Public hearing on work camps coming up next week
Over the years companies have bought several houses in West Glacier for employee housing, but it isn't enough. (Chris Peterson photo)
Flathead County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. March 25 on a proposed amendment to the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System that would allow “work camps” to house seasonal employees.
After a series of discussions, the Middle Canyon Land Use Advisory Committee crafted the new regulations in concert with the county planning office earlier this year.
A work camp, as defined by the proposed regulations would be: “A parcel of land on which housing is provided by employer(s) doing business or having a business interest within the boundaries of the Middle Canyon Area … for two or more individuals or families living separately, for the exclusive use of the employees of the employer. Housing may include camping spaces, trailer parking spaces, mobile, modular, or other permanent structures, and includes any associated water supply and distribution system, sewage collection and disposal system, solid waste collection and disposal system.”
Employers in the area have long raised concerns about housing employees in the summer months.
While some companies have bought up homes in the West Glacier area, there still isn’t enough housing for employees.
The “work camps” could alleviate some of those problems, proponents note.
In past years some employees have lived in campgrounds in tents. This regulation could allow that to continue, but employers could, conceivably, build their own facilities.
While work camps would be exempt from major land use requirements, public notice would still be required.
“The notice shall provide a reasonable period of time, not less than 15 calendar day, for interested parties to submit comments on the proposed activity. Within 10 working days of the end of the comment period, a written determination shall be mailed to the applicant, approving or denying the permit,” the proposed regulations state.
The regulations also require that neighbors be informed of a proposed work camp.
The regulations also look to create buffers near the Middle Fork of the Flathead, which is a Wild and Scenic River.
“When the subject property abuts a right-of-way or river, the 150-foot measurement shall be in addition to the right-of-way or river width along the adjacent side,” the proposed regulations note.
The regulations would also require 150-foot setbacks from Highway 2 and camps would also have to have “visual screening” such as trees.
Camps would also be required to have “quiet hours” from 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. and off street parking for each employee.
Sewage and water systems would also be required to meet state and county health regulations.
The hearing will be at commissioners chambers at the courthouse building in Kalispell. Written comments are also encouraged. The full regulations are available at the commissioners office and the county planning offices.