Commission approves enclosure of existing covered patio at 525 Columbia Avenue

The Whitefish Planning Commission approved a variance allowing the conversion of an existing covered patio into interior living space at 525 Columbia Avenue.

Planning staff member Lauren told the commission the 72-square-foot covered patio sits roughly 1 foot from the northern property line in a WR2 zone and was built before current zoning took effect. "Enclosing the existing patio cannot occur without a variance and strict adherence would prevent the homeowners from updating their home within its existing footprint," Lauren said, recommending approval with two standard conditions.

Applicant representative Parker Turner explained the proposal would convert a carport area to living space without increasing the footprint or the degree of encroachment. "There's an existing carport there, and they just want to bump the room out to where that carport is now," Parker said.

A commissioner moved to approve WZV26-09 in accordance with city code and the staff report; the motion was seconded (Scott Worster made the motion and Phil Bolan seconded, according to the meeting record) and carried. Staff said notices were mailed and no public comments were received prior to the meeting.

The approval is limited to the existing footprint and includes two conditions of approval specified in the staff packet; the record does not indicate additional mitigation or appealed outcomes at the meeting.