11/2002 Draft Growth PolicyDRAFT
KALISPELL GROWTH POLICY
2020
Prepared by:
Kalispell City Planning Board
November 2002
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction..........................................................................................
1
1.
Administration...........................................................................
4
2.
Growth Management.................................................................
7
3.
Land Use: Housing...................................................................
10
4.
Land Use: Business and Industry .............................................
13
5.
Land Use: Agriculture................................................................
18
6.
Economy.....................................................................................
20
7.
The Natural Environment...........................................................
23
8.
Urban Design, Historic and Cultural Conservation ....................
27
9.
Parks and Recreation.................................................................
29
10.
Transportation............................................................................
31
11.
Infrastructure and Public Services .............................................
38
12.
Neighborhood Plans....................................................................
54
13.
Implementation Strategy...........................................................
58
Appendix A: Resources and Analysis Section ...............................................
Introduction
The Kalispell City Growth Policy is an official public document adopted by the Kalispell
City Council to guide future growth in the city. The growth policy is not a law or
regulation, but rather a set of advisory guidelines for determining future land use.
Although the plan reflects economic, social, and environmental policy, it is,
fundamentally, a guide to the physical development of the community. The actual
jurisdictional boundaries for this growth are the city limits of Kalispell that contains
approximately 6.83 square miles. However, the growth policy document includes an
area beyond the city limits in order to provide some vision for the future and to provide
a basis for zoning upon annexation. A potential utility service area, taken from the
Kalispell Facility Plan 2002, has been included in this document to address the future
development potential of land within that area and with the anticipation that services
can be provided. The growth policy area also includes land beyond the potential utility
service area that served as the previous city -council planning jurisdiction boundaries
for which research data and information has already be gathered. These boundaries
are shown on Figure 1.
A vision statement has been developed for the planning jurisdiction that is intended
to reflect overall ideas about future growth and development in the planning
jurisdiction.
"Kalispell is a community that expects excellence and will continue to
strengthen its position as the regional commercial and government
center for the Flathead Valley community in creating a diverse economic
base, efficient public services, a variety of housing options, and serving
as a center of higher learning. As new development and redevelopment
occurs, it is expected to be in areas where public services and
infrastructure are available. Development in the city core should preserve
and enhance the historic and cultural heritage of the community. The
integrity of the natural and scenic resources should be maintained to
ensure a high quality of life."
The essential characteristics of a growth policy are that it is comprehensive, general
and long range. Comprehensive means that the document applies geographically to
the entire community in order to coordinate its overall pattern of growth.
Comprehensive also means that consideration is given to all of the basic functions that
make a community work such as housing, the economy, land use, the environment,
transportation, and public facilities and services.
General means that the policy is broad in scope, focusing more on general principles
and philosophy than detailed standards. Accordingly, the format of the document is
and outline of issues, goals, policies, and recommendations, rather than legally
described locations, engineered solutions or detailed regulations.
Long range means that the policy looks beyond the present to anticipate future
problems and opportunities. The period addressed by this policy is through the year
2020, with a scheduled review every five years, which may result in a full or partial
revision if deemed necessary.
Legal foundations of the growth policy are found in Montana's Local Planning and
Enabling Act (Sections 76-1-101 through 76-1-606, MCA) which outlines the contents
and process for the preparation and use of the growth policy. These provisions state
that the planning board shall prepare and propose a growth policy for review and
approval by the governing body, in this case the Kalispell City Council. Some of the
key elements that must be included in the growth policy are:
• Community goals and objectives;
• A description of the policies, regulations, and other tools to be implemented to
carry out the policy;
• Maps and text which describe the jurisdictional area (including information on
land uses, population, housing needs, economic conditions, local services,
public facilities, natural resources, and other jurisdictional characteristics);
• Projected trends for each of the above listed items for the life of the growth
policy (except for public facilities);
• A strategy for development, maintenance, and replacement of public
infrastructure;
• An implementation strategy for the document;
• A list of conditions that will trigger a revision of the growth policy;
• A timetable for reviewing the growth policy at least once every five years and
revising the policy if necessary;
• An explanation of how the governing body will coordinate and cooperate with
other jurisdictions;
• An explanation of how the governing body will evaluate and make decisions
regarding proposed subdivisions with respect to "public interest" criteria
established in section 76-3-608(3)(a), MCA.
These statutes also state that the city council shall be guided by and give
consideration to the general policy and pattern of development set out in the growth
policy.
Overview of past planning efforts: The City of Kalispell adopted its first master plan in
1962. In 1974, the Kalispell City -County Planning Board updated the plan to reflect
the changing conditions in the community. The 1974 plan was re -affirmed in 1978
when County and the three cities of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell jointly
undertook the preparation of the Flathead County Comprehensive Plan. In 1984 the
Kalispell City -County Planning Board again undertook the task of updating the plan, a
process that was completed in 1986.
Preparation of the plan: The current growth policy is the culmination of a planning
effort that was started in 1997. The Kalispell City County Planning Board,
representing the city of Kalispell and surrounding jurisdictional area of four and a half
miles was dissolved by Flathead County and a Kalispell City Planning Board was
created with the city limits as a jurisdictional boundary. This board continued work
on the growth policy document. A draft growth policy document produced by the
efforts of the past Kalispell City -County Planning Board and the Kalispell City Council
through August 2001. The document previously drafted by the planning board and
city council was utilized by the Kalispell City Planning Board as a basis for the current
growth policy document. The resource and analysis section (included in Appendix A)
that was prepared in conjunction with those earlier efforts was updated as new
information became available.
As a City document, the current growth policy applies only to the new jurisdictional
boundaries of the city limits. However, it also includes a projected land use scenario
for the area that was the previous planning jurisdiction for the Kalispell City -County
Planning Board and was the boundary included in the 1986 Kalispell City County
Master Plan. The resource and analysis section includes background information on
demographics, land uses, the economy, population and housing projections, the
environment, and public facilities and services. Computerized mapping of the
jurisdiction was prepared, including the street system, land uses, development
pattern, zoning, parks and open space, historic structures, floodplain, hydrology and
wetlands, topography, agricultural soils and habitat of wildlife species. In 1997, a
public opinion survey on local growth issues was conducted from a random sample of
households in the original planning jurisdiction, drawing a 42 percent response rate.
The survey results were considered in preparing this document. A public hearing was
held before the Kalispell City Planning Board on the growth policy and the document
was then forwarded to the city council for review and adoption.
Growth policy components: The growth policy document is composed the text, map
and appendices. Each of these components is equally important and should be
considered together in interpreting and applying the policy.
The text contains chapters on growth management, land use, the economy and public
services. Each chapter is organized into a format of interrelated issues, goals, policies
and recommendations. The "issues" are statements of important trends, problems,
opportunities, and community values. The "goals" are basic statements of the
community's aims and priorities. The "policies" are the guidelines and strategies that
implement the plan's goals. The "recommendations" are specific actions to be taken
by the City to implement the goals outlined in the document.
The growth policy future land use map can be found in the back pocket of this
document and is a geographic illustration of the plan's goals and policies applied to
the lands in the planning jurisdiction. The map indicates the types of land uses
recommended at each location, representing the recommendation of an orderly growth
pattern. The map indicates a land use classification, (hierarchy) major streets, lakes,
rivers, streams, floodplain and steep slopes. The text includes explanations of these
map designations within related chapters. Like the text, the map is a guideline and it
is intended to indicate generalized rather than exact locations.
1. Administration
Administration of the growth policy document and its implementation is the
responsibility of the City of Kalispell in cooperation with Flathead County. Kalispell
has council / manager form of government with an eight member council and a mayor
who votes on all matters. A full-time city manager administers the day to day
business of the City. Flathead County has a commissioner form of government with
three full time county commissioners who employ an administrative assistant to assist
in the day to day operation of the County.
Issues:
1. Cooperation between the City and County is critical to reinforcing an orderly
development pattern in the growth policy area, coordinating the extension of
public facilities and services, and addressing the numerous issues that cross
over city -county boundaries.
2. Currently there is a lack of joint planning between the City and the County that
needs to be addressed through cooperative agreements.
3. There is a lack of consistency in development standards for the City and County
at the urban / rural interface.
4. Often there is limited public involvement in the planning and development
review process which often leave the public unaware of certain projects or
issues.
Goals:
1. FOSTER CITY -COUNTY COOPERATION, PARTICULARLY IN MANAGING
GROWTH AND COORDINATING PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND
SERVICES.
2. PROMOTING COOPERATION BETWEEN KALISPELL, UTILITY SERVICE
PROVIDERS AND FLATHEAD BUSINESSES.
3. ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY TO RECOGNIZE THE LAND USE
DESIGNATIONS FOR PROPERTY WITHIN THE POTENTIAL UTILITY
SERVICE AREA AND ADOPT ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE LAND USE
DESIGNATION.
4. THAT A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BE SIGNED BETWEEN THE
CITY AND THE COUNTY THAT WOULD FORM AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE PARTIES TO ADHERE TO:
• URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
• SUBDIVISION PLAT REVIEW PROCESSES.
• ANNEXATION POLICIES INCLUDING TRANSFER OF COUNTY ROADS TO
THE CITY.
• EXTENSION OF SERVICES INCLUDING SEWER AND WATER.
• PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
• COORDINATION AND SHARING OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
SYSTEMS, BUILDING CODES AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT
RESOURCES.
5. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY IDENTIFY WAYS TO SHARE EQUIPMENT
AND OTHER RESOURCES TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
6. THAT THE CITY MEET PERIODICALLY WITH THE COUNTY, SCHOOL
DISTRICT, PUBLIC UTILITY AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO SHARE AND
COORDINATE LONG-TERM PLANS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND UTILITY EXTENSIONS.
7. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY DEVELOP AND AGREE ON A JOINT
PLANNING JURISDICTION AND RE-ESTABLISH A CITY -COUNTY PLANNING
BOARD.
8. SEEK WAYS TO PROVIDE AVENUES FOR GREATER PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS.
Policies:
1. Use this document as a guide for development and growth within the growth
policy area.
2. Zoning regulations should conform and be used to implement to the provisions
of this document.
3. Initiate City -County agreements or programs that would cooperatively influence
the amount and type of growth within the growth police area.
4. This document should be used when considering all development decisions.
5. Coordinate development codes in the city and outlying areas to promote the
orderly expansion of the city.
6. The growth policy will be reviewed every five years and be revised if necessary.
Amendments outside these comprehensive updates should be viewed cautiously
and be based primarily on unanticipated changes.
7. Comprehensive updates of the growth policy should be considered when there
is a major change in circumstances such as a significant increase or decrease
in population, changes in economic or environmental conditions or significant
changes in public infrastructure and services.
8. Statements on how the public will be informed regarding development projects
can ensure the integrity of the public review process.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a cooperative
agencies, service and
standards, efficient u;
development.
relationship between the elected officials, government
utility providers that results in consistent development
3e of public infrastructure and resources, and quality
2. Continue to pursue joint planning and interlocal agreement between city and
county that will lead to the establishment of a joint planning jurisdiction and a
joint planning board.
3. Find ways to provide greater exposure for the public of the planning process
such as the local media to encourage greater public involvement and interest.
2. Growth Management
Growth in the Kalispell area has been cyclic with bursts of growth and then a leveling
of the growth rate. During the early part of the 1990's there was a relatively high level
of growth that stabilized during the last half of the 1990's and early 2000's. Affordable
housing, delivery of services, location of new development, redevelopment of the
existing urban core and quality of life are all issues that have increased in significance
during this period of growth.
Issues:
1. Growth rates have fluctuated between moderate and high levels making land
use and planning difficult. Kalispell is a growth area. Between 1990 to 2000
the population grew approximately 19.3 percent within the city limits and
approximately 15.9 percent within the growth policy boundary.
2. Growth has had both positive and negative effects on the local quality of life.
Along with a good economy and many examples of well designed development,
the impacts of growth have also included disruption of established
neighborhoods, strain on public facilities and services, environmental impacts,
increasing traffic and housing costs and changing cultural values.
3. Most of the outlying zoning districts were adopted between 1987 and 1993 and
have bee applied throughout the growth policy area by the City and County as
a result of development pressure. The regulations are not always consistent
leading to conflicts in development standards and confusion from the public.
4. The issue of property rights continues to be a matter of public discussion and
interest. While periods of rapid growth have increased support for new and
stronger government controls on property development, local public acceptance
of new restrictions has tended to come slowly and has been mixed with
apprehensions and opposition.
S. Low density development in outlying areas has been the predominant local
growth pattern of recent decades creating inefficiencies in providing services.
For example In 1960, 77% of the residents within the growth policy area lived in
Kalispell, but by 2000, the proportion had fallen to 49%. Factors in this urban
to suburban shift include national trends toward suburban and rural growth,
the appeal of the Flathead Valley's rural setting and a variety of public policies
that have made suburban and rural development more attractive than
concentrated urban development.
6. Finding ways of making infill growth more attractive and economical is
necessary to equalize the trend toward low density development. Along with the
predominant growth pattern of low density development, there has also been a
trend towards reinvestment and redevelopment of land in established urban
areas, drawn by convenience, variety, stable neighborhoods and small-town
quality of life. There are more traditional development patterns associated with
this trend and they differ from suburban design with regard to density and
uses.
7. Increasing land and home values have created problems in providing adequate
affordable housing in large sectors of the community. Wages have not kept
pace with these rising costs leaving some with marginal housing options
8. There has been resistance to Kalispell having a building code enforcement
presence outside of the city limits.
Goals:
1. ENCOURAGE EFFICIENT USE OF SPACE, ORDERLY GROWTH CONSISTENT
WITH HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, FISCAL SOUNDNESS, ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION, AND COMMUNITY VITALITY.
2. IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE, EFFECTIVE GROWTH MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM THAT RECOGNIZES AND UPHOLDS THE GENERAL WELFARE OF
THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.
3. ENCOURAGE HOUSING TYPES THAT PROVIDE HOUSING FOR ALL SECTORS
AND INCOME LEVELS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
4. NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD OCCUR IN AREAS WHERE
PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE AND AS EXPANSION OF
EXISTING COMMERCIAL AREAS.
5. NEW URBAN AND SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT SHOULD OCCUR IN AREAS
WHERE PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE.
Policies:
1. Encourage resolution of disputes involving land use policy by broad
participation, education, compromise and consideration of private property
rights. Maintain mechanisms to provide for open, well publicized processes.
2. Encourage consistent government policies for development and infrastructure
within urban areas.
3. Provide for conservation of established single-family housing areas with
significant design integrity, such as Kalispell's historic districts.
4. Affordable housing should be recognized as a primary consideration within the
community when adopting or amending land use regulations. The ability of the
average wage earner to either buy or build a home is an essential component of
the standard of living, quality of life, and general welfare in our community.
5. Individual property owners have the right to sell or to manage their own
property as long as their actions do not adversely impact the rights of others or
the community as a whole.
6. Design and locate development to protect public health and safety; insure
adequate provision of services; fit the character of its surroundings; and
encourage the most appropriate use of land.
7. Development by the public sector should comply with the same rules as that of
private sector development. Encourage, where feasible, development by the
private, rather than public sector.
8. Partnering between public and private sector should be considered when
greater efficiency of resources can be realized by both parties.
Recommendations:
1. Adopt a municipal annexation program in conjunction with the Kalispell
Facility Plan to serve fringe developments.
2. Use the Kalispell potential utility service area as indicated in this document and
taken from the Kalispell Facility Plan as a guide when deciding the future use
and densities in a particular area.
3. Continually monitor, update, and streamline development codes to keep abreast
of changing trends and technologies, to better coordinate the development
review process, and to avoid unnecessary costly delays in processing
applications.
4. Encourage infill housing where public services are available by allowing guest
cottages, garage apartments and accessory dwellings when feasible.
S. Pursue a cooperative building code enforcement program between the city and
county.
3. Land Use: Housing
Providing adequate affordable housing within the growth policy area has become an
important issue. Inflation of housing prices, increased demands due to population
increases and an expansion of service related jobs have resulted in a critical need for
additional moderate to low income level homes. There is also a need for more diverse
housing types such as townhomes, multi -family and accessory dwellings to
accommodate smaller households.
Issues:
1. As population growth continues over the next two decades, the demand for
housing is projected to grow in the growth policy area.
2. The combination of rapid inflation of housing prices and an expanding
proportion of service related jobs has produced a significant shortage of low -
and moderate -income housing.
3. Kalispell has a high proportion of seniors. While most local housing consists of
single-family detached houses, demand is growing for a mix of housing types,
such as more one -person households, assisted living housing for seniors,
townhouses, apartment buildings, accessory apartments and second homes.
4. Most residents in the planning jurisdiction object to having single -wide mobile
homes in their neighborhoods, even though manufactured housing presents an
affordable housing alternative and is becoming more acceptable because of
improved quality of construction and improved financing.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY AND MIX OF HOUSING THAT MEETS THE
NEEDS OF PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS IN TERMS OF COST, TYPE,
DESIGN, AND LOCATION.
Policies:
1. All residents should have the opportunity to live in neighborhoods that provide
safe and affordable housing.
2. Encourage the development of urban residential neighborhoods as the primary
residential land -use pattern in the growth policy area.
3. Suburban Housing:
a. Densities should be appropriate to the limitations of the particular site,
and should not exceed two to four dwellings per gross acre.
b. The suburban residential designation is intended to reduce density and
development impacts in sensitive areas and existing rural
neighborhoods.
c. Single-family houses are the primary housing type.
d. These areas should have paved streets, public sewer and water and
access to services. New subdivisions located in or near Kalispell should
generally include sidewalks where appropriate and installation of low
intensity street lighting appropriate to the area.
4. Urban Residential:
a. Urban residential areas shown on the plan map should be encouraged to be
developed where adequate services and facilities are available.
b. Typical densities are four to twelve dwellings per gross acre.
c. Single-family houses are the primary housing type. Duplexes, guest houses,
accessory apartments, and small dispersed areas of multi -family housing
are also anticipated.
d. Urban and high density residential areas should be fully served by urban
infrastructure and municipal services, including paved streets, curbs,
sidewalks, landscaped boulevards and public sewer and water.
e. These areas should have convenient access to neighborhood business
districts, parks, and elementary schools.
5. High Density Residential:
a. Typical densities are eight to twenty dwellings per gross acre,
occasionally reaching up to 40 dwellings per gross acre as may be
appropriate to the site.
b. Small high -density residential districts are encouraged to be dispersed
throughout the urban area. These districts should be located
predominantly near schools, employment and service centers, and urban
arterials.
c. Multi -family housing developments should be designed to fit compatibly
within larger single-family neighborhoods.
d. Townhouses are encouraged to be a primary housing type in these areas.
Additional common housing types include low-rise apartments, duplexes,
manufactured home parks and upper floors of mixed -use buildings.
e. High -density residential districts may be mixed with professional offices
and various low -intensity commercial and institutional uses, particularly
where located along urban arterials.
f. In transitional areas zoned for multi -family residential use but developed
primarily as single-family houses, conversion of existing houses to offices
is encouraged, in order to maintain investment in the existing building
stock and ease the land -use transition.
g. These areas should be within close proximity to small parks or common
open spaces. Encourage the location of buildings to create engaging,
centrally located courtyards.
h. These areas should be fully served by urban infrastructure and services.
6. Provide an adequate supply of affordable housing to meet the needs of low -
and moderate -income residents.
7. Give special consideration to functional design to accommodate seniors and
disabled, who have various special needs regarding housing, transportation,
handicapped access, and services.
8. Provide adequate areas for manufactured homes and manufactured home
parks.
9. Allow low -impact home occupations which do not undermine a neighborhood's
residential character.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and implement an affordable housing strategy to effectively provide for
the needs of low and moderate income residents.
2. Develop programs for rehabilitation of deteriorating and historically significant
housing and infrastructure.
3. Review the zoning text and map periodically to remain current with changing
technologies.
4. Inclusion of offices in some areas designated as high density residential may be
appropriate depending on the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
5. Develop a comprehensive sidewalk system in the community that includes the
installation of new sidewalks and replacement of existing deteriorating
sidewalks. Install crosswalk improvements where appropriate.
6. Support the ongoing efforts of the Kalispell Community Development
Department to provide more affordable housing options.
4. Land Use: Business and Industry
Kalispell is the retail, commercial and government center for the Flathead Valley.
Kalispell's commercial core is generally more pedestrian oriented with an emphasis on
the historical character of the area. Development has occurred around the highway
corridor with recent commercial expansion of businesses that require larger
undeveloped parcels. The medical and higher education community are also located
in the Kalispell area and provide an important contribution to the economic prosperity
of the area.
Issues:
1. Although the main design advantages that make commercial corridor areas
attractive for business are the highway visibility and concentration of business
traffic along arterial routes, these areas also present such as design problems:
traffic congestion during peak periods caused by lack of secondary street
access; and lack of bike and pedestrian access and general appeal.
2. Land with commercial or industrial zoning is oversupplied in the community
and is often locations in undesirable that lack adequate infrastructure.
3. As technology changes there is less demand for traditional industrial sites and
a greater need for full urban services.
4. Downtown Kalispell has been hurt by the loss of department stores and general
commercial dispersion, but has been reinforced by the downtown shopping mall
and expansion of specialty stores.
5. Traditional higher paying industrial and manufacturing jobs are being replaced
with lower paying service and tourist oriented jobs as an economic base in the
community.
Goals:
1. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF PROSPEROUS
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS, EACH WITH A VIABLE MIX OF
BUSINESSES, SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND A COORDINATED
DEVELOPMENT PATTERN THAT REDUCES BUSINESS COSTS AND
INCREASES SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
2. NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD OCCUR IN AREAS WHERE
PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE.
3. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT IN THE "TARGET
DEVELOPMENT AREAS."
4. HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS AND E-COMMERCE BASED BUSINESS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE WITHIN EITHER THE COMMERCIAL AND /
OR INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF THE GROWTH POLICY AREA CREATING A MIX OF
USES.
5. LARGE SCALE RETAIL SHOULD BE ENCOURGAED TO DEVELOP IN AN
ARCHITECTURALLY COMPATIBLE WAY AND WITH AN INTEGRATED SITE
DESIGN RATHER THAN AS AN ISOLATED DEVELOPMENT.
Policies:
1. Central business district:
a. Recognize downtown Kalispell as a center of the community.
b. Maintain a prosperous core of retailers, restaurants, and entertainment
uses that keep downtown active.
C. Reinforce and take advantage of downtown's strengths, including its
higher concentration of people, investment in buildings and
infrastructure, intricate mix of land uses, historic and architectural
character, pedestrian orientation, and visitor attraction.
d. Recognize that there are special parking considerations downtown which
differ from other areas. Encourage innovative parking management,
effective regulation of on -street parking, shared parking provisions,
parking standards that encourage reuse of upper floors, and provision of
public parking lots and structures.
e. Encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of existing downtown buildings.
New development should give adequate consideration to downtown's
historic character.
f. Support the concentration of community events, civic functions, and
activities in the downtown.
2. Neighborhood Commercial Areas:
a. Establish neighborhood commercial areas designed to provide
convenience goods and services that address the daily needs of the
immediate neighborhood.
b. Neighborhood commercial areas should generally be three to five acres
in size and be spaced one-half to one mile apart. Sites should be
configured to enable clustering of neighborhood commercial businesses,
encouraging bike and pedestrian access where practicable.
C. Uses should be designed, set back, landscaped and buffered to fit the
surrounding neighborhood.
3. Industrial Districts:
a. Designate areas suitable for industrial uses.
b. These areas should have adequate access to rail, highway, and
airport facilities and be of sufficient size to allow for future
expansion.
C. Encourage the redevelopment of currently designated light industrial
areas particularly on the west side of Kalispell near the railroad
tracks, on the north side of the railroad tracks east of Third Avenue
East and north of the Stillwater Bridge east of Whitefish Stage Road
when public sewer becomes available.
4. Highway Community Entrance:
a. Emphasize the objective of a pleasing entrance to the city that
encourages highway landscaping.
b. In designated mixed use areas, allow for a compatible mix of office,
commercial, light industrial, residential, and public facilities. In
limited industrial areas, allow light industrial uses which do not
create off -site impacts.
C. Encourage the use of innovative land use regulations to achieve a
pleasing community entrance.
d. Encourage highway commercial and industrial development to
adhere to the following design guidelines:
1. Encourage access by a secondary street or use of shared
driveways and interconnected parking lots where secondary street
access is not feasible.
2. Landscape highway frontage and parking lots to enhance
development sites and soften the visual impacts of development.
3. Keep signs simple to reduce clutter and allow rapid
comprehension of highway motorists without undue distraction.
Encourage variety and creativity in sign design.
4. Outdoor storage, machinery, utilities, trash dumpsters, service
bays, antennas, rooftop equipment, and similar accessory facilities
should be hidden or screened from public view to protect aesthetic
qualities.
5. Outdoor lighting should be low intensity, directed downward, and
shielded to prevent glare.
5. Target Development Areas
a. Target development areas are generally located as the southwest part
of Kalispell around the City airport, the northeast area at West
Reserve Drive and Highway 93 primarily the State Lands Section 36
and the Center Street area.
b. Encourage development and redevelopment in the City's established
urban renewal districts.
C. The target development areas are where commercial and / or light
industrial development or redevelopment is encouraged. Integration
of residential uses within these areas is also encouraged.
d. In general, the northwest area is intended for commercial
development and the southwest area is intended for industrial
development.
e. The railroad right-of-way west of Seventh Avenue East should be
included in the growth policy as a target development area. The City
should pursue and mutually agreeable development or
redevelopment of the corridor with quality commercial development
and/or expansion.
6. Urban Mixed -Use Areas:
a. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and
employment areas that provide easy connections between existing
commercial and residential neighborhoods.
b. A complete system of pedestrian and bike paths is important in these
areas.
c. Expand the depth of urban highway commercial areas as mixed -use
corridors, in order to provide an alternative to continued linear
commercial development, concentrate more intensive uses along traffic
arterials, improve business district circulation and transportation
efficiency areas, by secondary street access, provide flexibility for larger
development sites, and expand small business opportunities.
d. Within these corridor areas, provide for higher -intensity, mixed -use
areas roughly two blocks on both sides of urban highways. As distance
from the highway increases, create a gradual transition into the
residential neighborhoods by encouraging multi -family, offices and
other compatible uses as a transition tool with sensitivity to compatible
design.
e. Avoid encroachment into established, intact residential areas.
f. Allow a compatible mix of higher -intensity uses, including office and
commercial, light industrial, medium and high -density residential, and
public facilities.
Recommendations:
1. Historical character of the downtown area should be enhanced with
compatible architectural design of buildings.
2. Adequate consideration should be given to parcel boundaries to avoid
splitting lots into different zoning districts when reasonable.
3. Develop design standards for highway community entrance areas that
incorporate design guidelines outlined in this section.
4. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and
employment areas in order to provide easy access to existing commercial
and residential neighborhoods.
5. When large-scale development may have significant impacts on the
community, studies should be provided to assist in assessing impacts
including analysis related to traffic, infrastructure and other public services.
6. Establish development standards that encourage residential mixed -use
development in established commercial and light industrial areas.
7. Reinforce the major strengths of downtown which are its central location; its
density and intricate mix of land uses, its historic districts and appealing
pedestrian environment, its civic functions as the seat of city and county
government, and its symbolic importance as the center of community.
8. Explore ways the City of Kalispell can create financial and other incentives
to encourage improvements that lead to the redevelopment of unused
existing commercial and downtown housing space.
9. Aggressively seek cooperative redevelopment and / or acquisition of the
railroad right-of-way west of Seventh Ave East to south of the Hwy 2
crossing.
5. Land Use: Agriculture
Agricultural preservation and maintaining the rural character of some of the urban /
rural fringe areas of the community have become increasingly difficult issues because
of the decline in commodity prices and increased development pressures. Suburban
areas immediately surrounding Kalispell become important for future urban
development.
Issues:
1. Development of agricultural lands that provide a source of food and wood
products, export income, scenic open space, wildlife habitat are at risk because
of economic and development pressures.
2. Agriculture in the urban / rural fringe areas although a traditional component of
the regional economy, is in transition resulting in the conversion of agricultural
land to residential subdivisions that can create conflicts between agriculture and
expanding urban and suburban uses.
3. Rural lands close to the city are an important part of the city's future urban
expansion area and can be vulnerable to untimely low density development that
is not supported by urban services and facilities.
4. Conservation easements and similar voluntary mechanisms have become
successful methods of conserving agricultural land, but no local government
programs currently exist to purchase development rights.
5. High land costs are a major impediment to maintaining and expanding the
farming business.
Goals:
1. MAINTAIN A STABLE, VIABLE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY.
2. ENCOURAGE VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS.
3. RECOGNIZE THE NEED OF AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS TO HAVE
OPTIONS WITH WHICH TO MAXIMIZE THE RETURN ON THEIR PROPERTY.
4. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED IN THE RURAL AREAS THAT
ARE WITHIN THE POTENTIAL UTLITY SERVICE AREA AND A PROVISION
SHOULD BE CREATED THAT ALLOWS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE
OPEN SPACE AREAS WHEN UTILITIES ARE AVAILABLE.
Policies:
1. Encourage and create incentives to conserve agricultural lands
2. Encourage urban growth into areas which are not environmentally sensitive or
productive agricultural lands.
3. Encourage the use of conservation easements, clustering or other options to
protect productive agricultural lands in suburban areas.
4. Develop innovative land use policies which maintain the important agricultural
lands.
5. Open space areas in cluster developments that are located in close proximity to
the city limits should be considered as an urban reserve area so that it can be
redeveloped when public services and utilities become available.
Recommendations:
1. Cooperation between the city and county governmental bodies should be
fostered so that redevelopment of the rural areas close to urban services can be
easily accomplished.
2. Suburban and rural areas that are in close proximity to the city limits and
public services should be developed in such a way that accommodates future
redevelopment to a higher density.
6. The Economy
The Kalispell area is the commercial, governmental and educational center of the
Flathead Valley with a diverse economic base. Retail and general commercial
development is a major component of the economy as well as tourism, manufacturing
and medical. Wood products and agriculture are also important economic
components although there has been a decline in these sectors of the economy over
the past decade as a result of complex local, national and international policies
relating to these industries.
Issues:
1. Although Kalispell functions as the commercial, retail, health care and
government center of Flathead County, it comprises only 20 percent of the area
population.
2. Per capita income in Flathead County during 2000 was slightly higher than the
state averages, but it was only 79 percent of the national average.
3. The traditional economic base of the Kalispell area industries including wood
products manufacturing, metal refining, railroad, and agriculture was replaced
during the 1990's with more service based, lower paying jobs and this
continues into the 2000's.
4. The service sectors of the economy including retail, personal services, real
estate, finance, insurance and government provide most of the employment
base for the Kalispell and are responsible for creating most of the new jobs in
the area with a substantial increase in retirement income as well as tourism.
These service sector jobs include most higher paying professional jobs as well
as lower wage paying jobs.
5. Because the city is influence by the forces of the county, business and industry
benefit from being able to locate in healthy business districts and a quality built
environment. This presents challenges in providing sound infrastructure
planning, growth management, and environmental protection but also offer
opportunities to strengthen the local economy.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE FOR AND ENCOURAGE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF JOBS, HIGHER
MEDIAN INCOME FOR THOSE JOBS, AND A STABLE, DIVERSIFIED
ECONOMY.
2. ENCOURAGE THE LOCATION OF HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS AND E-
COMMERCE BASED INDUSTRIES IN EITHER THE COMMERCIAL OR
INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF THE PLANNING JURISDICTION.
3. SMALLER SCALE HIGH TECH INDUSTERIAL AND E-COMMERCE BASED
BUSINIESS SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDER COMPATIBLE USES IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND MIXED USE AREAS.
4. STRENGHTEN KALISPELL AREA AS A REGIONAL RETAIL CENTER THAT
STRIVES TO CAPTURE MORE LOCAL AND OUT OF COUNTY DOLLARS.
5. NEW BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE IN
AREAS WHERE SOUND INFRASTRUE CAN BE PROVIDED.
Policies:
1. The growth policy should be the central document for guiding economic
development efforts.
2. Encourage a land -use pattern that supports viable business and industrial
districts that integrate a residential component but does not negatively impact
or encroach into well -established residential neighborhoods.
3. Provide adequate space for growth that carefully considers the type, location,
and design of industrial sites, shopping areas, and tourist facilities.
4. Provide for adequate infrastructure and public services to support viable
business and industrial districts.
5. Work with educational institutions such as the Flathead Valley Community
College to provide technical education and training programs that meet the
needs of new or expanding job markets.
6. Work with business and industrial associations to promote and coordinate
business and industry in accordance with the growth policy.
7. Work with economic development organizations to further growth policy goals
and policies and to encourage countywide coordination of their efforts.
8. Support the Kalispell area's position as a regional commercial center and a
location of major health care, government, industrial facilities and retail
services.
9. Support activities to ensure that the Central Business District remains strong
and viable by providing adequate off-street parking; protect and promote the
historic district; make downtown more aesthetically appealing; cater to the
needs of the pedestrian, promote downtown events and activities; encourage a
compatible mix of retail, restaurants, services, entertainment, and housing.
10. Support amenities and activities that promote the Kalispell area as a
retirement, tourism, convention, and arts destination.
Recommendations:
1. Support the formation of business improvement districts (BID) to strengthen
area commercial districts.
2. Coordinate with Jobs Now, Job Service and other organizations to develop jobs
within the community.
3. Pursue grants to help with economic development and locating businesses
within the growth policy area.
4. Develop incentives for business and industry that offer higher paying wages to
encourage them to locate within the growth policy area.
7. The Natural Environment
Important natural resource and environmental factors in the growth policy area include
hydrology, floodplain, air quality, steep slopes, soil limitations, wildfire hazards,
important habitat and important agricultural lands. The topography and geography of
the Kalispell growth policy area presents certain development constraints due to hydric
soils, steep slopes, floodplain and other soil limitations. Most of the growth policy area
consists of nearly level alluvial lands, bottom lands and low terraces. The Flathead,
Whitefish, and Stillwater Rivers in the eastern half of the growth policy area are part of a
large riparian complex which creates a large floodplain area. Steep slopes in the
southwest portion of the growth policy area pose limitations to development. The steep
slopes in combination with timberlands create wildfire hazards. Productive farmlands in
the southern and northern part of the growth policy area provide an important element
to the cultural, economic and historic element in the growth policy area.
Issues:
1. The natural environment is an important part of what makes the area an
appealing place to live which may be jeopardized as growth occurs.
2. Various key sectors of the area's economy depend upon and impact the natural
environment.
3. Development of the farming, ranching and woodland areas reduce open space
that functions in a practical and productive manner. Development of these
areas can diminish the quality of the natural environment.
4 The presence of the 100 year floodplain is prevalent throughout the growth
policy area and pose significant development limitations.
5. Development of hillside areas pose limitations due to soil disturbance and
potential erosion.
6. Water quality continues to be an important issue to the community and ways to
avoid nutrient loading and other forms of water contamination to the Flathead
River Basin become critical.
7. The Kalispell area has been designated as a non -attainment area that does not
meet national air quality standards primarily due to small particulate matter.
8. Water quality has the potential to be degraded by development due to erosion,
stormwater discharge and on -site sewage treatment systems.
9. Prime farmlands in rural areas are being converted from agricultural to
residential uses due to depressed commodity prices and increased development
pressures.
10. Wildlife and wildlife habitat is being displaced by residential development
resulting in the loss of important habitat.
11.Auto-oriented design of commercial areas that lack pedestrian access and
landscaping, have poorly designed parking lots, obtrusive signage, and reflect
franchise architecture contribute to visual clutter that diminish the quality of
life in the area.
12.Areas disturbed during development of subdivision roads, building sites and
other construction activity can contribute to erosion and the spread of noxious
weeds if not property revegetated and maintained
Goals:
1. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH OR ENHANCES
NATURAL RESOURCE VALUES INCLUDING AIR, WATER, SOIL AND
VEGETATION.
2. DEVELOPMENT NEAR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS SHOULD BE
ACCOMPLISHED SO THAT THESE FEATURES ARE LEFT IN A RELATIVELY
UNDISTURBED STATE.
3. HIGH LEVELS OF AIR QUALITY AND WATER QUALITY SHOULD BE
MAINTAINED THROUGH DESIGN STANDARDS.
4. DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH IMPORTANT WILDLIFE
HABITAT AND TRAVEL CORRIDORS AS IDENTIFIED IN APPENDIX A.
5. PROTECT THE HEALTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
BECAUSE OF ITS IMPORTANCE IN MAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE
ADVANTAGE WITH OTHER REGIONS.
Policies:
1. Environmental impacts attributable to new development should be identified
and mitigated, where necessary.
2. Encourage infill, clustering, and other compact development patterns to lesson
impacts on sensitive lands.
3. Development in environmentally sensitive areas including 100-year floodplain
and on steep slopes may pose inherent development limitations and design
should be managed to avoid and mitigate environmental impacts and natural
hazards.
4. Implement measures to assist in maintaining high water quality and load
reduction for the Flathead Basin.
5. Development in areas that have known high groundwater in close proximity to
public utilities should be discouraged until such time as public sewer is
available.
6. Filling of wetlands and the 100 year floodplain should be avoided.
7. New commercial and industrial development and residential subdivisions
should be accessible by paved roadways to protect air quality.
8. Noxious weed controls should be implemented through revegetation of
disturbed areas immediately after development along with adequate controls
after development.
9. Diversion, channelization and diking of natural rivers and streams should be
avoided.
10. Protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat should be encouraged through
conscientious actions such as avoiding loose dogs, feeding large wild animal
species along with maintaining established important habitat areas.
11. Wildlife travel corridors should be conserved and maintained possibly through
easements or other voluntary restrictions.
12.Avoid compromises to the built and natural environment should be avoided by
requiring underground utilities in new development, avoiding ridgeline or hilltop
development, encouraging simple and unobtrusive signs and avoiding excessive
lighting.
Recommendations:
1. The City should coordinate with the County in developing a community -wide
drainage plan encompassing the city and surrounding suburbs, to reduce water
pollution and flooding.
2. Coordinate waterfront regulatory programs involving floodplain, habitat and
water quality.
3. Limit and mitigate impacts related to outdoor lighting and noise by developing
measurable standards.
4. Protect the shallow aquifers as sensitive water quality zones and establish
performance standards.
5. Develop and implement a non -point source pollution abatement plan for the
growth policy area.
6. Develop and implement a water quality clean-up plan for Ashley Creek.
7. Develop and implement a storm water management plan for northwest Kalispell
and the Spring Creek drainage.
8. Develop and plan for the incremental paving of all roads and alleys within the
Kalispell area to improve air quality.
9. Develop policies and programs that will help to educate and assist the public in
the eradication and control of noxious weeds.
10. Review and revise sign standards and policies so that existing non -conforming
signs are eliminated through a more aggressive attrition program.
11.Encourage design standards for commercial projects that contribute to the
character of the community area.
8. Urban Design, Historic and Cultural Conservation
The Flathead Valley is rich in cultural and natural history. The Kalispell townsite was
initially developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of the historical buildings
that were constructed during that time still remain and play an important role is
defining the rich historical and cultural character of the community and
neighborhoods.
Issues:
1. Excessive through traffic detracts from the preservation and maintenance of the
historical and cultural character of the downtown and surrounding areas.
2. Excessive through traffic undermines pedestrian safety and access in the
downtown and surrounding areas.
3. Historic landmarks have been identified inside the city of Kalispell but have not
been identified outside of the city.
4. Rapid local growth and change, as experienced in recent years, can undermine
local character of the built environment, its patterns, landmarks, and familiar
features, detract from the community's quality of life and its.
5. The central business district lacks cohesiveness and a strong cultural center.
6. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and
downtown can be incompatible with the scale, patterns, landmarks, and
architecture of its surroundings.
Goals:
1. DOCUMENT AND CONSERVE OUR HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
FOR THE BENEFIT OF PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
2. ENCOURAGE DESIGN THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH AND CONTRIBUTES TO
THE CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND THAT PROMOTES SAFE AND
ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND MOVEMENT.
3. DIVERT THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM THE DOWNTOWN AND SURROUNDING
AREAS.
4. NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY QUALITY
OF LIFE AND ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AS A RETIREMENT AND TOURISM
DESTINATION.
5. STRENGTHEN THE DOWNTOWN AS A HISTROICAL AND CULTURAL CENTER
OF THE COMMUNITY.
6. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE KALISPELL TRADITIONAL TOWNSCAPE OF MAIN
STREET AND NEIGBHORHOOD STREETS DESIGNED FOR WALKING AND
HISTORIC TOWN ATMOSPHERE.
7. PRESERVE KALISPELL'S NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT THAT
INCLUDES MORE THAN 1,000 HOUSES, MAIN STREET AND COURTHOUSE
CIRCLE, ALL CONSTRUCTED DURING THE EARLY YEARS.
Policies:
1. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and
downtown should be compatible with the scale, patterns, landmarks, and
architecture of its surroundings.
2. Identify historic and cultural resources, and encourage the upkeep and
rehabilitation of historically and culturally significant structures and sites,
consistent with national rehabilitation guidelines.
3. Discourage the demolition of historically or culturally significant structures and
sites.
4. Support the efforts of private owners and conservation groups to identify,
protect, rehabilitate, and reuse historic and cultural resources.
5. Encourage the design of urban public spaces such as local streets and public
squares to be central areas framed by buildings, creating a visual quality of
partial enclosure.
6. Encourage the design of urban streets to provide for convenient circulation, safe
pedestrian access and avoid excess road width that encourages speeding and
makes pedestrian crossing difficult.
7. Encourage the design of new development to relate to significant features of the
surrounding area and development of off street parking.
Recommendations:
1. Establish a local heritage commission to identify local landmarks, review
alterations of these landmarks, expand public outreach and education and
further historical and cultural conservation goals.
2. Encourage development of alternative arterials that will divert through traffic
from the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
3. Enhance safe pedestrian access through the downtown and surrounding
neighborhoods.
4. Recognize those businesses and residents who actively work to preserve and
protect the historical and cultural character of the community.
9. Parks and Recreation
Recreational opportunities are provided through City, County and State park systems
as well as private lands. These parks provide a diversity of recreational opportunities
from small neighborhood parks and walking trails to larger recreational facilities for
organized sports events along with an increasing network of bike and pedestrian trails.
There are also some small private parks, public golf courses, rivers, lakes and private
timber lands that contribute to recreational opportunities in the area.
Issues:
1. Outdoor amenities and park space are highly valued in the community, but are
increasingly more difficult to development and maintain.
2. Programs to development of pedestrian access and amenities are limited or
lacking in some areas.
3. It becomes increasingly more difficult to conserve habitat and the natural
landscape as urban development expands in the suburban areas.
4. Public land available for parks, recreation and open space has become
increasingly scarce and more difficult to acquire because of high land costs and
limited vacant, developable land in close proximity to the city.
5. Development and spacing of neighborhood parks is an increasing challenge and
are lacking in some areas of the community and access to larger parks can be
limited.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE A BALANCED DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES AND PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE PATHS THAT PROVIDES ACCESS
FOR ALL AGE GROUPS.
2. DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARKS AND
PARK ACCESS.
3. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALLER HOMEOWNERS PARKS
WITHIN NEW SUBDIVISIONS.
4. ASSURE ADEQUATE AND SAFE ACCESS TO PARKS FROM RESIDENTIAL
SUBDIVISIONS.
5. CONSERVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING PARKS AND PARKLANDS.
Policies:
1. Build on the existing parks inventory to provide a unique park system that
benefits residents and the regional economy.
2. Integrate a linear park running east -west through the city, connecting Woodland
Park, Lawrence Park, downtown and the west Kalispell bike and pedestrian trails.
3. Provide a balanced mix of parks and recreational facilities to meet local needs,
which including mini parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, regional
parks, linear parks, special facilities and conservation lands or facilities.
4. Earmark cash in lieu of parkland funds to expand public access and for use in
close proximity to where funds originated.
S. Insure that habitat qualities in park areas remain viable while also increasing its
availability by the public to enjoy these amenities.
Recommendations:
1. Use available federal funding and other funding sources to develop a public trail
system to link the city to surrounding suburbs and nearby rivers, streams, and
lakes.
2. Develop available public land or open space by utilizing Kalispell's street tree
program in those areas.
3. Identify areas of the 100-year floodplain and other areas with limited
development potential that may be suitable for future park development.
4. Encourage the use of conservation easements and other methods available to
private individuals or other for the creation of open space and conservation of
habitat.
S. Encourage the establishment, development and maintenance of homeowners'
parks within new residential subdivisions.
6. When subdivisions are close to or adjacent to school yards, coordinate the
development of tot lots and neighborhood parks with the school district, where
appropriate.
10. Transportation
The majority of this section is based on an executive summary from the Kalispell Area
Transportation Plan done by Carter & Burgess Inc. in October of 1993. The
transportation summary includes an outline of existing conditions, a proposed major
street network system, a recommended bypass route as well as long term
recommendations for improving the transportation system in and around Kalispell.
The supporting documents underlying these recommendations are 'The Kalispell Area
Transportation Plan" and 'The Kalispell Bypass Feasibility Study" (1993), are adopted
in their entirety as elements of this document. Since the 1993 Carter Burgess plan
was adopted, some of the major projects identified have been funded, designed and are
under construction. Other projects remain currently valid and remain on the
recommendation list.
Issues:
1. Overall traffic volumes in Kalispell have grown considerably over the last 10
years and are forecast to continue to increase over the next 20 years.
2. Idaho Street and Main Street traffic volumes are between 18,000 to 20,000
vehicles per day, resulting in congested traffic conditions periodically during the
day.
3. There are a number of collector and arterial streets that lack pedestrian and
bicycle access and pose significant safety problems.
4. There is not a well -established grid street system in some areas.
5. A significant amount of traffic, including truck traffic, passes through the city
on US Hwy 93 without making a stop and contributes to traffic congestion in
key areas.
6. Traffic and pedestrian safety issues are especially problematic in outlying areas
where narrow rural designed roadways exist because these areas have also
experienced rapid growth.
7. The narrow two-lane segment of Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street
and West Reserve Drive is substandard with volumes of traffic expected to
nearly double in numbers to approximately 15,000 vehicles daily by 2015 and
no plans for upgrade.
8. There is no east / west connection between Highway 93 and Whitefish Stage
Road north of Oregon Street and south of West Reserve Drive contributing to
traffic in some problem areas.
9. No program is currently in place to upgrade substandard existing or newly
annexed streets to urban standards.
10. Excess traffic along Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East degrades the
residential character of the area.
11. Public transportation is lacking is significantly limited.
12. Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East do not make a connection.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION SYSTEM THAT
SERVES THE COMBINED NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE REGION,
AND THAT PROVIDES SAFE, CONVENIENT AND ECONOMICAL ACCESS TO
ALL TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE AREA.
2. PROVIDE GREATER DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORATION OPTIONS.
3. EXPAN PUBLIC TRANSPORATION TO SERVE BROADER SEGMENTS OF THE
COMMUNITY.
4. TO EXPLORE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GREATER NUMBER OF FUNDING
OPTIONS FOR ROADWAYS IN THE AREA.
5. DEVELOP A SIDEWALK INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAMS FOR
ALL AREAS OF THE COMMUNITY.
6. REDUCE CONGESTION AND EXCESS TRAFFIC IN PROBLEM AREAS.
Policies:
1. Design transportation systems to minimize congestion, encourage commerce
and protect the safety and quality of life in the community.
2. Street improvements that would involve the expenditure of public funds and
would result in significant traffic increases should be subject to review and
comment by affected area property owners.
3. Coordinate land use and transportation so that higher -intensity development is
located in well established areas near arterial and collector streets.
4. Discourage routing heavy traffic and through -traffic in residential areas by
creating a more thorough grid system when possible.
5. Utilize and reserve arterial and collector roads to carry through -traffic.
6. Provide access to individual lots by way of local streets to the maximum extent
feasible and avoid granting individual access on to collectors and arterials.
7. Reserve adequate right-of-way for designated arterial and collector roads on
lands proposed for new development.
8. Support the expansion of public transit services to meet the mobility needs of
seniors, disabled persons and the general public.
9. Develop a pedestrian -bicycle system to supplement the auto -oriented street
system and to meet local transportation and recreation needs.
10. Proposed Major Street Network
These recommendations are from the October 1993 Carter & Burgess Kalispell
Area Transportation Plan and identify the proposed major street network and
classification systems. The characteristics of each functional classification
below are defined below. The arterial and collector designations identify how
the street system functions. This designation in itself is not intended to
indicate a plan for road widening to accommodate more traffic. The definitions
are presented with recommended traffic volume thresholds based on the results
of travel demand projections for 2015. The classifications are listed in a
hierarchy intended to identify function and the traffic -carrying capacities on all
roads, relative to the others. Each segment of road listed by its functional
classification.
a. Major Arterials: A major road or highway with moderate to fast speeds and
high traffic volumes. Major arterials provide access to the regional
transportation network. They move traffic across the country, between cities
and communities and/or from one major part of the Planning Jurisdiction to
another. Throughout the Planning Jurisdiction individual private accesses
onto arterials serving adjacent parcels should be discouraged. Traffic
volumes would typically exceed 15,000 vehicles per day.
b. Minor Arterials: A major road with moderate speeds designed to collect or
move traffic from one major part of the city or planning jurisdiction to
another or to move traffic to or from the major arterial system. Traffic
volumes would generally range from 5,000 to 15,000 vehicles per day.
c. Collectors: A secondary or intermediate street with moderate speeds and
low to moderate volumes. Such streets would collect local traffic from
neighborhoods and carry it to adjacent neighborhoods or transfer the traffic
to the arterial system. Such streets would typically serve a neighborhood or
area of 150 or more dwellings and carry 1,000 to 5,000 vehicles per day.
d. Local: Minor streets intended to serve individual sites, building or lots.
Local streets feed into collectors or provide destination access off of
collectors.
11. Proposed Major Street Network
Major Arterials:
US 2 (including Idaho Street and LaSalle Road)
US 93 (including Main Street and Sunset Boulevard)
Alternate US 93 (new bypass road west of city)
MT 35
Reserve Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road
Minor Arterials:
Cemetery Road, from Airport Road to US 93
Lower Valley Road, from US 93 to Willow Glen Drive
18th Street West, from 1st Avenue West to Airport Road
Foy's Lake Road, from South Foy's Lake Road to Meridian Road
Whalebone Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Foy's Lake Road
11th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 4th Avenue East
7th Street West, from Meridian to 5th Avenue West
Conrad Drive, from Woodland Avenue to LaSalle Road
Center Street, from Meridian Road _to Woodland Avenue
Three Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Meridian Road
Four Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to US 93
Evergreen Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road
Reserve Drive, from West Springcreek Road to US 93
West Springcreek Road, from Whalebone Drive to Reserve Drive
Meridian Road, from Foy's Lake Road to US 93 (Sunset Boulevard)
5th Avenue West, from 11th Street West to Idaho Street
Airport Road, from Cemetery Road to 18th Street West
1st Avenue East, from Center Street to US 2 (Idaho Street
3rd Avenue East, from 11th Street East to US 2 (Idaho Street)
4th Avenue East, from 11th Street East to US 2 (Idaho Street)
Woodland Avenue, from Willow Glen Drive to Center Street
Whitefish Stage Road, from Oregon Street to Reserve Drive
Woodland Park Drive, from Conrad Drive to US 2
Willow Glen Drive, from Lower Valley Road to Conrad Drive
LaSalle Road, from Conrad Drive to MT 35
Helena Flats Road, from MT 35 to Reserve Drive
Collectors:
Kelly Road, from US 93 to Willow Glen Drive
18th Street, from Alternate US 93 to 3rd Avenue East
14th Street East, from 3rd Avenue East to 4th Avenue East
11th Street West, from 7th Avenue West to 5th Avenue West
11th Street East, from 4th Avenue East to Woodland Avenue
6th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 4th Avenue East
4th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 1st Avenue East
2nd Street, from Meridian Road to Woodland Avenue
Conrad Drive, from LaSalle Road to Flathead River
Appleway, from US 2 to Meridian
Montana Street, from 5th Avenue West to 3rd Avenue East
Oregon Street, from Main Street to 7th Avenue East
Wyoming Street, from Meridian Road to US 93 (Sunset Boulevard)
Two Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Meridian Road
Sunnyview Lane, from Sunset Boulevard to Grandview Drive
Northridge Drive, from Sherry Lane to US 93
Evergreen Drive, from LaSalle Road to Helena Flats Road
Reserve Drive, from LaSalle Road to Helena Flats Road
Northern Lights Blvd/Hilltop Avenue, from Three Mile Dr. to Northridge Dr.
7th Avenue West, from Sunnyside Drive to Wyoming Street
5th Avenue West, from Sunnyside Drive to 11th Street West
5th Avenue West, from Idaho Street to Wyoming Street
1st Avenue West, from 18th Street West to Center Street
Airport Road, from 18th Street West to US 93
New Road, from Sunnyview Lane to Reserve Drive
Grandview Drive, from Sunnyview Lane to Evergreen Drive
1st Avenue East, from US 93 to Center Street
3rd Avenue East, from US 93 to 11th Street East
3rd Avenue East, from US 2 (Idaho Street) to Oregon Street
4th Avenue East, from 14th Street East to 11th Street East
4th Avenue East, from US 2 (Idaho Street) to Oregon Street
South Woodland Drive, from Kelly Road to Woodland Avenue
Shady Lane, from Conrad Drive to MT 35
Recommendations:
1. Review the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan for updates on a ten-year basis
with an emphasis on identifying important components that should be updated
rather than a comprehensive update.
2. Study and consider alternatives to using Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue
East as minor arterials north of 14th Street East to Second Street East in order
to protect the integrity of the residential areas.
3. Explore alternative funding sources and methods for developing alternative
modes of transportation.
4. Develop alternative funding sources and expanded programs for transportation
upgrades.
5. Develop a comprehensive pedestrian / bike plan for the community.
6. Recommended Improvements:
Improvements included in the First Priority grouping would result in the
greatest benefit to existing traffic system performance. Second Priority projects
will primarily serve future development needs as urban development expands
into the adjacent rural areas surrounding Kalispell. Improvements to these
Second Priority roads will also increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and
bicyclists. Other long-term improvement alternatives were considered but not
recommended. A description of these considerations is also provided below.
First Priority Projects:
a. Meridian Road between Idaho Street and US 93 North. This segment of Meridian
Road is currently intended to be improved to include three lanes from Idaho Street
north to Three Mile Drive and two lanes north of Three Mile Drive to US 93 as an
urban minor arterial with curb and gutter and pedestrian/bicycle
accommodations, consistent with city plans to improve the quality of the North
Meridian Road neighborhood and transportation movement in the area. .
b. US Hwy 93 from Ashley Creek to Courthouse. MDOT has final plans for this
project and are in the process of doing right-of-way appraisals and acquisition.
The project has been separated into two elements: from Ashley Creek to Eleventh
and from Eleventh to the Courthouse.
c. Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street and Reserve Drive. Federal highway
funds have been obtained from some improvements to Whitefish Stage Road, but
there is no project identified for the long-term upgrade of this road to a minor
arterial standards.
d. West Reserve Drive between US Hwy 2 and Farm to Market Road. This two-lane
major arterial is recommended to be widened to accommodate current and project
levels of traffic.
e. Willow Glen Drive from US 93 to Conrad Drive. This two-lane rural arterial road is
recommended to be widened to accommodate anticipated increased traffic levels.
f. LaSalle Road Extension between Conrad Drive and LaSalle Road (Conrad
Connection). La Salle Road is recommended to be extended south of the US Hwy 2
and MT Hwy 35 intersection to Conrad Drive to provide a more direct connection
between Second Street , Conrad Drive and Willow Glen Drive to LaSalle Road (US
Hwy 2) to the north.
g. 18th Street Extension. The extension of 18th Street is recommended to extend
west to connect with Sunnyside Drive and Valley View Drive as a two-lane collector
road to provide an additional east/west connection from US Hwy 93 to the
proposed Kalispell Bypass route along the BNRR right-of-way.
Second Priority Projects:
a. Construct a connector street between Woodland Avenue across railroad tracks to
Seventh Avenue E.N. to provide access to Idaho Avenue.
b. Existing Rural Minor Arterials. In the Kalispell Transportation Plan, Table 7-2
outlines existing rural minor arterial road segments in need of widening to include
paved shoulders, improved recovery zone, and left -turn lanes at major intersecting
streets or drives. These road segments include West Springcreek Road, Stillwater
Road, Four Mile Drive, Whalebone Drive, Foy's Lake Road, Conrad Drive, Helena
Flats, Reserve Drive west of US 93, Three Mile Drive and Evergreen Drive from
Whitefish Stage Road to LaSalle Road.
c. New Rural Minor Arterials. Two new segments of rural minor arterial road are also
recommended to be added to the system to provide increased accessibility by
completion of the mile grid network of roads. These new road segments are the
extension of Four Mile Drive to the proposed Kalispell Bypass and the extension of
Grandview Drive to West Evergreen Drive from US Hwy 93 east to Whitefish Stage
Road. Both road segments cross difficult terrain and may require a curved
alignment off the section line to negotiate the steep slopes. The segment of
Evergreen extension will also require a new bridge over the Stillwater River and
environmental impact mitigation considerations.
d. Existing Rural Collectors. Several existing rural collector road segments are
recommended for widening to include paved shoulders and left -turn lanes at major
intersecting streets. These roads include Two Mile Drive, Evergreen and Reserve
Drives east of LaSalle Road.
e. Existing Urban Minor Arterials. Three existing urban minor arterial road segments
are recommended for improvements including Grandview Drive, 7th Avenue East
north of Idaho and Four Mile Drive west of US Hwy 93.
f. At -Grade Railroad Crossings. At -grade railroad crossings may be affected by
improvements or traffic diversions to Meridian Road north of Center Street, 3rd
and 4th Avenues East and Reserve Drive west of LaSalle Road. Road improvement
plans should address rail crossing safety by considering individual crossing
geometrics, signalization, signing and pavement markings and MDT road design
standards, policies and procedures.
g. If the BNSF railroad right-of-way through the city is redevelopment through a
mutually agreeable plan, conversion of the right-of-way to a new commercial area
with the integration of a linear park and bike path running east -west through the
city is encouraged.
11. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES
Infrastructure and the provision of public services is one of the highest priority issues
for service providers in the growth policy area. Adequate provision of services for new
development in both the rural and urban areas are important considerations when
considering planning for future land uses.
STREETS AND ROADS: There is a network of public and private roads in the growth
policy area with most of the road in the city limits being owned and maintained by the
City of Kalispell. Most of the roads in the county are maintained by the County, some
of the roads in them are owned and maintained by homeowners associations and road
users associations.
Issues:
1. There is insufficient funding for street maintenance and repair and is a major
expense in the City and County budgets.
2. Roads that the City annexes from the County are substandard and there are no
funding mechanisms for upgrades.
3. Unpaved roads, alleys and parking lots in the urban areas currently existing
and contribute to air quality problems
4. Transportation, road construction and maintenance are a priority for residents
but funding is a limiting factor.
5. Many streets lack safe pedestrian access.
GOALS:
1. ALL ROADS, PARKING LOTS AND ALLEYS ARE PAVED.
2. WHEN ROADS ARE RECONSTRUCTED AND UPGRADED, THEY SHOULD BE
URGRADED TO URBAN STANDARDS.
3. AS THE CITY ANNEXES COUNTY ROADS SOME PROVISION SHOULD BE
MADE FOR UPGRADING TO CITY STANDARDS.
4. COORDINATE CONSISTENT DESIGN STANDARDS BETWEEEN THE CITY AND
THE COUNTY IN URBAN AREAS.
Policies:
1. Require paving of roads, alleys and parking lots for new development.
2. Encourage paving of existing roads, alleys and parking lots.
3. Require all new subdivision roads in the city to be constructed to City
standards and not allow the creation of private, substandard roads.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a strategy and funding mechanism for needed road and street
upgrades.
2. Develop a monitoring program to ensure the timely pavement of roads, alleys
and parking lots.
3. Inventory and prioritize substandard roads.
4. Explore alternatives to develop funding sources for the upgrading of local roads
that are not eligible for state or federal funding programs.
SEWER: There are several sewer districts in the growth policy area that utilize the
Kalispell Sewer Treatment plant for sewage treatment through negotiated interlocal
agreements with the City of Kalispell as well as the use of on -site sewage treatment
systems.
Issues:
1. High groundwater infiltration and storm water runoff inflow are having a
significantly negative impact on the City's waste water treatment plant.
2. New development may require upgrading existing collection systems because
of additional impacts, requiring new sewage lift stations or will impact existing
sewage pumping facilities.
3. Throughout Kalispell there are neighborhood that are utilizing on -site sewage
treatment for sewage disposal.
4. Outside the city limits, Kalispell is ringed by areas of residential development
using on -site sewage treatment systems.
5. By contract with the City of Kalispell, the ultimate capacities of the Evergreen
Sewer District are constrained by the limits of their allocation under an
interlocal agreement thereby limiting their potential service area.
6. Limitations to the Evergreen Sewer District service area create unintended
consequences in the outlying area with the use of on -site sewage treatment
systems.
7. Suburban area residential subdivisions that have been developed using on -
site sewage treatment systems are difficult to convert to public sewer even
when there is evidence of failing systems in the area.
Goals:
1. AREAS OF THE CITY CURRENTLY USING ON -SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT
SYSTEMS WILL BE CONNECTED TO PUBLIC CITY SEWER.
2. MAKE PUBLIC SEWER AVAILABLE TO AREAS THAT ARE IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY TO SERVICES.
3. ALL USERS OF CITY SEWER ARE IN THE CITY.
4. EXPAND THE ABILITY OF THE CITY TO SERVE THOSE AREAS OUTSIDE OF
THE EVERGREEN SEWER DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.
5. ELIMINATE INFILTRATION OF HIGH GROUND WATER INTO THE CITY'S
SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM.
6. TO HAVE ADEQUATE CAPACITY WITHIN THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT
PLANT TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
7. URBAN AND SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO
PUBLIC SEWER.
Policies:
1. New sewer services should be installed in a way that will accommodate the
future extension of the mains and expansion of the sewer system.
2. Annexation to the city of Kalispell should be required when sewer services are
extended to an unincorporated area to provide services for new development.
3. Impacts from new development that require upgrades to the sewer collection
system such as the upsizing of mains and lift stations should be the
responsibility of the developer rather than the taxpayers.
4. When new sewer mains are installed consideration should be given to the future
needs of the area and the mains upsized accordingly.
Recommendations:
1. Complete a study and analysis of phased expansion of the wastewater
treatment facilities
2. Develop and adopt a facilities plan that addresses sewer services in the urban
area.
3. Identify and correct those areas were storm water infiltration occurs.
4. Adopt a capital improvements plan that identifies priority areas for sewer
service.
5. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan.
6. Explore the use of the creation of annexation districts to provide additional
flexibility in providing sewer services.
7. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell that are receiving either water
or sewer services should be annexed to the city as part of a comprehensive
annexation plan for the area.
8. Renegotiate the interlocal agreement with the Evergreen Sewer District to
provide a greater service area and to establish a plan for annexation of the area.
WATER: The City of Kalispell and Evergreen Water District are the primary providers
of the water supply in the growth policy area, but there are also a number of smaller
community water systems that are owned and operated by the homeowners
associations in residential subdivisions.
Issues:
1. Some existing water mains will not meet fire flow requirements without
significant upgrades.
2. There are areas adjacent to the city of Kalispell that receive City sewer, but are
on private water systems that would not be easily upgraded to meet fire now
requirements and are currently without hydrants.
3. There are some areas outside the city limits using substandard City water
lines for their domestic water supply.
4. Some areas have water mains which are not looped which limits the fire
protection potential.
5. There are some areas in the city whose residents use individual wells.
GOALS:
1. ALL USERS OF CITY WATER SERVICES BE IN THE CITY.
2. ALL WATER LINES BE LOOPED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FIRE FLOWS FOR
HYDRANTS.
3. CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SAFE, POTABLE WATER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
ALL USERS.
4. WHEN NEW MAINS ARE INSTALLED CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO
THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE AREA.
5. PROVIDE ADEQUATE PRESSURE AND FLOWS TO MEET FIRE FIGHTING AND
USER NEEDS.
Policies:
1. Dead-end lines should be avoided.
2. Annexation to the city of Kalispell shall be required when water services are
extended to an unincorporated area to provide services for new development.
3. Water mains be looped when practical and feasible.
4. New water mains be upsized to accommodate potential future users in the area.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and adopt a capital improvements plan that addresses City water
services.
2. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell that are receiving water
services should be annexed to the city as part of a comprehensive annexation
plan for the area.
3. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan.
4. Explore the use of the creation of annexation district to provide greater
flexibility in providing services.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT: There are several storm water systems in the city of
Kalispell, but few in the unincorporated urban areas of the community. Most storm
water is managed using on -site retention methods.
Issues:
1. There are no public storm drainage systems in most of the planning
jurisdiction.
2. Storm water retention onsite in small developments is often overlooked, creating
off site drainage problems.
3. Storm water infiltration into the City's sewer collection system creates problems
during peak storm events.
4. Storm water management and treatment can be problematic for new
development where no public facilities exist.
5. There are areas of the community that are especially prone to flooding and
ponding because of inadequate storm water management facilities.
6. There is inadequate funding to address the storm water management issues in
the community.
GOALS:
1. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT FACAILITES ARE ADEQUATE FOR ALL OF
THE URBAN AREAS.
2. IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE AND STORM WATER FACILITIES IN PROBLEM
AREAS OF THE COMMUNITY.
3. ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT HAVE ADEQUATE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
FACILITES PRIMARILY USING ON -SITE RETENTION
4. ADEQUATELY MAINTAIN AND MANAGE EXISTING STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT FACILITIES TO MAXIMIZE THEIR USE.
Policies:
1. As new city streets are constructed, and as existing streets are improved, storm
drainage infrastructure will be installed or improved.
2. The quantity and rate of runoff from a developed piece of property should not
exceed that which would occur had the property remained undeveloped.
3. Encourage the use of landscape areas and green space to be used as part of an
overall storm water management plan for new development rather than the use
of parking lot drains or other facilities that require routine maintenance.
4. Avoid the use of parking lot drains that require specific maintenance in order to
continue to function properly.
Recommendations:
1. As the City's street reconstruction program continues, storm drainage should
be improved.
2. Develop a storm water management system for the northwest areas of Kalispell,
the Spring Creek drainage and the southwest part of Kalispell.
3. Explore the expansion of existing storm water management facilities to
accommodate new development.
4. Seek greater cooperation between public entities such as the City, County and
State to recognize and address storm water management issues in the
community.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: There are several contract haulers in the community
in addition to the solid waste removal services supplied by the City of Kalispell. All of
the solid waste in the area is taken to the Flathead County Landfill. All recycling is
done through the private sector.
Issues:
1. There are limited opportunities for recycling for the general public through
community -wide recycling programs.
2. Out of city residents often bring their garbage to be placed in City dumpsters
overburdening their capacity.
3. Residents place large pieces of furniture, construction materials and other
debris for solid waste pick-up rather than taking them directly to the landfill.
GOALS:
1. EXPAND RECYCLING EFFORTS TO REDUCE TONNAGE AT THE LANDFILL.
2. KEEP THE CITYS STREETS AND ALLEYS CLEAN AND FREE OF DEBRIS.
3. MAINTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR SOLID WASTE PICK-UP.
4. REDUCE WASTE AT THE LANDFILL BY SEPARATING COMPOSTABLE
MATERIALS FROM HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE.
5. MAINTAIN REASONABLE AND COMPETITIVE RATES FOR SOLID WASTE
REMOVAL.
Policies:
1. Encourage citizens to recycle items that can be taken by the local recycling
facilities.
2. Encourage citizens to remove large objects such as furniture and construction
material from the alleys rather than pick-up and disposal by the City.
3. Residents should separate compostable materials from regular household
garbage.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a proactive program that substantially expands recycling.
POLICE PROTECTION: Within city limits, police protection is provided by the Kalispell
Police Department; outside of city limits, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office has
jurisdiction. The city and county provide mutual aid upon request.
Issues:
1. The Flathead County Jail located in Kalispell serves both the city and county and
is continually overcrowded.
2. The existing jail facility, located in Kalispell, was opened in 1987, was built to
house up to 64 beds, and it currently has 85 beds and it is anticipated that up to
125 - 130 beds will be needed within the next five years.
3. Increasing problems with methamphetamine production in the community poses
a threat to residents and public at large.
4. Limited space with the police department office creates problems with attempting
to bring on additional staff.
5. There have been difficulties in negotiations between the police bargaining units
and the City of Kalispell.
Goals:
1. ENSURE THAT WE HAVE SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS.
2. ELIMINATE THE ABILITY OF MANUFACTURERS AND USERS OF
METHAMPHETAMINE TO EXIST OR OPERATE IN THE COMMUTITY.
3. BUILD ON ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCIES TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DRUG TASK FORCE.
4. ENSURE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE PROTECTING THE
RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY.
5. INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS REGARDING THE PRODUCTION AND
USE OF DRUGS.
6. STRIVE TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THE SKILLS, EQUIPMENT AND
RESOURCES OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY.
7. COLLABORATE WITH THE PUBLIC TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF CRIME AND TO
REDUCE CRIME.
8. TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY POLICING MODES AND
INCREASE THE NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
Policies:
1. Adequately staff law enforcement agencies.
2. Officers and staff conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, profession
competence, compassion and respect for the public.
3. Apply unbiased enforcement of the laws.
4. Conduct all negotiations between the City of Kalispell and bargaining units in
good faith and fairness.
Recommendations:
1. Coordinate between law enforcement agencies to provide a seamless service of
law enforcement in the community.
2. Continue to pursue grants to provide funds for staffing and equipment.
3. As the community grows, ensure that the law enforcement agencies have
adequate staffing and resources.
4. Complete the transition to an enhanced 911 protocol.
FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE: The Kalispell Fire Department and four rural fire
districts adjacent to the city limits provide fire services to the community. The City of
Kalispell operates an advanced life support transport ambulance service that is staffed
by cross -trained firefighter / paramedics and responds to service calls in the rural
parts of the community as well as within the city limits.
Issues:
1. Fire protection by the Kalispell Fire Department is currently provided to
response areas within the city as far as 3.9 miles from the downtown station
with response times of three to ten minutes for the first engine, eight to fifteen
minutes for the ladder truck and twelve to fifteen minutes for the second due
fire engine when the maximum response area should be 1.5 miles.
2. A second fire department substation is needed in the northern portion of the
city, but funding is not available.
3. Development on the northern and southern boundaries of Kalispell strain
response times.
4. The Kalispell Fire Department and the surrounding volunteer fire departments
have not been able to negotiate interlocal agreements to provide mutual aid
upon request.'
5. There has been increasing friction between the Kalispell Fire Department and
the surrounding rural fire districts, in part due to annexation of property in the
rural district.
6. Lack of coordination between fire districts has created an inefficient use of
resources.
Goals:
1. ADEQUATELY STAFF AND OPERATE FIRE STATIONS AND APPRATIUS FOR
THE COMMUNITY.
2. REDUCE THE CITY'S INSURANCE SERVICE OFFICES (ISO) RATING FROM A
CLASS 5 TO A CLASS 3.
3. BUILD A NEW FIRE SUBSTATION IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE CITY
TO SERVE CURRENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
4. ESTABLISH AND EXECUTE AUTOMATIC AID AGREEMENT WITH THE FOUR
SURRONDINNG RURAL FIRE DISTRICTS.
5. ASSIST THE COMMUNITY IN REDUCING AND PREVENTING EMERGENCIES.
6. PROVIDE ADEQUATE HYDRANT LOCATIONS IN ALL AREAS OF THE CITY.
Policies:
1. As development and redevelopment occur, construction shall be required to
comply with the Uniform Fire Code.
2. All action will be based on meeting community and firefighter safety needs.
3. Respond to all fire, rescue and hazardous materials emergency request within
the city of Kalispell and immediately begin to mitigate the emergency.
4. Respond to all request for emergency medical services within the ambulance
response areas.
5. Provide adequate training and resources to all fire department personnel.
Recommendations:
1. According to the ISO, a city the size of Kalispell with its present equipment and
personnel should have a maximum response distance of 1.5 miles which would
require a fire substation to serve the growing northern portion of the city.
2. A fire substation is needed to serve the growing western portion of the city and
consideration should be given to funding this facility.
3. The City should recognize that a southern fire substation should be considered
at some point in the not so distance future.
4. The Kalispell Fire Department should have a training facility that is equipped
with multi -story commercial building simulator, a two story residential
simulator, burn room and various fire hazard props.
5. Coordinate with the Flathead Valley Community College to satisfy some of the
fire training and equipment needs.
6. In some instances small rural fire districts should be reassessed and merged
with adjacent district or the City when practical.
7. Foster stronger relationships between rural fire districts and the City of
Kalispell in order to share resources and build on individual strenghts.
PUBLIC EDUCATION: There are several elementary schools both public and private, a
junior high school and high school in the Kalispell community as well as a community
college.
Issues:
1. There are seven public elementary school districts within the growth policy
area, some of which are overcrowded and require busing to other schools.
2. Some of the school districts are at or near full enrollment while others are
seeing declining enrollment.
3. Flathead High School in Kalispell had a 2001 enrollment of 2,552 students, far
exceeding optimum school size.
4. Additional vocational education is needed to augment post high school students
educational and training opportunities.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION AND A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
STUDENTS.
2. SECURE LAND AND FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND
HIGH SCHOOL.
3. EXPAND THE EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR POST
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
Policies:
1. Support the school resource officer program.
2. Use best practices in methods, materials, techniques, meeting or exceeding
standards and benchmarks adopted by the State of Montana and the United
States Department of Education.
Recommendations:
1. Pursue additional grant resources.
2. Consideration should be given to appropriating locating a second high school.
3. To accommodate increased college enrollment, a master plan was developed for
an expansion of the campus. Support should be given to the first phase of the
expansion that would include a new building on the campus.
KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT: The City of Kalispell has a 55 acre general aviation
municipal airport that basically serves the independent, non-commercial pilots. An
additional 10 acres to the southwest of the runway is intended to be developed with
aviation oriented uses. An urban renewal district was created in and around the City
airport to provide revenues for upgrading the facility.
Issues:
1. Kalispell City Airport does not meet the minimum safety requirements
established by the FAA.
2. The airport has been developed solely through City funding without any
participation from the Federal Aviation Administration and does not meet
National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) standards.
3. The current airport has not been included in the National Plan of Integrated
Airports Systems (NPIAS) airports because is does not comply with B-II airport
standards and therefore has never been eligible for federal funding.
4. In its current configuration there are penetrations of both approach services,
encroachments into the runway object free area and non -compatible use of the
runway protection zones.
5. The general public has unrestricted access to the airport, including the active
runway, due to the lack of complete perimeter fencing.
6. The airport has substandard runway lighting.
7. Acquisition of additional acreage will be required for upgrading the airport to a
B-II status but the cost of financing airport improvements exceeds the
resources of the local government.
8. Expansion and upgrade of the airport may require the City to condemn private
property.
9. Kalispell City Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airport in the state but
aircraft storage and parking is inadequate for the current level of use.
10. The airport provides financial and economic stimulus for the city and the area and
its long-term viability is an important economic component.
Goals:
1. A BII VISUAL STATUS AIRPORT THAT IMPROVES THE SAFETY AND
EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORT FACILITIES FOR THE USERS AND NEIGHBORS.
2. DEVELOP AN AIRPORT THAT COMPLIES WITH NPIAS STATUS FOR A B-II
VISUAL AIRPORT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING.
3. ADOPT ZONING THAT PROTECTS SURROUNDING PROPERTIES AND
RECOGNIZES APPROACH AIR SPACE TO ASSURE THE LONG TERM SAFETY
AND VIABILITY OF THE AIRPORT.
4. ELIMINATE THROUGH THE FENCE OPERATORS THAT DO NOT HAVE
AGREEMENTS IN PLACE.
5. UTILIZE THE REVENUES GENERATED FROM THE AIRPORT URBAN
RENEWAL DISTRICT TO ASSIST IN FUNDING AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS.
6. HIRE AN AIRPORT MANAGER TO OVERSEE THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS
AT THE AIRPORT AND TO MANAGE CITY LEASES.
7. CREATE AND OPERATE AN AIRPORT FACILITY THAT IS SELF-SUPPORTING
AND THAT WILL GENERATE SUFFICIENT REVENUE TO COVER COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE.
8. DEVELOP AVIATION RELATED BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY THAT SUPPORT
AND COMPLEMENT AIRPORT ACTIVITIES.
Policies:
1. Revenue from the sales of City owned property adjacent to the airport should be
used as part of the funding sources for the upgrade of the airport facilities.
2. Retain all existing acreage currently owned by the City that can be utilized as
part of the airport upgrade and expansion including the development of
property owned by the City to the southwest of the runway intended to be
leased for hangars and other airport related uses
3. Limit the building height of new structures within runway protection zone to
reduce further intrusions and or penetrations, which would result from the
expansion of the airport.
4. Require that all lease holders and "through the fence" operators compensate the
City at the established rates.
5. Prevent penetrations into FAR part 77 surfaces to protect the current layout of
the airport as well as the anticipated future configuration.
6. Obtain agreements from current through the fence operators and refrain from
entering into any agreement, which grants further access to the public landing
area by aircraft normally stored and serviced on adjacent property.
Recommendations:
1. Assess the costs associated with the upgrading the airport and identify funding
sources.
2. Assess the financial, political and social impacts associated with additional land
acquisition.
3. Formally adopt a final Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and Environmental
Assessment (EA).
4. Once the ALP is adopted, coordinate zoning with the County to reduce
penetrations into the object free area and the runway protection zone.
5. Hire an airport manager to manage City leases and to oversee the day to day
operations of the airport
6. Evaluate the current lease activity and "through the fence" operations to ensure
that equitable agreements are in place.
7. Seek additional federal, state and additional sources of funding for upgrade of
the airport facilities to a B-II status.
8. Adopt an ordinance reflecting FAR part 77 regulations in order to protect the
current layout of the airport as well as the anticipated future configuration, and
encourage the County to adopt the same regulations.
CULTURAL FACILITIES: The City of Kalispell has assisted in developing and
coordinating the enhancement of cultural facilities in the community such as the
Depot Park building, Hockaday Center for the Art, Conrad Mansion and the Central
School Museum.
Issues:
1. Kalispell would like to expand and develop additional cultural opportunities and
facilities in the downtown area, but lacks adequate funding and facilities.
2. Excessive through traffic in the downtown area along Hwy 93 detracts from the
pedestrian oriented atmosphere that would attract additional patronage to the
existing cultural facilities that have been developed.
3. Cultural facilities and cultural events do not provide the economic stimulus and
cultural identity that could be fully realized in the downtown area.
4. Lack of adequate funding and facilities to accommodate on -going cultural and
historic education facilities impede the ability of the downtown area to realize
its full potential.
GOALS:
1. EXPAND THE SCOPE OF EXISTING CULTURAL AND HISTORICALLY
RELEVENT EVENTS TO INCLUDE A GREATER NUMBER AND VARIETY OF
SCHEDULED EVENTS.
2. EXPLORE WAYS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL LAND AND ASSETS THAT WOULD
EXPAND THE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FACILITIES.
3. ENCOURAGE THE EXPANSION OF THE TRANSPORATION SYSTEM TO
DIVERT THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM THE DOWNTOWN AREA TO MAKE IT
MORE PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED.
4. EXPAND THE VISIBILITY AND FUNCTION OF THE CENTRAL SCHOOL
MUSEUM SO THAT IT CAN REALIZE IT FULL POTENTIAL.
5. WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, HOCKADAY
CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO
EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE NUMBER AND VARIETY OF CULTURAL EVENTS
IN THE COMMUNITY.
Policies:
1. Encourage citizens to participate in the available social and cultural events that
are sponsored and encouraged by the community.
2. Support the expansion of citizen -sponsored events such as First Night that
bring the community together in a social and cultural sense.
3. Provide on -going support for the Central School Museum to assist the facility in
realizing their full potential.
4. Work toward providing a pedestrian oriented downtown area that offers a
variety of businesses and events on a year round basis.
Recommendations:
1. Assist the Central School Museum in their on -going efforts to expand the scope
and interests of the facility.
2. Work with the community to recognize historically and culturally important
buildings for preservation and restoration.
3. Continue to support the concept of a civic center / multi purpose facility to host
expanded cultural activities and events.
4. Provide the necessary support to retain and maintain those historically significant
buildings within the downtown and outlying areas such as the Conrad Mansion,
Hockaday Center, Central School Museum and Depot Park building.
12. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANS
Within the Kalispell planning jurisdiction several neighborhood plans have been
adopted as an addendum to the Kalispell City County Growth Policy Plan. Some of the
plans exist in a separate plan document while others are attached in their entirety
with this document and are so noted. The following is a list of the current
neighborhood plans and a brief outline of their area and purpose.
Stillwater Destination Resort
In July 1990 the Stillwater Destination Resort Neighborhood Plan was adopted as an
addendum to both the Flathead County Master Plan and the Kalispell City -County
Master Plan. This initially addressed an approximately 300 acre site lying between
U.S. 93 North and Whitefish Stage Road north of the Stillwater River. The plan was
revised in 1992 by adding approximately 40 acres adjoining this property for a total of
340 acres. Approximately 212 acres of this area is within the Kalispell planning
jurisdiction.
The Stillwater Destination Resort plan calls for an 18 hole golf course and other
recreational amenities covering 160 acres or approximately half of the area. Single
family and townhouse residential development would occupy approximately 100 acres
and hotel / convention facilities and associated commercial development is proposed
on approximately 50 acres. Landscaping, buffering and the creation of an
architectural scheme for all commercial and residential uses is outlined in the plan.
The commercial element of the project would be developed to serve the golf course
community and has been zoned B-6, Resort Business. The residential element is
intended to utilize a cluster design and has been zone RA-1, Low Density Residential
Apartment. No development has taken place on this property since the plan adoption
and subsequent rezoning. This development project would require the extension of
City services.
Highway 93 South (Rescinded)
In response to development pressures in the area, the property owners within the
Highway 93 South corridor joined together to create a neighborhood plan for this area
which was adopted in 1993. This area continues to transition from traditional
agricultural uses to more intensive land uses generally industrial in nature. The plan
area contains approximately 453 acres. A primary element within the plan was the
creation of development standards for highway development that are intended to
enhance the southern entrance to the community. These standards were
implemented with the creation and adoption of I-1 H zoning, a Light Industrial
Highway zoning district, which has increased setbacks, landscaping requirements,
limitations on signage and controlled access, among others. Currently this area is not
served by public water or sewer, a situation which might change in the "Four Corners"
area at some point in the future. Availability of these services to this part of the plan
area may warrant reconsideration of the type and intensity of uses.
North Meridian (rescinded in part)
This plan was adopted in December of 1994 and has an area of approximately 314
acres along Meridian Road between Highway 2 and Highway 93 in the city of Kalispell.
The purpose of the plan is to address facility needs and to provide a more predictable
pattern of development. Refer to the overall Kalispell City -County Growth Policy land
use map for specific use designations in this plan area. The plan for this area
describes it as residential, however, increased traffic and a proliferation of commercial
buildings not longer makes this a valid statement. Several areas within the plan area
have been designated as residential, office use and other commercial type uses
continue to occur. Some of the residential land use designations may warrant
reconsideration especially considering the impact that the upgrades to North Meridian
Road will have on the proximity of this busy roadway to residences.
Flathead County and the City of Kalispell have been entertaining a proposal to relocate
the fairgrounds facilities and accept proposals for the redevelopment of the
fairgrounds site. This property is within the North Meridian Plan area. Impacts to the
neighborhood if this property were to be redeveloped could be significant. Some of the
transportation, pedestrian access and other public infrastructure inventories and
needs have been outlined in this plan. These changes in this neighborhood may
warrant a reconsideration of this plan, it goals and polices, infrastructure and land
uses in the area.
Kalispell City Airport - (Rescinded)
The Kalispell City Airport plan was drafted in 1993 to assess the needs associated with
the operation, maintenance and potential upgrades to the airport and to improve the
operations and safety conditions. The review process moved slowly and the plan was
not adopted until January of 1995. The plan area covers approximately 332 acres in
and around the City airport. Essentially the plan reviews the current standards of the
airport facility with FAA standards which are rated by the speeds and lengths of the
aircraft using the facility. Currently the airport does not meet the FAA standards for
either design group A or B, associated with the speeds of the planes or design group 1
or 2 standards, associated with wingspans. The basis of the report was to assess the
feasibility of designing and upgrading the airport to a 13-1 standard.
Subsequent to the adoption of the airport plan, an urban renewal district was created
to fund upgrades to the airport. Sales of City owned property around the airport in
Haven and Daley fields, the leasing of property for a youth athletic complex from the
state at the northwest corner of Highway 93 and Four Miles Drive and the relocation of
ball fields has taken place since the adoption of this plan.
In Chapter 11, Infrastructure and Public Services, the Kalispell City Airport is dealt
within in a fair amount of detail. Other plans adopted by the Kalispell City Council
make the 1995 airport plan outdated.
South Woodland / Greenacres - (Rescinded)
This plan was adopted in 1997 and includes the area generally between Highway 93
and Willow Glen Drive with Lower Valley Road as the southern boundary and
Woodland Drive to the north and contains approximately 458 acres. This plan was
developed in response to a perceived need in the area to assess public services and
facilities particularly as it relates to the sewer service and drainage issues in the area.
A large part of the plan area is in the Greenacres subdivision who have connected to
City sewer over the years. Parts of this area are outside the city limits, but served by
City sewer. It was ultimately anticipated that this area would be annexed into the city
of Kalispell and some of the sewer and drainage problems addressed. The annexation
has languished largely because of citizen opposition to annexation. Development in
the area continues and there are issues and needs in the area that remain unresolved.
One major component of this plan was the extension of services plan that identified
issues related to water, sewer, storm drainage and fire and police protection. Many of
the issues in the extension of services plan remain valid and will be used if and when
this area is annexed into the city of Kalispell.
West Valley
A portion of the West Valley Neighborhood Plan boundary overlaps into the Kalispell
planning jurisdiction to the west. Basically, the West Valley School District
boundaries were used as a plan area. This plan was developed in response to long
term development patterns which had occurred over the past 30 years under the
previous West Valley zoning district and the proposal to establish a convenience store
in the primarily rural and agricultural area. This plan was adopted in April of 1997
and was the result of nearly one and a half years of public meetings and committee
consideration. Basic goals for the plan are to maintain the rural character of the area
and to provide some flexibility for subdivision. An amendment to the plan has been
made on approximately 112 acres directly adjoining Country Estates subdivision to
the west, changing the land use designation from agricultural to suburban residential
and removing it from West Valley plan area and wholly within the Kalispell planning
jurisdiction.
2 Rivers RV Resort
This plan was adopted in early 1999 with a plan area containing approximately 135
acres intended for development into a "Resort Commercial" project, the 2 Rivers RV
Resort. The site is located on both sides of Conrad Dr. in the area of the Flathead and
Stillwater Rivers. The plan includes four districts that would have a mix of
commercial, recreational, residential and commercial a golf course. A great deal of
land proposed for this development is in the 100 year floodplain and the floodway
necessitating the connection to public sewer. Because this development is outside of
the city of Kalispell and the Evergreen Water and Sewer District boundaries, issues
relating to connection to these facilities are unresolved. This development project also
assumes the construction of a roadway between Conrad Drive and Highway 2. No
design plans have been developed nor have funds been allocated for its design and /
or construction.
Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) Section 36
This plan was adopted in April of 1999 to assist the State Department of Natural
Resources with decisions on the future development of school trust land located in the
northwest part of the planning jurisdiction. The State trust is responsible for
managing the 640 acres that comprise "Section 36." DNRC offices are located on the
property. In 1997 the City leased approximately 134 acres to be developed as a youth
athletic complex in the southeast corner of the section. Subsequently the
neighborhood plan was developed that designates development "pods" within the
section. Along the highway the development pod is designated as Commercial /
Retail, the northwest corner of the section is designed as a Mixed Professional Office
area, the southwest corner is designated as Mixed Use Residential. The plan includes
the extension of City water and sewer to the site to serve the development(s). The
State intends to the lease the sites for development rather than to sell the property so
that the State School Trust will continue to receive revenue from the property. Build
out is anticipated to take between 20 to 50 years.
13. Implementation Strategy
Implementation of this document falls primarily with the City of Kalispell but will
require a coordinated effort with Flathead County in order to be successful. Three
primary tools will be used to implement the growth policy which are: adoption of
appropriate zoning use classifications and associated text, subdivision regulations and
the adoption of development standards. The following tools and programs will provide a
framework for the implementing this document.
ZONING:
The growth policy is a basis for assigning appropriate zoning when land uses change or
development occurs. The policy document anticipates future development patterns, i.e.
residential, commercial, and industrial. However, this is the official policy document,
but is not a regulatory document. The zoning ordinance functions as an important tool
in implementing the policy and is generally used to develop the long range development
goals. Appropriate zoning is generally based upon the growth policy recommendations
and polices. Zoning is intended to regulate the types of uses that may occur on a
particular piece of property by establishing different types of zoning districts. In addition
to the types of uses, zoning also regulates building height of buildings primarily to insure
adequate fire protection and also to avoid shadowing or blocking of views. Zoning also
sets standards regarding the density or minimum lot size requirements as well as where
a structure is located on a piece of property by establishing setbacks and lot coverage
limits.
The City of Kalispell has zoning authority over land within the city. Flathead County,
has adopted the Flathead County Zoning Regulations that are applied in all areas
outside the city limits and enforced by the County. All of the property inside the growth
policy area have been zoned.
Recommendations:
The City of Kalispell should coordinate with the rdinance. There is a need to edit or
simplify the present citywide zoning ordinance including a blending/reduction of
use districts presently administered in the city.
2. Development of the rural lands in the growth policy area should be coordinated with
Flathead County and the appropriate assignment of zoning. The zoning should be
substantially in compliance with the land use designations of the growth policy.
3. There should be coordination and compatibility between the Kalispell land
development codes and those enforced by the County in the rural areas just outside
the city limits.
4. Inside the city of Kalispell, zoning administration including zone changes,
conditional use permits, and variances should be based upon the land use
designation of the growth policy map.
SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
BUILDING CODES
HOUSING CODES:
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
FEDERAL/STATE GRANT PROGRAMS
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
CONTINUED PLANNING
Issues:
1. Cooperation between the City and County is critical to reinforcing an orderly
development pattern in the growth policy boundary, coordinating public
facilities and services, and addressing the numerous issues that cross over city -
county boundaries.
2. Currently there is a lack of joint planning between the city and the county that
needs to be addressed.
3. There is a lack of consistency in development standards at the urban / rural
interface.
4. Often there is limited public involvement in the planning and development
review process.
Goals:
1. FOSTER CITY -COUNTY COOPERATION, PARTICULARLY IN MANAGING
GROWTH AND COORDINATING PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND
SERVICES. PROMOTING COOPERATION BETWEEN KALISPELL, UTILITY
SERVICE PROVIDERS AND FLATHEAD BUSINESSES.
2. Encourage the County to RECOGNIZE THE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR
property within THE POTENTIAL UTILITY SERVicE AREA AS SHOWN IN
FIGURE B in the resource and analysis section of this document and adopt
ZONing COnsistent with the City's LAND USE DESIGNATION.
3. That a memorandum of understanding be signed between the City and the
County that THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY DEVELOP AND AGREE ON A
JOINT PLANNING JURISDICTION ALONG WITH ESTABLISHING A CITY -
COUNTY PLANNING BOARD.
4. WAYS SHOULD BE SOUGHT TO PROVIDE AVENUES FOR GREATER
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS.
Policies:
1. The amendment process should provide ample opportunity for public
participation.
2. Notice of public hearing shall be given a minimum 15 days prior to the hearing
in a paper of general circulation for document amendments and updates and in
accordance with state statutes.
3. Continue to negotiate an expansion of the planning jurisdiction boundaries up
to the 4.5-mile limit creating a joint planning board with the County.
4. The governing bodies within the planning jurisdiction shall conduct public
hearings on proposed subdivisions in accordance with state and local
provisions,
S. The governing bodies will evaluate subdivision based upon criteria required
under state and local regulations including impacts on services and
infrastructure, effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat, effect on agriculture and
the health, safety and welfare of the public in general.
Recommendations:
1. New and existing neighborhood plans should be consistent with the growth
policy document.
2. Neighborhood plans should be reviewed every five years to determine whether
the document is still relevant and whether or not changes should be made.
3. The policies of this document should be implemented through the zoning and
subdivision regulations.
4. Develop a cooperative relationship between the elected officials, government
agencies, service and utility providers that results in consistent development
standards, efficient use of public infrastructure and resources, and quality
development.
5. Building code enforcement program should be coordinated between the City
and the County.
6. Amend zoning regulations to enable implementation of the policies herein.