Planning commission approves second-story setback variance at 2026 Montana Avenue

The Whitefish Planning Commission on March 19 approved a setback variance (WZV26-02) allowing a partial second‑story addition at 2026 Montana Avenue, the commission said.

Staff member Lauren McDonald told the commission the 6,500‑square‑foot lot contains a home built in 1930 that sits within the current side‑yard setback. The applicant, Stephanie Sunshine, proposes a vertical addition only — no expansion of the house footprint — which would leave the north side-yard at about 1 foot 3.5 inches. McDonald said the placement of the historic house, not lot size or current ownership, creates the hardship and that the application meets the zoning criteria. Staff recommended approval based on those findings and presented two conditions of approval included in the motion.

At the start of the item Commissioner Scott recused himself, saying he is an adjoining property owner and could have a direct financial interest. The applicant, Stephanie Sunshine, said she planned to replace a flat roof area with a master bedroom and bathroom and that she would work with her neighbor on snow‑shedding concerns: “I’m going to add a master bedroom and bath… I’m willing to work with my neighbor to make it work.”

An adjoining owner, Scott Worester (222 Montana Avenue), spoke in favor of the request and described the minimal practical setback at the property, telling the commission Stephanie is “a good neighbor” and that the neighbors manage snow shedding with heat tape and routine clearing.

After closing public comment a commissioner moved to approve the variance (citing Whitefish City Code Title 11, Chapter 7, Subsection 7), and the motion was seconded and carried. The motion recorded approval based on staff findings and was made subject to two stated conditions of approval. The transcript records the motion passing; a roll‑call tally with individual votes was not read aloud.