conduit to administer the grant.

The county is requesting a $176,250 Community Development Block Public Facilities grant for renovations to the grandstand, food court and two restrooms. In a memo to the council, County Commissioner Pam Holmquist anticipates the grant application will be due in early May.

The council will also hear a request from an Evergreen resident asking to be connected to city services through the Evergreen sewer district. Carol Fontaine lives adjacent to the Evergreen sewer district on a 17.2-acre property with two residential structures she hopes to connect to city services. If her permit is approved, she would have to waive the right to protest annexation by the city in the future.

The work session begins at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.

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