The Flathead County Board of Adjustment last week unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a new hotel in Bigfork.  

The hearing marked the third time the proposal went before the board.  

The application for the 64-room Mircotel Inn and Suites by Wyndham was submitted in February 2024 by Bigfork Hotel Group LLC. The property at 1247 Cala Way is zoned B-3 Community Business. 

After the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee voted to recommend denial of the proposal last year over concerns of increased traffic, and water and sewer capacity, the Board of Adjustment tabled its vote following a May 4, 2024 public hearing. 

The applicant resubmitted its request in September with updated plans, but it was again tabled during the Board of Adjustment’s October meeting. The latest request was made by Evensen Engineering and Consulting LLC out of Evergreen on behalf of the Bigfork Hotel Group. 

The application was updated to include a traffic study that found that “no turn lanes are warranted.” However, after it was reviewed by the Montana Department of Transportation, the agency recommended the installation of a left-turn lane along Montana 83 at the eastern approach on Cala Way.  

The hotel is projected to generate approximately 511 average daily trips, resulting in a total of about 813 daily trips within the subdivision.    

The updated application also included a letter from the Bigfork Water and Sewer District which outlined that adequate capacity exists to serve the hotel. However, a formal will-serve letter will be issued only after engineering review, board approval and execution of a service agreement, the staff report said.   

Though the application included the new information, some board members wanted to see more detailed plans for how the project would accommodate the increased traffic and utility use.   

“They’ve had this for a year-and-a-half. Why not come back with a design for a left-hand turning lane so we can see what that would look like? You know, traffic is the concern here,” Roger Noble said.  

“So I guess I would have liked to have seen a more comprehensive resubmittal.” 

The Bigfork Hotel Group did not respond to a request for comment by press time.  

Board members were largely in favor of approving the permit with conditions. 

On condition was amended to ensure a turn lane is added. The developer will coordinate with the Montana Department of Transportation prior to the construction of the hotel to build a left-turn lane at the eastern approach to the development along Montana 83, according to the staff report.  

Other conditions outline typical Flathead County Planning and Zoning regulations regarding lighting, signage, parking and any changes to the approved site plan. Proposed water, wastewater treatment and stormwater drainage systems will be reviewed and approved by the Flathead City-County Health Department, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and the Bigfork Water and Sewer District, as applicable.  

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].