Work camps considered for West Glacier

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Middle Canyon Land Use Advisory Committee has devised new language that would allow “work camps” in the West Glacier region to house summer employees.

A work camp, as defined by the proposed regulations, is a "parcel of land on which housing is provided by employer(s) doing business or having a business interest within the boundaries of the Middle Canyon Area ... for two or more individuals or families living separately, for the exclusive use of the employees of the employer. Housing may include camping spaces, trailer parking spaces, mobile, modular, or other permanent structures, and includes any associated water supply and distribution system, sewage collection and disposal system, solid waste collection and disposal system.”

Employers in the area have long raised concerns about housing employees in the summer months.

While some companies have bought up homes in the West Glacier area, there still isn’t enough housing for employees. The work camps could alleviate that problem.

In past years some employees have lived in campgrounds in tents. This regulation could allow that to continue, but employers could conceivably build their own facilities.

While work camps would be exempt from major land-use requirements, public notice would still be required.

“The notice shall provide a reasonable period of time, not less than 15 calendar day, for interested parties to submit comments on the proposed activity. Within 10 working days of the end of the comment period, a written determination shall be mailed to the applicant, approving or denying the permit,” the proposed regulations state.

The regulations also require that neighbors be informed of a proposed work camp.

The regulations also look to create buffers near the Middle Fork of the Flathead, which is a Wild and Scenic River.

“When the subject property abuts a right-of-way or river, the 150-foot measurement shall be in addition to the right-of-way or river width along the adjacent side,” the proposed regulations note.

The regulations also would require 150-foot setbacks from U.S. 2 and camps would also have to have “visual screening” such as trees.

Camps would also be required to have “quiet hours” from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and off-street parking for each employee.

Sewage and water systems would be required to meet county health regulation standards.

The planning board was scheduled to have a public hearing on the proposed regulations in December, but that meeting was canceled due to the lack of a quorum.

The Flathead County Planning Board will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Country Kitchen Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Masks are required to attend in person.

The planning board, if it approves the new regulations, would then forward them to the county commissioners for final approval.