Mayor's Corner

In my continuing effort to provide information about the workings of the City, I would like to give a summary of how the current zoning ordinance came to be. Montana state law, specifically Montana Code Annotated 7-1-4123 and 7-1-4124 authorize municipalities to adopt, amend and repeal ordinances and resolutions that are necessary for municipal functions.

In response to citizen concerns of business moving into residential neighborhoods, the City Council referred the zoning issue to the planning committee. After the committee met and looked into the issue, they recommended to the council that a planning board be formed to work on a zoning ordinance. At the December 2021 council meeting the planning board resolution was approved. The planning board consists of three members of the city council and three city residents.

The planning board met six times between January 2022 and May 2022. Several alternatives for an ordinance were considered. An ordinance from the Town of Hot Springs was chosen as a basic framework to be modified to work for Thompson Falls. At the June 2022 council meeting Resolution 814 was approved for the adoption of the zoning ordinance.

The notice of proposed adoption of the zoning ordinance was published in the Sanders County Ledger June 23 and June 30 of 2022. The first reading of the ordinance was done at the City Council meeting on July 12, 2022. The second reading and adoption of the ordinance was done at the August 8 City Council meeting.

As with any ordinance in the city, changes may be needed in the future. Any amendments to ordinances will include public participation as required by Montana law.

All City Council, committee and board meetings were open to the public and conducted in compliance with Montana state law. Meeting dates, times, locations and agendas are posted 48 hours in advance at the following locations: Whitefish Credit Union, Thompson Falls Library, Valley Bank, Sanders County Courthouse, First Security Bank, and City Hall. Additionally City Council meetings are posted at http://www.cityofthompsonfalls.com.