Council approves first reading of subdivision code changes to align with recent state bills

The Whitefish City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 25-09 on Aug. 18, amending Title 12 of the Whitefish City Code to implement state legislative changes related to subdivisions. Planner Wendy told the council the ordinance language reflects three state bills: Senate Bill 553, House Bill 233 and House Bill 714, which address parkland dedication, allow combined land-and-cash parkland dedications, permit a homeowners association to petition the council to transfer city-dedicated parkland back to an HOA under specified conditions, and clarify subdivision-exemption language. "The language is straight out of the bills. Just plopped it right into the appropriate section," Wendy said. She added the Community Development Board held a public hearing in July, had one speaker from the public and unanimously recommended approval. Councilor Ray moved to approve Ordinance 25-09 on first reading; Councilor Davis seconded. The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading. Staff said zoning-related code updates implementing other legislative changes will appear for council consideration the following month. The ordinance updates city code definitions (including a homeowners-association definition) and amends parkland-dedication rules consistent with the state statutes Wendy cited. The first-reading approval advances the ordinance toward final adoption at a future meeting after required notice and second-reading procedures.