The Whitefish City Council is set to continue discussion on a controversial critical areas ordinance tonight a week after it decided to delay voting due to unresolved concerns regarding the document.
The ordinance essentially outlines regulations to protect sensitive storm water drainage areas – or critical areas. A variety of concerns were raised at the public hearing portion of last week’s meeting, including discrepancies in the specifics of buffer and setback regulations, the effect the ordinance will have on existing lots as opposed to new developments, and the clarity of wording in various sections of the ordinance. Building on sloped areas is another foremost point of contention.
The council wanted more time to look at these concerns.
Also at tonight’s meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at City Hall, councilors will discuss the agenda for its Feb. 4 work session with the Architectural Review Committee.