Hotel proposal in Bigfork to go back before Board of Adjustment
TAYLOR INMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 2 weeks AGO
A rendering of a proposed hotel in Bigfork.
REPORTER AND PODCAST HOST Taylor Inman covers Bigfork and the north shore of Flathead Lake for the Bigfork Eagle and the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on local government, community issues and the people who shape life in Northwest Montana. Inman began her journalism career at Murray State University’s public radio newsroom and later reported for WKMS, where her work aired on National Public Radio. In addition to reporting, she hosts and contributes to Daily Inter Lake podcasts including News Now. Her work connects listeners and readers with the stories shaping communities across the Flathead Valley. IMPACT: Taylor’s work expands local journalism through both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. | October 9, 2025 12:00 AM
A request for a conditional use permit to operate a three-story hotel in Bigfork is going back before the Board of Adjustment on Oct. 14 after being tabled last year.
Located at 1247 Cala Way, the application for the 64-room Miroctel Inn and Suites by Wyndham was submitted in February 2024 by Bigfork Hotel Group LLC. The property is zoned B-3 Community Business, according to a staff report from Flathead County Planning and Zoning.
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 Flathead County Board of Adjustment tabled the vote after a May 4, 2024 public hearing. In addition to BLUAC’s recommendation to deny the application, the Board of Adjustment heard several public comments from Bigfork residents about the development.
On Sept. 11, 2025, the applicant submitted supplemental information addressing water and sewer capacity, and traffic. In the amended staff report, Flathead County Planning and Zoning staff outline adequate access to utilities, as well as the impacts on traffic.
The applicant’s traffic study found that no turn lanes are warranted, however, the Montana Department of Transportation reviewed the study and recommended installation of a left-turn lane along Montana 83 at the eastern Cala Way approach.
Traffic generated by the hotel could have an impact on the surrounding road network, according to the staff report. The 64-room hotel is projected to generate approximately 511 average daily trips, resulting in a total of about 813 daily trips within the subdivision.
According to a letter from the district’s engineer, the Bigfork County Water and Sewer District determined that adequate capacity exists to serve the proposed 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.
The conditional use permit goes before the Flathead County Board of Adjustments on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the South Campus Conference Room, located on the second floor of 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell.
Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].
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