The developers of a proposed 18-hole miniature golf course in Whitefish are asking the Whitefish Board of Adjustment for a variance to parking requirements.

The mini-golf facility is planned at 559 Edgewood Place near the railroad viaduct.

Erik Wilson, on behalf of Wilson Brothers LLC, is asking for the variance to allow 25 parking spaces instead of the 54 spaces that would be required for a regular golf course, which is three parking spaces per hole. The Wilsons’ application notes there are an additional 11 spaces available on adjacent city property.

Whitefish zoning code has no parking provision for mini-golf courses, Whitefish Planning Director Dave Taylor said. The developers could have chosen to ask for a zoning text amendment, but a variance request is a quicker process, Taylor added.

The Wilsons’ application notes there are “distinct differences” between a golf course and a mini-golf course. An 18-hole round of golf takes around four hours, while a mini-golf round takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

“There is also no clubhouse, restaurant or bar that will be located at our mini-golf course,” the Wilson Brothers note in the application, pointing out 25 paved spots already established on the property, plus the additional city parking space.

“We feel the parking needs are met with the parking area that is currently in place, especially considering the proximity to downtown, and adjacent bike path that allows for pedestrian traffic to access our mini-golf course as an alternative to driving.”

There is a building on the site that has commercial space on the street level, “which will be a chiropractic clinic in a couple of months,” the application notes, and a three-bedroom apartment on the second floor.

There is 11,400 square feet of vacant land on the east side of the property where the planned mini-golf course would be built, and a current parking area of 6,642 square feet. There are four parking spots for the chiropractic clinic, which can be reduced by one spot for shared-use parking, and two spots for the upstairs apartment.

“We believe this project will enhance the heart of Whitefish with the close proximity to downtown, the biking and walking paths, and the City Beach, and be the best possible use of the property,” the application states.

“The hardship is the result of lot size, shape, topography and other circumstances over which the applicant has no control,” the developers further stated. “Our lot is an odd shape due to the addition of the viaduct. After the viaduct was built, our lot was one of a few to remain. With the current constraints, the vacant land will be required for the mini-golf course and does not allow for expansion of the already existing parking.”

The Whitefish Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on the variance request at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Whitefish City Hall. Board of Adjustment decisions are considered final.

News Editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].