Whitefish Revises Growth Policy Amid Legal Height Limit Concerns

Whitefish city council revised its 20-year growth policy under threat of legal action over height restrictions.

The council altered the draft after State Senator Ellie Boldman raised legal concerns, highlighting a conflict between local planning ambitions and state mandates. This adjustment underscores the tension between municipal autonomy and Montana’s statutory planning requirements.

Sen. Boldman’s letter, sent shortly before the April 6, 2026, public hearing, identified “legal deficiencies” in the policy, particularly its building height limits below the 60-foot minimum required by state law for urban areas. In response, the council removed language restricting buildings taller than 45 feet to full-time residential uses. Councilors expressed frustration with what they viewed as external interference but recognized the risk of costly litigation, as noted by Nathan Dugan of Livable Flathead. The city must comply with 2023 legislation addressing housing shortages while balancing local input. A final vote on the revised policy is set for April 20, 2026, with future zoning regulation updates planned to align with the growth strategy.

Montana communities like Whitefish could find themselves navigating similar legal and political pressures when updating growth plans, especially given the state’s evolving housing laws. The balance between respecting local preferences and adhering to statewide mandates may shape development patterns across the region.

Whitefish City Council Edits Growth Policy After State Senator Raises Legal Concerns

By Lauren Frick, Flathead Beacon