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Commission approves zone change for Averil Hospitality; applicants describe future PUD plans
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved rezoning two Wisconsin Avenue parcels from WR3 to WRB2 at the request of Averil Hospitality; applicants said a later PUD/master plan will guide any marina or lodging expansions and signaled possible employee housing and creek daylighting projects.
The Whitefish Planning Commission on April 16 voted unanimously to rezone two parcels along Wisconsin Avenue from WR3 (low-density multifamily) to WRB2 (resort business), a change the staff said aligns with the Wisconsin Corridor plan and the city's future land-use map.
Planner Lauren McDonald told the commission the requested WRB2 designation "is consistent with the future land use map" and that public services and infrastructure are available for potential future development. She emphasized that a PUD amendment would be required for any marina or dock expansion and that the zone change alone does not authorize such changes.
Applicant representatives emphasized voluntary constraints and future review. Donna Vad, representing the applicant, said the owner intends to pursue a PUD/master plan after the zone change and that any marina changes would require separate public review. Justin Doll of Averil Hospitality said the rezoning would support uses that complement the adjacent lodge and that possible future features could include employee housing, event space and a partnership with the Whitefish Lake Institute to daylight Viking Creek; he added that the company "will not be asking for any additional boat slips" as part of this step and acknowledged separate approvals would be required for marina work.
A nearby resident, Toby Scott, spoke in support of the change and described the lots as more compatible with resort business use than with multifamily residential. Following public comment and staff findings that the proposal conforms to the growth policy and zoning criteria, the commission approved the zone change; the matter advances to City Council as required for final action.
What it means - Zoning changed from WR3 to WRB2 for two parcels along Wisconsin Avenue; the change allows resort-business uses by right consistent with the district but does not itself authorize PUD changes, marina expansion, or specific development until future applications are filed and reviewed. - Applicant statements in the hearing indicate a preference to use the parcels to support the existing lodge (employee housing, overflow parking, event space) and to pursue a PUD amendment before any marina modifications.
Next steps: Any PUD amendment, marina changes or development proposals will require separate, noticed applications and review by the planning commission and city council.
