Formally Withdrawn
On Friday, February 9, 2024, we formally requested the withdrawal of the zoning application for Lake
Lakeside Zoning Efforts
On Friday, February 9, 2024, the Upper West Shore Alliance [UWSA] formally requested the withdrawal of the zoning application for Lakeside North.
After the disappointing outcome with the Flathead County Planning Board, the UWSA retained an accredited planner who provided guidance and expertise as we navigated the next steps.
As the logistical path forward was revised, it became clear that the UWSA was no longer the appropriate entity to champion zoning efforts for Lakeside. While more than 65% of the proposed zoning district supported the zoning efforts, the UWSA feels that there is a need to continue conversations in public forums. Throughout the zoning initiative, community residents located both inside and outside the proposed district contacted the UWSA and expressed a desire to enact zoning regulations in their neighborhood. Based on our experience, guidance received, previously successful zoning initiatives, and an expert consultant, the UWSA feels that the most successful path to enacting zoning in Lakeside would be small pockets of independent neighbors coming together. These individuals have intimate knowledge of how the land is used and therefore it is our opinion that property owners requesting zoning for their neighborhood would be the most efficient and expedient way to enact change in Lakeside. While the Upper West Shore Alliance will no longer be taking the lead on these efforts, we will continue to advocate for the Lakeside Community and as individuals support future zoning efforts
It has always been the goal of the UWSA to ensure that the residents of Lakeside have representation, a voice, and participation in future growth planning. We are proud of the steps we took to seat the Lakeside Community Council. Upon receipt of the notice to withdraw, Erik Mack, Flathead County Planning Directory stated, ‘The Lakeside Community Council, if they decide they want to move forward will need to ask the Planning Board to proceed with the project since they would be taking over as the applicant.’ Our experience has shown that this would be a multi-year, daunting task that would likely include a review of the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan. This furthers our conviction that small, neighborhood lead, zoning efforts would be the most effective way to move forward.
Our Appreciation
As we move on from the Lakeside zoning application, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the countless hours that dedicated residents invested trying to ensure managed growth was promoted in Lakeside. It truly cannot be overstated the amount of time that Lakeside residents devoted to outreach to neighbors, securing documents of support, and participating in Planning & Zoning meetings. For more than a year, many people pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, stood on front porches, and tracked down neighbors from out of state. We are so disappointed that these efforts were not fruitful. It certainly was not for lack of trying.
In addition to these efforts, the UWSA would not have been able to proceed without the financial support we received through donations. As a grassroots organization, every dollar helps. Through these donations, we were able to retain both legal counsel and expert guidance to assist in navigating this process.
We very much appreciate all of you!
Commissioners Hearing Postponed
Meeting Postponed - Lakeside North Zoning District
The Public Hearing for the Lakeside North Zoning District has been postponed to an unknown future date per our request.
After many discussions and conversations with the planning staff, the UWSA has formally requested a postponement of the Commissioners’ meeting for the Lakeside North Zoning District.
When we are ready to proceed, we will request a new hearing. The new hearing will be at least 50 days out so that the proper public notices can take place.
We feel this is the best path at this time as some inaccurate information has been shared locally and we want to take the time to properly address all these questions and concerns as well as resolve some of the issues that continue to be in flux. Several of our directors have been traveling this month and that contributed to the decision. We want to ensure that the process isn’t rushed, but rather is thoughtful and fair. Postponing the Commissioner’s meeting will allow these new questions and concerns to be properly addressed.
The UWSA continues to encourage people to write to the commissioners. We would LOVE the opportunity to speak with any neighborhoods and HOAs who have had an influx of questions popping up. If you are interested in having us at a meeting, please reach out and let us know. Some of the questions coming in are specific to a very small area and we are happy to answer questions and clear up confusion.
The Commissioner's Office is aware of the postponement, and it is listed on their website. As legal notices were posted in the newspaper this item will remain on the agenda; however, there will be no public hearing or decision made. No public comment will be allowed. When they get to this agenda item during the meeting Zoning Staff will make a statement that it has been postponed.
The Lakeside North Zoning meeting had been moved to the Fairgrounds. We are unclear if the meeting will be moved back to the Commissioner's Office. If there is another agenda item that you are interested in, you may want to reach out to the Commissioner's Office to confirm the location.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to us directly by replying to this email. Your understanding and continued support is appreciated. Thank you!
Proposed Lakeside North Zoning District
Flathead County Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept 13th at 6 p.m. It is the 4th Agenda item.
The meeting will be held at 40 11th Street West, Suite 200, Kalispell MT.
You can contact the Flathead County Planning and Zoning office with questions at:
406-751-8200.
You can email your public comments ahead of time to:
planning.zoning@flathead.mt.gov
This map shows the outline of the entire Lakeside Neighborhood Plan with the blue dashed line. The red areas are current zoning in Lakeside and the yellow area is the proposed zoning district. We hope to see everyone there.
**Note: You can right-click on the > Download PDF < link and choose "Open Link in New Window" to see it larger without downloading if you prefer.
August 30, 2023 Update
The Lakeside Community Council met at the QRU on Tuesday, August 29th at 7 p.m. During that meeting, they heard presentations from the Flathead County Planning Staff and the UWSA. They then opened the meeting for public comment. Everyone who wanted to speak was allowed.
The LCC voted unanimously to recommend approving the Lakeside North Zoning District.
The public will once again have the opportunity to provide public comment. This time for the Flathead County Planning Board. You may attend in person, or submit your comments via email/mail.
Wednesday, September 13th at 6pm
Flathead County Planning Board Meeting
40 11th Street West, Suite 200, Kalispell
We have an updated version of the map which includes road names to help people more easily identify parcels within the proposed Zoning District. We are also working to get a version of the map that is easier for those who are color-blind. If you need any assistance please reach out to the Planning Dept during normal business hours. You can also reach out to us directly as well. We are happy to help.
You can find a copy of the Flathead County Zoning Regulations on their website. Detailed descriptions of all the zoning designations are listed in that document. https://flathead.mt.gov/download_file/view/18150663-a55c-44ad-ae6b-8ef08c55e048/900
If you do not want to download the map, you can right-click with your mouse over the "Download PDF" link below. Choose "Open Image in New Tab". This works for the zoning document farther down the page as well. Just hover your mouse over the download buttons, right-click, and then choose to open the link in a new tab.
Two upcoming Public Meetings
Please plan on attending the next 2 public meetings.
Tuesday, August 29th at 7pm
Lakeside Community Council Meeting
Lakeside QRU Community Room
201 Bills Road, Lakeside
Wednesday, September 13th at 6pm
Flathead County Planning Board Meeting
40 11th Street West, Suite 200, Kalispell
Below you can find the zoning application and staff report.
Public Meeting have been held
Two Completed Public Meetings
Wednesday, April 26, from 6:30-8:30 pm in Lakeside
This meeting will be held at the Lakeside Elementary School located at 255 Adams Street, Lakeside, MT.
Wednesday, May 3, from 5:30-7:30 in Kalispell
This meeting will be held in the lobby of the County Building located at 40 11th Street W., Kalispell, MT.
Proposed Zoning Designations
These are some of the zoning designations that we think might fit well in Lakeside Residential areas. Click the link below for all the zoning designations and regulations.
R-2/R-4
- R-2: One-Family Limited Residential 20,000 sq. ft. (min lot size)
- R-4: Two-Family Residential: Single-family 6,000 sq. ft. Duplex 7,500 sq. ft. (min lot size)
R-2.5
- Rural Residential 2.5 acres (min lot size)
R-1
- Suburban Residential 1 acre (min lot size)
Read more on the Flathead County Zoning Regulations: https://flathead.mt.gov/application/files/4716/5418/7005/FINAL_FCZR_4.19.22.pdf
Zoning - Lakeside
Lakeside Zoning Project
- August 11th UWSA and legal counsel meet with the Planning Director to discuss zoning, previous zoning attempts, Lakeside Community Council, and the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan.
- September 7th the UWSA and legal counsel attended the Flathead County Planning Board meeting that was held at the Expo Building at the Fairgrounds to request a Workshop.
- September 14th the Flathead County Planning Board advised the UWSA Legal Counsel that we were granted the Workshop.
The Zoning Workshop was held after the February 8th Planning Board Meeting.
After more than a year of trying to secure the safety and well-being of Lakeside citizens, the Upper West Shore Alliance had a huge win recently. The Flathead County Planning Board greenlighted the community’s push to zone along the Highway 93 corridor north of town center
in Lakeside. The current Planning Board members together have almost a century of experience with planning the future of the Flathead. Their insight, expertise and suggestions to zone the area will be taken into sincere consideration and applied throughout this process. The Alliance
will host several community gatherings to discuss in depth the zoning of the area, one of which will include the Flathead County Planning Department staff. The Alliance wholeheartedly thanks the community and the Planning Board and staff for their support of this desperately needed action. Please continue to check our website to stay involved, and for more information. We have a long way to go, but the future is bright for Lakeside.
ZONING FAQ
Email us your zoning questions upperwestshorealliance@gmail.com
Contact Us
We'd love to hear your thoughts about zoning.
Please feel free to reach out and let us know if you are in favor of zoning, opposed to zoning, or just looking for more information.
Q/A - Specific to Flathead County
Q: Will building inspectors have to come out and inspect my buildings?
A: Flathead County does not have building inspections. They do not have a way to enforce building codes.
Q: What about Dark Skies?
A: Flathead County does not have a way to enforce dark sky ordinances.