Council to review final pieces of short-term rental regulations

The Kalispell City Council tonight will revisit regulations on short-term vacation rentals, specifically who can operate them and how to define density limitations.

The second reading of the ordinance that would have installed regulations was tabled last week, as the council questioned a last-minute amendment that requires the rental to be the primary home of the owner. Because “primary residence” is not defined in the city code, the council asked city staff to develop potential language that would best suit the situation while ultimately prohibiting large-scale commercial operations from grabbing up large numbers of vacant homes and turning them into short-term rentals.

Along with primary ownership, the council will also look to define density of short-term rentals as it applies to residential zones within city limits.

The council is expected to take the measure to vote next week.

The work session begins at 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall, 201 First Ave. E., Kalispell.