Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Flathead County adopts Canyon-area zoning changes adding RV-park standards and $250 ADU fee
Summary
The Board of Commissioners adopted a text amendment to the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System that adds performance standards for RV parks, new definitions for factory-built and manufactured housing, and sets a $250 fee for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) reviews; the public hearing drew no speakers and the resolution passed unanimously.
The Flathead County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 30 adopted a text amendment to the Canyon Area Land Use Regulatory System (CALRS) that adds project performance standards for RV parks, new definitions for tiny dwelling units and factory-built housing, and designates the former “guest cottage” as an accessory dwelling unit subject to a $250 fee.
Derek Mack, Flathead County planning and zoning, told the board the changes implement 2025 state legislative requirements and align CALRS with existing subdivision performance standards. "The big thing we're doing is adding project performance standards for RV parks," Mack said, and staff proposed definitions for manufactured homes, RVs, and tiny dwelling units to reduce regulatory ambiguity.
Mack said the amendments are intended to preserve rural character while improving public safety and emergency access: the findings the board adopted note the updates "promote public health, safety, and welfare by clarifying residents and tourists' use definitions and establishing dimensional and access standards that support emergency response and hazard mitigation." The board also approved a companion fee schedule that will allow a $250 review fee for ADUs in the Canyon area.
The county opened and closed the public hearing with no members of the public speaking. Commissioners moved and approved the findings of compliance with the Canyon Plan and then adopted resolution number 1049u to finalize the text amendment.
What happens next: staff said they will publish the adopted amendment and update the fee schedule. The amendment does not change city boundaries or municipal zoning and county staff indicated the change preserves existing zoning frameworks while introducing enforceable performance standards for RV parks.
