Lakestream applies for move to Spokane Avenue

Lakestream Fly Shop could be moving to Spokane Avenue after the Whitefish City Planning Board on Dec. 12 voted to recommend its request.

Justin Lawrence, owner of Lakestream, requested a conditional use permit to operate a recreational guide and outfitters business at 669 Spokane Avenue. The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the request with nine conditions.

The proposal comes after City Council in August approved a change in the city’s zoning code that added recreational guides and outfitters as an allowed use with a CUP in the WB-2 zone. 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. Guiding and outfitting businesses are considered “personal services” under city code and were previously not permitted in WB-2.

“Lakestream has outgrown Central Avenue, no question,” Lawrence said when the amendment was proposed in July. “Lakestream’s business model has changed significantly over the last 33 years.”

The business originally requested the change to the zoning code because it said it needed more space for parking and outdoor displays.

The property is .242 acres and is zoned as WB-2 secondary business district. Less than 30 percent of the total square footage of the building will be used for retail. Boats will be displayed beneath the building’s awning in front and parking is located in the existing adjacent lot and on the undeveloped East Seventh Street to the south.

City Council will hold a public hearing on the request on Jan. 17.