RV park proposed north of Somers along Montana 82

The Flathead County Planning Board on Wednesday will look at a proposal for a recreational vehicle park near Somers.  

Bruce and Jaunita Nelson are seeking a preliminary plat to develop an RV park on about 21 acres. The property is located at 457 Montana 82.  

The county Planning Board meets at 6 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. Recommendations from the board regarding the requests are forwarded to the Flathead County Commissioners for final consideration. 

The proposed RV park would contain 36 spaces for personal pull-through RV sites and 23 spaces for tiny homes on wheels. The park will also include a drive-thru coffee shop, a registration office, laundry and shower facilities.  

A tot-lot park would be located near the slough on the northwestern portion of the property and would preserve the slough and related wetlands for wildlife viewing. The open space and parkland totals just under 17 acres.  

The undeveloped property is zoned as scenic corridor and has historically been used as horse pasture.  

The RV park is planned to be served by the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District for sewer and have an onsite public water supply system.  

In commenting on the proposal, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office noted that while there is a need for additional recreational facilities in the community due to growth the location on Montana 82 raises concern because of an “increase in traffic incidents” and the narrow nature along with limited turn lanes on the highway. The county engineer also expressed concern about safety along the highway noting that developers in the area would be encouraged to work together on intersection improvements.  

TWO OTHER public hearings are on the agenda, including a zone change for property at 3555 U.S. 93 N. near Kalispell. The request from CFT3555, LLC would change the zoning from B-1 to R-1 on the property that is 0.69 acres in size.  

The property is part of a commercial subdivision called Northwind Commercial Center. It contains a rock shop and a marijuana dispensary. The dispensary violates the existing zoning as the site functions to grow and manufacture cannabis whereas the B-1 zoning only allows the dispensing of cannabis products.  

Dennis Serov is requesting a zone change for property at 4550 U.S. 93 South near Whitefish. The proposal would change the zoning on the 16.79-acre parcel from AG-40 to SAG-5.  

The board is holding a workshop before the regular meeting about future zoning for the rural Columbia Falls area surrounding the city. The Montana Land Use Planning Act dissolved the former Columbia Falls “doughnut” reverting it back to county planning jurisdiction. 

Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or hdesch@dailyinterlake.com.