Whitefish adopts subdivision regulation changes required by state law

The Whitefish City Council voted unanimously May 18 to adopt ordinance 26‑07, updating Title 12 subdivision regulations to conform to the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA).

Planning Director Dave explained the primary changes: elimination of multiple 'minor' and 'major' plat subtypes in favor of a single preliminary‑and‑final plat system, a 15‑day sufficiency review and a 20‑business‑day completeness window, clarified parkland dedication language, and new language about traffic impact studies and mitigation. The ordinance also adopts a temporary administrative public‑notice and review process for the first year (through June 30, 2027) as allowed by state law.

Several public speakers asked for stronger public notices, a project tracking portal and more explicit cross‑reference to place‑type parameters; staff said the city maintains a land‑use project portal and will update public‑participation practices, and acknowledged that certain notice and standing provisions are governed by state law.

After discussion councilors voted to approve ordinance 26‑07 on first reading; staff said the changes are primarily statutory implementation and housekeeping and that the planning commission unanimously recommended approval.

The changes take legal effect under the adopted ordinance timeline and will change how preliminary and final plats are processed, the timelines for sufficiency/completeness review, and the administrative review and appeal pathway during the state‑specified transition period.