City plans for resort with new zoning district

The City of Whitefish is planning for a future resort that could be constructed here by creating a new zoning district aimed at that type of development.

The city is proposing a planned resort zone as called for in the city growth policy. The zone would be similar to a planned unit development overlay in that there would be flexibility built in to deviate from some development requirements, provided there are significant public benefits.

A neighborhood plan for the area would be required prior to adoption and a binding site plan would be part of the development requirements of the zoning.

“We’ve had several people come to us with ideas for a resort-type development,” said Planning Director Dave Taylor. “This provides a tool for this type of development.”

A proposal for a $70 million resort hotel and convention center was floated earlier this year, but the unnamed developer later withdrew his proposal for the Two Elks Lodge. The idea of a boutique downtown hotel in Whitefish has also been discussed for years and is listed as a “catalyst project” in the downtown master plan.

The Whitefish City-County Planning Board voted to recommend approval of the zoning district. City Council will hold a public hearing on the matter Dec. 2.

The growth policy designates planned resort zoning as a master-planned, dense, mixed and multi-use destination resort complex. It is designed to be highly walkable and pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented with streetscapes. Architecture is of “very high quality.”

Land uses include accommodations of all kinds including resort retail, eating and drinking establishments, spas and fineness centers. Residential uses are generally medium to high density and are clustered around open space and other amenities.