Full Text
PLANNING & BUILDING DEPARTMENT 418 E. 2nd Street, PO Box 158, Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 863-2410 Fax (406) 863-2409 April 22, 2019 Dear Lakefront Property Owner: We hope this spring finds you well and would like to remind all lakefront property owners along Whitefish Lake and Lost Coon Lake that work occurring within either lakes’ water or within 20- feet landward of the high-water elevation on the lake requires the issuance of a Lakeshore Construction Permit prior to commencement of the activity according to the Whitefish Lake and Lakeshore Protection Regulations. Work may also require the issuance of a permit from the Flathead County Planning Office, depending on the property location. Properties located outside of City limits are still subject to the Whitefish lakeshore regulations for items placed below the low water elevation (i.e. docks, buoys, waterlines, etc.) A permit is required for the following items but is not limited to: • replacement or new installation of docks (including additions to existing docks), • replacement or new installations of shore stations/boat lifts (either with or without canopies), • replacement or new installation of buoys, • gravel placement, • stairs and walkways, • riprap or retaining walls, and • waterline installation or repairs. Most properties along both lakes have lakeshore permits on file with the City of Whitefish for existing activities within the lake and lakeshore protection area. We encourage all property owners to maintain personal records of these permits, as they include conditions of approval which must be complied with throughout the life of the project. The most frequent violation our office encounters is encroachment into the setbacks for dock placement. Docks are required to be placed in the center of the subject property unless otherwise indicated in the approved permit, regardless of where is was placed in previous years. Although the City keeps photo records of the shoreline, we rely on complaint-based enforcement for the majority of violations. If you observe a violation of the Lakeshore Protection Regulations, please fill out a ‘Request for Investigation’ complaint form and submit the information to our office. Information on the City’s permit process, applications, and link to the regulations can be found online at www.cityofwhitefish.org, under the Planning and Building Department, Lakeshore/Floodplain Development. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Planning Department at [PHONE REDACTED].