Outfitting recommended as new use in WB-2 zones

After much debate over amending older zoning codes, Justin Lawrence of Lakestream Fly Shop received a recommendation of approval from the Whitefish Planning Board for a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow his business to operate in the WB-2 secondary business district.

The request was to add “recreational guides and outfitters” to permitted uses of WB-2 properties, defining the phrase as: “business offering trained and/or state licensed guides as well as equipment and supplies for sale and/or rent for specialized outdoor activities such as fishing or hunting.”

Lawrence said his business has evolved from a small retail store into a booming outfitter and guiding business, and his current location will no longer help it grow.

“Lakestream has outgrown Central Avenue, no question. Lakestream’s business model has changed significantly over the last 33 years,” he said.

Lakestream is currently located on 334 Central Ave. in the WB-3 general business district, which is for broad commercial use and generally applies to downtown properties. Lawrence is hoping to move to a site with better parking and space to display boats and rafts for sale, which are permitted in WB-2 but not in his current location. Guiding and outfitting businesses are considered “personal services” under city code and personal services are not listed in the allowed uses of the WB-2, according to the planning staff report.

David Taylor, Director of Planning and Building, said that if he had to start from scratch on the zoning codes, he would include personal services like guiding and outfitting.

“Everything evolves over time, including the zoning codes,” he said.

Some spoke in opposition to the request.

Mayre Flowers, Executive Director of Citizens for a Better Flathead, warned that the proposal would change the WB-2 area’s business landscape as more businesses like Lakestream take advantage of the amendment. She also argued that personal services, like guiding and outfitting, were not part of the WB-2 growth plan that was drawn up five years ago.

Planning Board chair Ken Meckel agreed with Taylor and others arguing for the evolution of the city’s zoning codes.

“I think planning needs to be flexible and I think that this is in concert with the intent of the regulations.”

The request will go before City Council on Aug. 1.