The city council in Kalispell, Montana recently held a workshop about casinos and related land-use restrictions. The meeting follows an April 6 session where residents voiced strong opposition to a Lucky Lil’s casino at a Town Pump gas station, the first to be located near U.S. 93 north of Idaho Street. Operators said they wanted to develop a convenience store in the former church building and create a 7,900 square foot casino attachment, along with fueling stations and parking.
The council approved the casino in a 5-4 vote, granting a conditional use permit based on a list of nine requirements–including a rule that the casino cannot display signage directly advertising the casino or any elements of gambling beyond the business’s name. Council members supporting the proposal said the city had regulations in place that allowed the development at the location, in response to opponents who said casinos were prohibited north of U.S. Highway 2. The council also annexed the site so it can use city sewer and water services.
Soon after, the council announced it would review casino requests more thoroughly. Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell said, “Our planning department outlined several examples from other municipalities.” The options included land-use policies like setbacks and zoning restrictions. In Whitefish, a specific area designated where casinos would be allowed.
Other cities, like Kalispell, have tried to spread casinos throughout the city to avoid a concentration. Within its city limits, Kalispell has 29 casinos, which must have a state casino license and offer only up to 20 gambling machines. Generally they are “accessory use” facilities, meaning the casino is part of a larger business and may take up no more than 20 percent of the business’ floor space.
City zoning ordinances also require casinos to be at least 300 feet away from churches, schools, parks and city residential zones. In addition, there are limitations on casino signs, number and location of entrances and visibility to non-casino patrons.
