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Planning commission approves 40‑unit Meadowlake apartment project with condition banning short‑term rentals
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Summary
Commission approved a conditional‑use permit for a 40‑unit apartment at 302 Meadowlake Boulevard (CRA‑1), requiring sidewalks and other site improvements. The commission added Condition 18 explicitly prohibiting use of the units as short‑term rentals; staff recommended approval with 17 original conditions.
The Columbia Falls Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use permit (CUP) for a proposed 40‑unit apartment building at 302 Meadowlake Boulevard after a public hearing and a discussion of traffic, lighting and tree preservation.
City planner Eric Mulcahy summarized the proposal: the property is zoned CRA‑1 (apartment district), is about 2.25 acres (approximately 88,000 square feet), proposes 23% lot coverage (below the 45% maximum), and includes 82 parking spaces to meet the city’s current 2 spaces per unit requirement. The project includes a sidewalk connection, a small tot lot and a dog park, and staff reported the fire department has reviewed hydrant locations and circulation and found them acceptable. Mulcahy told the commission staff recommended approval with 17 conditions.
Public concerns: Several speakers asked for clearer traffic mitigation at the Bestway/Meadowlake intersection and for sidewalk lighting and pedestrian safety along the corridor. A commenter urged that the conditions specify whether the developer must provide either the sight‑distance improvement outlined in the traffic study or a four‑way stop at the Bestway approach; another urged the developer to preserve existing trees and vegetation where practicable.
Commission action: During deliberation commissioners accepted staff findings of fact and voted to approve the CUP with the staff recommendations and an added Condition 18 that prohibits any of the project units from being used as short‑term rentals. The motion to approve the CUP was made by Commissioner Kavanaugh and seconded by Commissioner Ping; the commission voted in favor and the CUP was approved. The developer’s engineer, Doug Petmire (TDNH Engineering), indicated the applicant is an apartment operator and did not object to a prohibition of short‑term rental use.
What happens next: The approval moves to city council for final action on any annexation or related matters; staff will monitor approach permits, engineering approvals and compliance with the conditions and check that any county road or state highway issues (sight‑distance or turn lanes) are addressed with the relevant agencies. The project will require submittal of engineered plans showing lighting, landscaping and any intersection or approach improvements required by the traffic review.
Key facts: 302 Meadowlake Boulevard; proposal: 40 apartments; parcel size ~2.25 acres; proposed parking: 82 spaces; staff recommended approval with 17 conditions; commission added Condition 18 banning short‑term rental use and approved the permit.
