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Whitefish council narrows tree‑removal restriction for Whitetail Ridge subdivision
Summary
The City Council agreed to amend a subdivision condition to allow tree removal within utility easements and for hazardous trees while keeping most lot‑level retention rules in place.
The Whitefish City Council on Feb. 18 modified a condition of approval for the Whitetail Ridge (WPP 24-02) 73‑lot subdivision to permit removal of trees within the 10‑foot dry utility easement along each lot front and to allow removal when a qualified professional deems a tree hazardous, while otherwise retaining the requirement that lots not be cleared during infrastructure installation.
The change affects a subdivision approved last June that includes 59 single‑family detached lots and 14 townhouse sublots along Flathead Avenue and W. 18th Street. City staff and the applicant told the council removal timing affects construction safety and efficiency; neighbors and preservation advocates warned that early, broad clearing could reduce tree cover and harm water retention and neighborhood character.
Why it matters: The amendment balances developers’ request for operational efficiency during road and utility construction with residents’ and some council members’ desire to preserve trees and…
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