Developer looks to turn half of project into short-term rentals
An artist's conception of the Gilchrist apartments.
A developer looking to put apartments in Columbia Falls is now seeking an amendment to a conditional use permit to allow half the apartments as short-term rentals.
The Columbia Falls City Council last August approved a zone change and conditional use permit application by developer Toby Gilchrist for 36 apartments on a 2.25 acre lot on Meadow Lake Boulevard near the intersection of Best Way Drive.
Gilchrist is now asking the city to change the permit so half the apartments — those in the north building, could be used for short term, or vacation rentals.
The other 18 apartments in the south building would remain 30-day rentals if the amendment is approved.
The matter goes before the planning board at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at city hall.
The lack of workforce housing in Columbia Falls has been a front and center topic in city government lately.
Gilchrist’s apartment plan was initially rejected by the planning board because it lacked a traffic study. He went back and did the study and it was ultimately approved by the planning board and the city council.
He also initially told council the apartments would be longterm rentals, but the cost of the development has gone up substantially, thus the request for short-term rentals on half the project.
Another development is also on the docket for the April 12 meeting.
Developer Mick Ruis is looking to amend a planned unit development at 540 Nucleus Avenue, which is the south half of the city square.
The plan for the south half of the property includes a boutique hotel and steakhouse. In the amended plan, Ruis is asking for a casino in the restaurant. It will also have 12 longterm housing units.
He is also asking for a height variance on the building, as the parapets will be 40 feet tall, which is higher than currently allowed under city code.
Interested persons are allowed to attend the hearings in person or via ZOOM. Persons are encouraged to submit written comments prior to the meeting. Written comments carry the same weight as public testimony given during the hearing. Written comments may be sent to Columbia Falls City Hall, Attention: Barb Staaland, City Clerk, 130 6th Street West, Room A, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 or via email: staalandb@cityofcolumbiafalls.com. For more information on the amended Planned Unit Development or Conditional Use Permit, please call Eric Mulcahy, Columbia Falls City Planner at 755-6481. To obtain the ZOOM meeting registration, contact Staaland via email or by calling (406) 892-4391 no later than 6 p.m. the day of the meeting.