A new tavern proposed for the former Stonehill Restaurant location on Montana 35 is the top agenda item for the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee at its next meeting.

The committee meets Thursday, March 27 at 4 p.m., downstairs at Bethany Lutheran Church at 8559 Montana 35 in Bigfork.

Mark Campbell is requesting a conditional use permit for a tavern at 7951 Montana 35 in Bigfork. The roughly 1-acre property is zone as B-2 General Business within the Bigfork zoning district.

The property currently contains one building which was previously used as a restaurant. According to the floor plans, the building features a dining area, kitchen/bakery, breakroom, laundry room, mechanical room, restrooms and several storage rooms. A garage and a patio are attached to the building. 

The tavern would have 48 seats and eight employees on maximum shift. There are over 30 parking spaces on the site, which would meet zoning requirements.

A private road provides access to the property from Montana 35. According to the county planning staff report, an updated approach permit from the Montana Department of Transportation would be required.

The planning report notes that traffic generated by the tavern would not have a significant impact on surrounding roads. According to a state traffic formula, the tavern could increase traffic by less than 1% on Montana 35.

The building is connected to Bigfork water and sewer.

Adjacent properties to the north and east are primarily developed with single-family residences. The property directly to the west and south is currently undeveloped. Properties farther to the west and south along Montana 35 are used for businesses.

Privacy fencing would be required along the north and east property boundaries to minimize impacts to neighbors. The tavern would not be allowed to operate between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.

A recommendation from the BLUAC will be forwarded to the Flathead County Board of Adjustment for consideration at their April 1 meeting.

ALSO ON the March 27 agenda, the committee will review and take comments on the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan.

Three people are interested in vacant committee positions. One of the openings is for a member-at-large seat that is renewed annually and voted on by the committee. The second opening is a one-year term for a committee member.