Hello neighbors,

We return with excellent news! Montarise pulled their application and their application for a zoning change. As a result, it will not go before the County Commissioners. Our community's commitment to opposing Montarise paid off huge dividends.

With that said, it is the planning board staff's understanding that Montarise intends to return with a different plan. 

What does that mean? 

Montarise will have to start the application process from the beginning. Since the zoning change application never went to the Commissioners, they can begin anytime. 

If Montarise decides proceed under the current zoning (SAG-5) but seeks to request a PUD overlay, they would have to go through the entire process again. Without a PUD overlay, they could build 31 'dwelling units.' With a PUD overlay, they could build up to 62. There's additional criteria for a commercial portion if their plan calls for a mixed use PUD. For more info, you can view Flathead County's zoning requirements by clicking here. 

Until then, let's celebrate this win as a community! We defeated a development that would have forever 'disfigured' (thanks Amy for that visual) rural Flathead because we came together in meaningful ways. Each letter you wrote, every person you talked to factually, every one you referred to our website, every donation you made, every signature on the petition, every single impactful, thoughtful public comment you made at the hearing gave the Planning Board compelling reasons to recommend denial and cued Montarise that they had less than zero support.

Thank you!

-FFRRG Steering Committee