'Doughnut' zoning decision expected

The Flathead County commissioners are expected to decide Tuesday how to proceed with zoning the 2-mile “doughnut” around Whitefish.

The commissioners will discuss the matter at 11 a.m. Anyone wanting to comment on a proposed interim zoning plan may speak during the public-comment session from 9 to 9:15 a.m.

A Montana Supreme Court ruling in July gave planning control back to the county. Until the county can establish zoning in the doughnut, however, it is not enforcing or administering zoning laws in any area that previously had Whitefish city zoning.

An interim zoning proposal would extend approximately 1 mile from Whitefish city limits, excluding areas that already have county zoning. The interim zoning — effective for up to two years — focuses on those Whitefish zones that were never adopted by the county.

Generally, interim zoning would allow the county to replace city zoning classifications with similar county zoning.

During a public hearing last week, however, several people testified they would like to see the county Planning Board hold evening workshops and study what kind of zoning would be best for the area around Whitefish.