Seminar planned on lakeshore rules

The Flathead County Planning Office will host an educational seminar on county lake and lakeshore protection regulations from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, in the Earl Bennett Building second floor conference room in Kalispell.

“When investigating alleged lakeshore violations, or when conducting follow-up inspections of lakeshore permits, landowners and contractors frequently say ‘I didn’t know…’ or ‘Well, I always thought that,’” Planning Director BJ Grieve said.

“So prior to the spring permit rush, our office is hosting a two-hour seminar to cover the basics of the regulations, review some common errors and misunderstandings, and have ample time for questions and answers with Planning Office staff.”

 The seminar will be tailored to lakefront property owners and contractors who do work in Flathead County’s lake and/or lakeshore protection zones on projects such as docks, swim platforms, patios, stairways and retaining walls. The public is welcome to attend.

Questions about the seminar may be directed to Abbey Wellemeyer, a recently hired planner who is training to take over lakeshore and flood-plain permit processing. 

She can be reached at 751-8200 or by email at awellemeyer@flathead.mt.gov.