Commissioners OK zone change

The Flathead County commissioners are moving forward with a proposed master plan amendment and zone change from residential to industrial on 2.1 acres along Whitefish Stage Road.

On Thursday the commissioners voted to adopt a resolution of intent that starts a 30-day comment period for the master plan amendment requested by David Schmeeckle and Schmeeckle Brothers LLC.

They want to change the land-use designation on their property at 1101 Whitefish Stage Road from suburban/urban residential to light industrial.

A second request, to change the zoning from two-family residential to light industrial, will be considered at a public hearing scheduled in September.

Schmeeckle has owned the land for several years and has operated a number of businesses on the property. He intends to expand one of the businesses but needs a conditional-use permit because the business is a legal nonconforming use, a planning staff report indicated.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.