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1. What is the Legacy Homes Program and why is it needed?

The Legacy Homes Program is a voluntary inclusionary zoning, was a recommendation from the 2017 Strategic Housing Plan (PDF). This program is intended to provide new housing in Whitefish affordable to people with moderate incomes who work in Whitefish. The program includes both rental and home ownership opportunities; homes will be located throughout the community.

The 2022 Community Housing Needs Assessment (PDF) identified 1,380 new housing units are needed in Whitefish by 2030; 1,035 of those (or 75%) need to be priced below market rate to:

1. Ensure the people who work in Whitefish are able to live here and
2. Help local businesses attract and retain employees

2. What does the Legacy Homes Program mean to developers?

• If a developer would like to obtain the Legacy Home incentives, 10% of the project will include housing affordable to people with moderate incomes.  A developer can receive incentives for subdivisions, residential conditional use permits (CUP), or residential planned unit developments (PUD).
• A Housing Mitigation Plan (PDF) must be submitted as part of a complete application and describe how the project will comply with the regulations.
• To help off-set the cost to developers, the regulations provide for Legacy Homes Program Incentives (PDF) which are incremental reductions to some development standards.
• There are several ways to comply with the Legacy Homes Program including development the units within the development, pay a Fee-in-Lieu (PDF) of units, providing the units off-site, dedicate land or an alternative, including a combination of the various options.

3. Who is eligible to rent or buy a Legacy Home?

The Whitefish Housing Authority (WHA) will guide prospective renters and owners through the application process and determine eligibility for a Legacy Home. Visit the WHA website, call 406-862-4143, or email the WHA to learn more about the application process and to get qualified to rent or buy a Legacy Home.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

For more information on affordable housing initiatives in Whitefish visit the Whitefish Strategic Housing Steering Committee page.

4. Where can I find more information about the Legacy Homes Program?

View the Legacy Homes Program Administration (PDF), stop by City Hall, or call 406-863-2410 to talk with a Planner. The Whitefish Planning Department is coordinating administration of the Legacy Homes Program with the Whitefish Housing Authority.