Whitefish City Council last week voted 3-1 against adopting an amendment to introduce a micro-lot residential zone to regulations. 

Whitefish Planning and Building Director David Taylor said the amendment to the zoning regulations would give the city another tool for its planning toolbox. The zone could be applied in the compact suburban, mixed or urban edge neighborhoods, typically in larger developments and assure there would be a mix of home types. 

“This is a type of zoning... to facilitate attached housing, townhomes, row houses, also allowing for tiny homes or cottages,” Taylor said. “Basically, small, affordable housing type of units.”

The micro lot minimum lot size is 2,400 square feet, and the sublot is 1,200 square feet. The setbacks are reduced and the height limit is 32 feet. 

Housing Committee member Cameron Blake expressed concerns that micro lots will not necessarily provide affordable housing. She suggested it would be possible to build a two-story house up to 3,000 square feet on these lots. 

“The housing committee spent lots of time looking at smaller lots and most people felt they needed to come with the sideboards,” she said. “It could be a floor area ratio. It could be a maximum square footage on that lot.” 

Kalispell Realtor John Sinrud said a development of modular townhomes off Two Mile Drive is an example of how this zoning might work and said people who have voiced concerns over large buildings being built on the small lots are “alarmists.” 

“Don’t look at the naysayers,” he said. “Look at the benefit that will happen for a community when you provide opportunity.” 

Council voted against approving the amendment 3-1, with Councilor Giuseppe Caltabiano the lone pro vote. 

THE COUNCIL voted unanimously to annex and incorporate approximately 0.91 acres at 292 Reservoir Road. It also approved a rating panel selection committee for the Skyles Place and Lakeside Boulevard reconstruction project. Either Councilors Andy Feury or Steve Qunell will serve on the committee. 

The Council approved the establishment of a Community Housing Grant Committee, comprised of an elected official and two members at large with significant experience in housing. The committee will review grant applications but will not have authority to spend money or disperse funds on behalf of the city. 

Due to a light agenda and expected absences, the Oct. 19 Council meeting was cancelled. 

Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.