New zoning near river looks to be business, neighborhood friendly

The Columbia Falls planning board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (June 11) to discuss a possible new zoning designation for U.S. Highway 2 east, near the Flathead River.

The meeting will address the interests of property owners wishing to develop businesses in the U.S. 2 East neighborhood and the concerns of both nearby residents and those interested in the aesthetics of the city’s east entrance. As such, city planning consultant Eric Mulcahy drafted a new CB-3 limited business zoning district.

“This district should serve as a buffer between residential areas and the highway, primarily serving the tourist/visitor needs but also providing services for the local population,” the draft definition states. “The district is not intended for those businesses that require the outdoor display, sale and/or storage of merchandise and outdoor services or operations. It is also not intended for buildings larger than 4,000 square feet.”

Permitted commercial uses would include day care centers, retail food stores with less than 3,000 square feet, professional offices less than 4,000 square feet, and retail sales and service less than 3,000 square feet. The minimum lot size would be 9,600 square feet, the minimum width 80 feet and permitted lot coverage 30 percent.

No free-standing or electronic changeable-copy signs would be permitted. Prohibited sign materials generally would include plastics and reflective metal, bright, glossy or fluorescent colors, internally illuminated lettering, and neon or other lighting used to outline a building.

Several homes are currently for sale in the area and those properties would be included in the new zoning, if its approved.

The Columbia Falls City Council will hold a public hearing on the new zoning district at its July 15 meeting.