A proposal to refine Lakeside Zoning District’s two distinct zoning designations was tabled by the Flathead County Planning Board last week after residents lobbied for more public conversation.

Existing district zoning regulations have befuddled planners and developers alike for more than a decade, according to county Planning and Zoning Director Erik Mack. The amendment, which originated within the department, would create clearer guidance and tweak the boundaries of current residential and special commercial zones.  

The 352-acre zoning district encompasses the core area of Lakeside, bounded by Bierney Creek Road to the north, Flathead Lake to the east, Blacktail Road to the south, and Stoner Creek and Grayling roads to the west. 

Two of the planning board’s Aug. 13 agenda items addressed the proposed changes. The first was a text amendment to the Flathead County Zoning Regulations. The second item was the zone change to conform with the text amendment. 

But several Lakeside residents testified against the proposal, arguing it warranted more public discussion. 

“The big thing is ... we didn't even get a notice about this until we saw a sign on the road,” said Caroline Casteel of Lakeside Boulevard. “People in Lakeside need to know what's happening, so that they can be involved.” 

Kate Droll of Archery Road said she saw the sign and wasn’t aware Lakeside even had zoning. She came to the meeting to learn about the proposal. 

“I don’t know what the answers are, and I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing,” Droll said.  

Mayre Flowers with Citizens for a Better Flathead suggested tabling the issue and discussing it more with the public in a workshop setting. She said she read through the staff report but struggled to comprehend what the amendment did.  

“I hope you will table this and allow a work session, because I think there are a lot of folks in Lakeside who would show up for that,” Flowers said. 

The main changes under the proposed amendment include allowing permits for accessory dwelling units in the residential zone, as recently mandated by the state Legislature, as well as conditional permits for multi-family townhouses and temporary buildings. 

The specialized commercial zone currently allows for residential structures, including single- and multi-family dwelling units, duplexes, resort dwellings, manufactured homes, guest houses and mobile homes. Those uses would remain in place under the proposed amendment.  

MEMBERS OF the public also raised concerns over a new review process to adopt zoning amendments, which cuts out a significant chunk of the public comment period.  

Montana legislators passed Senate Bill 175, which implemented the new review process, to streamline housing projects, said Planning Board Chair Jeff Larsen.  

“That's kind of their wisdom,” Larsen said. “We're just trying to get up to date with the statute.” 

Mack explained this new review process only applies to amending the existing zoning map and texts.  

In the current process, there is a 45-day notice for a public hearing after the Planning Board forwards a zoning amendment to county commissioners. The new review process trims it to a 15-day notice.  

Under the existing process, if commissioners approve or adopt the amendment, then they vote on a resolution of intent to do so, which launches a 30-day public comment window. Once the 30-day public comment period ends, commissioners have 30 days to adopt the resolution. 

The new process eliminates the 30-day public comment period and allows commissioners to vote on the resolution the day of the public hearing. Those who spoke Wednesday night described the shorter 15-day window as a disadvantage to the public. 

Board members voted 6-0 to forward the text amendments to county commissioners while holding off on the zoning changes to the Lakeside District. Commissioners are expected to take up the amendments Sept. 30. 

The board agreed to hold a future workshop for the proposed Lakeside zoning changes, with details yet to be determined. 

Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].