287-unit addition proposed for mini-storage complex

A proposed expansion of a mini-storage complex on Lower Valley Road will be considered by the Flathead Board of Adjustment on Jan. 8.

APEC Engineering, on behalf of Gardner Investments, is requesting a conditional-use permit to expand an existing mini-storage facility, which is a nonconforming use in the Lower Side Zoning District. The owner wants to add 287 more storage units, along with open storage for recreational vehicles and a caretaker’s facility that would be confined to a portion of the property zoned agricultural.

Located at 148 Lower Valley Road, the northern 1.16 acres of the property is zoned Ag-80, for one dwelling per 80 acres of agricultural land; the remaining 6.36 acres is zoned suburban agricultural.

A public hearing will be held on the mini-storage proposal.

Also on the board’s upcoming agenda is a public hearing on a request by Fred McKnight for a zoning variance to property within the Caroline Point Zoning District. He is requesting a variance to bulk and dimensional requirements in county zoning laws to allow for construction of a deck off an existing residential structure located directly on the property line.

The new deck would expand the existing nonconforming structure farther into the required 20-foot front yard setback and over the property line. The property is located at 357 Caroline Point Road.

All decisions made by the Board of Adjustment are considered final actions.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, in the second-floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W. in Kalispell.

The board will accept written comments until 5 p.m. on Jan. 8. Comments can be sent to the Flathead Planning Office, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901, or email comments to planningweb@flathead.mt.gov.