Small subdivision proposed along Flathead River near Bigfork
MATT BALDWIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 4 weeks AGO
A map shows the proposed Riverside Estates subdivision along the Flathead River.
Hagadone Media Montana REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Matt Baldwin is the regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana, where he helps guide coverage across eight newspapers throughout Northwest Montana. Under his leadership, the Daily Inter Lake received the Montana Newspaper Association’s Sam Gilluly Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. A graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism, Baldwin has called Montana home for nearly 30 years. He and his wife, Sadie, have three daughters. He can be reached at 406‑758‑4447 or [email protected]. IMPACT: Baldwin’s work helps ensure Northwest Montana residents stay connected to their communities and informed about the issues that shape their everyday lives. | February 3, 2026 11:00 PM
The Flathead County Planning Board on Feb. 11 will consider an application to subdivide 8.7 acres near Bigfork into three lots.
The unzoned property sits along the Flathead River at 22 Riverside Lane west of Montana 35. The property was historically used for hay production but now contains one single-family home and some detached outbuildings.
Applicant Pete Rice is proposing to create two residential lots and a storage lot for the Riverside Estates subdivision. The residential lots would be served by individual wells and septic systems.
The staff report notes that adjacent properties are being used similarly to what is being proposed for Riverside Estates.
The portion of the property bordering the Flathead River includes about 52 feet of riverbank that is developed with a concrete boat ramp and a floating dock. A 99-foot vegetation buffer from the low water mark would be included on the final plat.
Access would be from the private Riverside Lane, which is used by six other homes. The new subdivision would increase traffic by about nine daily trips.
No public comments were submitted about the project.
Planning staff submitted standard conditions for approval, as well as eight project-specific requirements regarding wetland protections, emergency access, a pedestrian path easement and a parkland cash in lieu requirement since no common space is provided in the project.
The Flathead County Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed subdivision on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m., in the Second Floor Conference Room of the South Campus Building located at 40 11th Street West in Kalispell. The board's recommendation will go to the commissioners for consideration on March 6.
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