Whitefish approves annexation and WBT zoning for 18‑acre site at 5960 Highway 93; 256‑unit project approved under development agreement

The Whitefish City Council approved Resolution 26‑14 on June 1, 2026, annexing approximately 18.01 acres at 5960 Highway 93 South and rezoning the property to WBT (business transitional district) under a developer agreement that outlines site plans and commitments.

Staff summarized the petition and draft development agreement, saying the proposal could yield up to 256 residential units in 24 buildings, a clubhouse, two commercial pad sites, and a shared‑use path on the Highway 93 frontage. The applicant’s draft agreement committed to at least 10% deed‑restricted units and proposed a 24‑month leaseback of the existing marina use during transition.

Planning staff said the property is within the city’s urban growth boundary and that utility extensions would be required prior to construction. Director Dave Taylor noted that some uses would be allowed by right under WBT zoning and that aspects of construction would trigger building permits and architectural review prior to site work.

The applicant, Will McDonald, and consultant David Cool presented a multi‑tiered site concept using smaller building footprints to work with topography; McDonald said phase one focuses on multi‑family housing and that the team would pursue low‑income tax credits to increase the deed‑restricted portion. McDonald summarized: “Our intent is to focus on housing... 256 units, 10% of that deed restricted. We're going to focus on 80% AMI.”

Public comment was mixed. Keegan Seanoler, executive director of Shelter WF, urged approval for workforce housing, noting commuting burdens for local workers. Opponents including Richard Hilder and Citizens for a Better Flathead argued the proposal conflicts with the recently approved growth policy, warned of substantial traffic impacts at the Highway 93/40 intersection and urged denial or tabling until traffic mitigation and firm affordable‑housing guarantees are provided.

Council debate focused on the balance between urgent housing needs and concerns over traffic, long‑term entitlements and the development agreement's duration. Councilor Steve proposed and the council adopted a friendly amendment that requires landscaping along the Highway 93 frontage to be installed in conjunction with phase one. Councilor Jeppe moved to approve Resolution 26‑14 as conditioned; the motion carried 4–1 with Councilor Sweeney voting no.

The vote annexes the property into city limits, establishes WBT zoning and attaches the development agreement and conditions adopted by the council. Council members said future discrete permits and reviews (architectural review, building permits, CUPs where applicable) will govern site‑level details and that the city will coordinate with MDT on intersection improvements.