The Columbia Falls City Council last week voted in a favor of a zone change request at the former Lazy Day Trailer Court.

The property, while it had one owner, had split zoning. The owners asked that it be changed to general business for the entire parcel.

The zone change concerned the north half of the property, switching it from light industrial to general business.

The south half of the property is already zoned general business. The trailer court existed long before the zoning was implemented. It was annexed by the city years ago as the sewer was failing and the city allowed it to be hooked into its system, thus the annexation.

The city’s planning policy discourages split zoning on any parcels.

The north half of the 5-acre parcel, about 2.2 acres, is already sold as a hospitality venture, according to Sterling CRE Advisors, the real estate firm selling the property.

Local residents believe it will become a hotel and liquor store. A CRE representative did not return a call seeking comment.

Another 0.6 acres is also sold, but three other 0.6 acre parcels remain, according to a brochure advertising the property.

The residents of the trailer court received eviction notices in April. Many have since moved out, taking advantage of a cash incentive to leave before an October deadline.

Councilwoman Kelly King voted against the zone change. She was the lone vote not in favor.

It appears many residents took advantage of a $10,000 incentive to be off the property by July 18. They get $5,000 if they’re off by Sept. 18 and nothing if they leave by the Oct. 18 deadline.

The property, according to Flathead County tax records, is owned by 2155 Columbia Falls LLC, which in turn, is owned by Freehouse Capital Partners, whose principal is Zach Ware of Whitefish.