Council votes in favor of zoning

The Lakeside Community Council unanimously recommended approval of an application to create a zoning district in the Lakeside Boulevard North area at its meeting last week.

The zoning district would stretch from the north boundary of the Lakeside Zoning District to Caroline Point Road and from Flathead Lake inland to U.S. Highway 93. Half a dozen residents proposed the district, which encompasses more than 85 acres, to preserve the “character of the neighborhood” and quality of Flathead Lake by limiting the density.

The area would be zoned R-2, or one-family limited residential. Existing uses would be “grandfathered in” but the approval of the district would mean any new lots created would have to be 20,000 square feet at a minimum. The land is currently unzoned.

All adjacent property owners, including those within 150 feet, were notified of the application, county planner Andrew Hagemeier said, noting this may mean that some people who received notification actually won’t be in the zoned area.

Approximately 67 percent of landowners in the area have said for sure that they approve of it, Hagemeier said. No one has of yet written that they oppose the zoning.

During public comment at the meeting, most residents present were in agreement that what they didn’t want was a “funnel” to Flathead Lake — a line of condos and buildings set next to each other right up against other property lines all the way to the shore.

Resident Tim Twamley said he didn’t think the R-2 zoning was an appropriate fit for the area, but also said that no current zoning options seemed like they worked best for it. He said he didn’t think those who expressed support understood that the zoning might mean limits when they want to build a porch or an addition to their homes.

“We’re trying to shove a size 10 foot into a size four shoe. It’s going to be painful down the road,” Twamley said. “There are a lot of small things you may want to do in the future that you won’t be able to... There’s got to be a better system.”

Greg Schoh, one of the applicants, said an R-1 designation was discussed, but the majority of the properties would automatically be non-conforming and R-2  was more reflective of existing uses.

Hagemeier noted that there may be some situations where people have hang ups on projects they want to do.

“There may be some inconvenience but is it as bad as a four-story building right on your property line?” Hagemeier said.

Jean Barragan expressed concern that she wouldn’t be able to carry out her family’s long-term plans for its property if the zoning was in place. Those plans involve two condominiums, which are not allowed in R-2 zoning, for family members.

Council member Rex Boller said he owns one of the only commercial lots in the proposed zoning area and had worried what it would mean for his property.

 “On balance, I’d give it up for the preservation of R-2 zoning. I can see the potential for large scale development,” Boller said. “I think it’s going to be for the betterment of everyone (to have this zoning). That’s why as a holdout, I really became in favor.”

Hagemeier commended the members of the public present for their approach to the issue.

“These things are usually really contentious,” Hagemeier said. “I can’t believe how courteous you all are. You should be at least proud of this.”

Both Boller and fellow council member Brent Hall have property in the proposed zoning area and disclosed it before the vote. Hall was one of the applicants for the zoning.

With only a total of four members present, both decided to still participate in the vote.

The application will now go before the Flathead County Planning Board at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Earl Bennett Building in Kalispell.