Whitefish considers new resort zoning

A new zoning district aimed at resort development will be considered by the Whitefish Planning Board on Thursday.

The city has proposed a Whitefish Planned Resort zone, as recommended in the Whitefish growth policy. It’s similar to a planned unit development in that there is flexibility built in to deviate from some development requirements provided the development offers significant public benefit of some sort.

A neighborhood plan would be required for the area slated for Whitefish Planned Resort zoning, and a binding site plan is among the requirements.

The growth policy defines Whitefish Planned Resort as zoning for master-planned, dense, mixed and multi-use destination resort complexes. Architecture and streetscapes would be of “very high quality.” Land uses would include resort, retail, eating and drinking establishments, spas and fitness centers.

Residential development with the new zone generally would be medium to high density, clustered around open space and other resort amenities.

A public hearing on the Whitefish Planned Resort zoning is one of three hearings on the agenda.

One hearing will consider a conditional-use permit request from Richard and Roberta Bennett to build an accessory apartment at 325 Lupfer Ave.

The other hearing will look at Hilltop Partners’ plan to subdivide six acres into 24 single-family lots between Great Northern and Brimstone drives. A planned unit development overlay is proposed to allow smaller lots.

Planning Board recommendations from all three hearings will be forwarded to the Whitefish City Council for public hearings on Dec. 2.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Thursday at Whitefish City Hall.