Final decision pending on short-term rentals

The Flathead County commissioners are poised to make a final decision Aug. 7 on imposing regulations for short-term rental housing in zoned areas of the county.

In June the commissioners passed a resolution of intent to adopt a zoning text amendment that sets performance standards for nightly rentals offered through popular venues such as VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) and Airbnb. It was a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Phil Mitchell voting in opposition because he felt some issues regarding residential neighborhoods hadn’t been adequately addressed.

If the text amendment is finalized, operators of vacation rentals will be required to get an administrative conditional-use permit through the county Planning Office.

The Northwest Montana Association of Realtors proposed the zoning text amendment as a way to protect homeowners, the property rights of neighbors and the traveling public.

Currently, operating a rental unit for less than 30 days is an illegal use in zoned areas of the county. Nevertheless, there are hundreds of rentals operating throughout the county through online venues.

Creating regulations for short-term rentals has been a split debate. The county Planning Board came to a 4-4 impasse on the proposal in March and sent it to the commissioners without a recommendation.

The commissioners will meet on the issue at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 7. Public comment will be taken for 15 minutes starting at 8:45 a.m. The commissioners meet on the third floor of the county Courthouse in Kalispell.

For more information, visit https://flathead.mt.gov/commissioner/.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.