Whitefish studies changes for short-term rentals
The Whitefish City Council tonight will decide whether to set additional enforcement standards for short-term rental properties.
A public hearing will consider amending the city’s zoning regulations to outline a number of requirements for property owners who offer rentals of 30 days or less, such as providing a sign-off from the fire marshal that indicates the dwellings meet safety standards.
Each unit would have to meet standards for off-street parking and property owners would need proof of a city business license and state public accommodation license.
Short-term rentals would be subject to zoning and density reviews to verify a home or condominium hasn’t been illegally split into multiple rental units.
The proposed amendment also adds a section on violations intended to help the city enforce the ongoing problem of illegal vacation rentals. The amendment would make it illegal to operate or advertise nightly rentals in a district that doesn’t allow it.
The Whitefish Planning Board last month recommended approval of the short-term rental changes.
A second public hearing will consider amending membership qualifications for Whitefish Convention and Visitor Bureau committee members.
Two options will be considered.
The first would allow up to two committee members to live outside the city’s zoning jurisdiction as long as the member is a Flathead County resident. The second option provides no residency requirements. Both options would require the committee member to have an ownership interest or managerial position in a business within the Whitefish zoning jurisdiction.
Currently committee members must live within the zoning jurisdiction.
The council will get an update on the Whitefish High School construction project from Bayard Dominick of Steeplechase Development Advisors.
At a work session that begins at 5:30 p.m. the council will continue its discussion of a feasibility study on parking structures and decks done by Kimley Horn and Associates and MMW Architects.
The regular meeting begins at 7:10 p.m.; both meetings are at Whitefish City Hall.