Council unanimously approves zoning terminology change and two conditional‐use permits

The Whitefish City Council on Nov. 3 approved a set of land-use items unanimously in regular business.

Ordinance 25‑13 (first reading): The council voted to amend Sections 3.1 and 5.9 of the city’s architectural review standards to update terminology from 'formula retail' to 'formula business' so it matches an ordinance adopted earlier this year (25‑07). Planning staff reported the Community Development Board held a public hearing Oct. 16 and recommended approval. Councilmember Rebecca moved and the first reading passed unanimously.

Conditional use permit — 309 Central Avenue (CUP 25‑09): Planning staff recommended approval of a conditional use permit to transfer an existing beer-and-wine license to a cafe at 309 Central Avenue (the Wilde/Wild Coffee location). Staff said the proposed use complies with growth-policy and zoning requirements and recommended conditions consistent with earlier Community Development Board findings. Applicant Sam Down Howard said the license allows retail (take‑out) bottle sales and confirmed operations would run about 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the council approved the permit unanimously.

Whitefish Riverfront Hotel expansion (WCUP 25‑10): Planning staff described a proposal to convert an on-site office building at 920 Spokane Avenue into 9–13 hotel suites with full kitchens; the site is 2.6 acres in WB2 zoning, has 93 parking spaces (90 required) and will be subject to architectural review for exterior changes. The Community Development Board recommended approval subject to conditions, including providing bike parking and ensuring the units remain part of the hotel (not short-term rentals). Nick Caius, representing the owners, said a 310 permit for retaining wall repair had been obtained and that geotechnical work is under way; the council approved WCUP 25‑10 unanimously.

All three items passed by unanimous voice vote at the meeting; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.