01-10-95KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 10, 1995
CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Kalispell City -
AND ROLL CALL County Planning Board and Zoning Commission was called
to order by Senior Planner ,John Parsons at 7:00 p.m.
Board members present were Milt Carlson, Robert Lopp,
Walter Bahr, Mike DeGrosky, Therese Hash, Robert
Sanders, Fred Hodgeboom and Pam Kennedy. John Parsons
represented the Flathead Regional Development Office.
Brian Wood, Zoning Administrator, represented the City
of Kalispell. There were approximately 45 members of
the public in attendance.
ELECTION OF The next item of business was the election of officers
OFFICERS for 1995. Nominations were opened. The motion was
made and seconded to nominated Therese Hash as
president. There were no other nominations. By
acclamation vote, all members voted aye. Newly elected
President Hash presided over the meeting.
The motion was made and seconded to nominate Pam
Kennedy as •Vice President. The nominations were
�! closed. By acclamation vote all members voted aye.
ELECTION OF Next, was the election to fill the member -at -large
MEMBER AT position on the Board. Letters of interest were
LARGE received from Michael Fraser, Dave Mason and Molly
Schwarz.
Motion The motion to nominate Michael Fraser to fill the ninth
position on the Planning Board was made by Kennedy,
second by Lapp. The Board expressed their appreciation
to the other applicants for their interest and would
like them to apply for future positions on the Planning
Board. On a roll call vote the members voted
unanimously in favor of reappointing Mike Fraser as
member at large on the Planning Board. The appointment
of Mr. Fraser to this position must be confirmed by
both the Board of County Commissioners and Kalispell
City Council prior to him sitting on the Board.
APPROVAL OF The minutes of the meeting of December 13, 1994 were
MINUTES approved as submitted on a motion by Bahr, second by
DeGrosky. All members present voted aye.
Bob Sanders stepped down from the Board due to a
(_1 conflict of interest on the next two agenda items.
�J
SANDERS Hash introduced a request by Robert and Marjorie
ZONE CHANGE / Sanders to amend the Lower Side Zoning District Map by
AG-80 TO changing the zoning on approximately 186 acres from
AG-20 AG-80 (Agricultural) to AG-20 (Agricultural). The
M1
property is generally located south and east of the
Lower Valley Road intersection with Somers Stage Road,
and is further described as part of the south half of
Section 35, T28N, R21W, P.M.M., Flathead County.
Staff Report Parsons gave a presentation of report #FZC-94-23. The
request was evaluated in accordance with the statutory
criteria for a zone change, and based on that
evaluation, staff recommended that the zone change be
approved. Staff noted the attachments submitted by the
applicant, which included a traffic study, as well as
a petition signed by 198 persons in favor of the zone
change. Several letters were received, both in favor
and in opposition to the zone change, which were
submitted to Board members and read into the record.
Questions Lopp asked if the Master Plan agricultural designation
distinguished between AG-20, AG-40, AG-80? Parsons
replied that it does not. The Master Plan does not set
forth a clear series of policies to determine the
location of specific agricultural zones. It basically
says this area will be agriculture, or this area will
be suburban or urban, etc. At this time the AG-20 and
the AG-80 zones are considered agricultural zones.
Both are therefore in conformance with the Master Plan.
O DeGrosky asked if AG-20 is an Agricultural or Suburban
Agriculture zone? Parsons responded that he has to
.abide by the zoning ordinance, which says they are the
same thing with minor differences in specified uses.
This zone change will set a precedent for the area, as
there are no other AG-20 zones in the Kalispell City -
County Planning Jurisdiction.
Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to those in favor of the
zone change.
In Favor Ed Trippett, 1135 1st Ave West, Kalispell, said he
served on the Planning Board for six years. He went on
to say that the Sanders have paid taxes on their
property for 25 years. They wish to use their land for
their retirement. He thinks they are justified in
doing that.. If you take that right away from them,
then you should take that right away from everyone.
The Planning Board only makes suggestions. These
people own their land, they have farmed it as
agricultural land, and it will still be used for
agriculture on a smaller scale. They have reached
their years of retirement and are entitled to it.
Don't take it away from them.
Horace Sanders, who lives approximately one mile from
!�\l Bob Sanders, spoke in favor of the zone change. He
pointed out that there are already a number of 10 and
20 acre parcels in the area.
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Doug Miller, a neighbor to the Sanders, has no
objection to their requested zone change.
Tim Burke, is also a neighbor of the Sanders, and he
does not object to the zone change.
Ray Sanders, neighbor to the south, said he has been
farming in the area for 37 years. He has watched the
degradation of farm prices in this time, and what is
happening now with grain prices, hay prices, and
livestock prices, he has a quarrel with what is defined
as AG-80. We can't make any better living on AG-80
than on AG-20. He has farmed for several landlords for
many years, and they have to scramble to pay the taxes.
He thinks that these people have paid the taxes on that
land all this time, they have a right to do what they
want with their land. He watches realtors in the area
buy land and subdivide it. He feels that the property
owners, the farmers should have the right to get some
of this money, too.
Bill Frey, neighbor to the north of Sanders, stated
that they have been good neighbors and he trusts that
they will do a good job which will benefit the area.
They will not do anything detrimental.
( John Dyer, 125 School Addition Road, feels that
property owners should be able to divide their land and
do what they want with it. At least these people are
trying to do something for themselves rather than get
on the program.
Jeff Larson, the surveyor and engineer working with the
Sanders, is in favor of the zone change for three
reasons. (1) It is consistent with the smaller
adjacent parcels in the vicinity. There are three 10-
acre parcels and one 20-acre parcel directly adjacent
to the Sanders property. (2) He thinks that 20-acre
parcels are much more affordable for people than 80
acre parcels, therefore it makes it possible for middle
class people to live in an agricultural setting, but
still preserve the agricultural use of the area. An 80
acre parcel in Flathead Valley now is so unaffordable
that you have to have it handed down from a relative in
order to obtain one. (3) The subject property
currently exists in four legal parcels, therefore the
net increase in density is only five additional lots.
That is equivalent to a minor subdivision and therefore
the impacts are minimal. These lots will be served by
individual wells and septic systems, and he feels that
is immaterial to the Lakeside Sewer District. If they
ll ever get hooked up to the sewer district, that will
�J have to be reviewed in an appropriate manner. He urged
the Board to vote in favor of the zone change from AG-
80 to AG-20.
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Bob Sanders, 1220 Lower Valley Road, the applicant,
told the Board that there is more to this proposal than
meets the eye. The original purchase of 80 acres was
in 1964, and they bought two parcels with two houses on
it. They bought an additional 30 acres in 1972. They
bought the landlocked 80 acres in 1974. In March 23,
1992, they broke it into 20 acre parcels. This was
legal at the time. It was not surveyed, because at
that time it did not need to be surveyed, any aliquot
part that can be described as 1/32 did not need to be
surveyed. Any title company would accept those 20 acre
parcels. This was zoned in fall of '92, unbeknown to
those in the area. No one in this area was notified.
We did not know that it was zoned AG-80. He was told
by the Commissioners that he was okay because he had 20
acre parcels. However, when he went to sell a parcel,
he found out that those 20 acre parcels had been deemed
illegal. The 21st District Court ruled that any parcel
deeded from yourself to'yourself was illegal. They are
backtracking on that to 1972. If they had sold these
parcels prior to September 1993, they would have been
legal. This is a technicality which has put them into
a predicament.
Jack Barrett, said he has known the Sanders for 40-50
years. Sanders bought this property about 30 years
ago. He did not buy it for subdividing. They would
like to retire. There is not enough profit to lease or
hire it done anymore. Bob is getting tired of working
from 6 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. every day. He shouldn't
have to do that. It is his ground, and he should be
able to do what he'd like to do. He doesn't believe
that the late comers in the last 5-10 years can tell
someone what to do with their land. He has seen it
time and time again at public hearings from people who
have 5, 10 or 20 acres who flood the room and say "no
more
Lee Tower, Kalispell, said he has known Bob Sanders for
quite awhile. He thinks that these subdivisions have
to be allowed. AG zoning in order to keep open space
is extremely unfair. Any objections to these
developments should be accompanyed with a buy -sell with
cash to buy the development rights. He does not think
that those who live in town have any right to force
these people to use their land for non-profit. People
who have been in agriculture for 25-30 years can't even
pay interest on this land, now, with ag production like
it is. If you are going to force someone into that
type of a life, you better be ready to support them.
Opposition Dave Heine, 2000 Lower Valley Road, a neighbor of the
Sanders, feels that this is a very difficult situation.
He cannot disagree with any of the previous testimony.
Bob and Marge have worked hard and they are in their
retirement years. He has some questions and maybe we
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need to go back and redefine the AG-20 zone. Is it
really an agricultural use. He knows that John has to
go by his regulations. He has observed that these
people buy a 20 acre parcel and claim that they will
keep their 20, but all of a sudden they have to chance
to split it into 10's. That is a problem he can
foresee. He sees agricultural activities possibly
being shut down because of nuisance lawsuits from rural
activities such as plane spraying, etc. What about a
cluster development with protective covenants? That
would be a way for Bob and Marge to sell some homesites
and still keep open space, and protect the neighborhood
from all these splits that could possibly be following
this.
Bruce Louden, 820 Lower Valley Road, owns the farm
across the road from the Sanders. He said that Bob and
Marge have been good neighbors and he is somewhat
reluctant to speak. He is not a newcomer to the
Valley. He has lived there all his life. His father
homesteaded in the Lower Valley, as did his great
grandfather. They have tried to make a living as
farmers just like Bob has, for a long time. He feels
this would set a precedent where we are going to have
5, 10, and 20 acre parcels. He doesn't think zoning is
going to stop any of it. We_are just going to be
J) forced out of what is our livelihood. He already sees
splits right across the road from their house, and
right next to another place that they farm. All these
parcels will have houses on them. In his opinion, 20
acres is not an agricultural designation. The ones he
has seen either become weed patches or horse farms.
That isn't agriculture in his opinion. We need to look
at whether we want this land ag or not. If it is an 80
acre AG zone, he agrees that is maybe too small. He
also knows that the finances aren't there as much as
they should be for farmers to remain in business. They
are trying to raise peppermint, which has to be sprayed
with airplanes. From experience, he knows of two or
three areas in the Valley that already have trouble
with subdivisions right next to them, and they get many
complaints whenever they spray. The state ag
designation has no teeth in it. He is worried about
getting sued or people complaining about dust,
machinery on the road, and other nuisance complaints.
For these reasons he is opposed to the zone change. He
can sympathize with Bob and Marge, he understands why
they want to subdivide, but he is afraid it will affect
his livelihood.
John Ficken, said that he is a third generation farmer
in the Lower Valley. His brother's kids will be fourth
generation. They intend to keep their land in farming
and maintain their livelihood that way. It has been
his experience, both in watching other areas in the
Valley, and other farming communities in other states
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in a similar situation where houses start, it always
ends up being a problem no matter how clean it starts
out. When you start bringing in non -farming people
into an agricultural community it always ends up
bringing severe hardship from harassment to literal
prohibiting of certain farm activities that may be
necessary for production. In fact, he heard that a
farmer in Oregon was arrested for disorderly conduct
for trying to bale hay on a Sunday morning, because the
people in the small subdivisions didn't like the noise.
He doesn't want to see that here. The AG-80 was
intended to protect the farming community and whenever
you start letting houses in, that is the beginning of
the end. He is very strongly opposed to changing the
zone.
Neal Danford, a retired farmer in the Lower Valley,
thinks that 20 acres should not have the agricultural
tax break on it. It is a subdivision then and should
be taxed that way. When you break the land into 20's
it will end up in 10's and 5's.
Bill Goodman, 1275 Lower Valley Road, said he moved
there a couple of years ago from Kalispell basically to
get away from people like himself. He doesn't want
nine more people like him across the road. He is a
special interest of one, as is Bob Sanders. He asked
if it is good planning to have the whole Lower Valley
split into 20 acre parcels, which it will be. This is
confirmed in the staff report where it says that the
AG-20 zone will set the pattern for future zoning
changes in the area. This change would set a.precedent
for this area by creating large lot estate ranchette
developments in this jurisdiction. He referred to the
Master Plan for the area and under the section about
"preserving agricultural land", it says "the parcelling
of rural landscape into 20 acre or smaller lots has led
to a pattern of scattered development on properties
that are too large for many homeowners to maintain in
lawns and gardens, but too small for productive
agricultural operations. As a result, many rural
tracts become hosts to weed infestations that create
severe management problems for adjacent farm
operations." He hopes this will help the Board make
its decision.
Janna Goodman, 1275 Lower Valley Road, would like to
tie together two comments that were made. When staff
said that the difference between the AG-20 and AG-80 is
really a judgement call and Mr. Ficken said that when
AG-80 was implemented, it was certainly with the intent
to keep the area in agriculture. She felt that if
there is a judgement to be made, she feels that it
should be the AG-80 reflected by the people who live
there.
1.9
Robert Streit, 1670 Lower Valley Road, spoke in support
of the AG-80 mainly for future generations of people
who are involved in agriculture. Some of his
neighbors' livelihoods are at risk by starting this
precedent.
Gail Bissell, 535 Lower Valley Road, said she agrees
with previous testimony in that she is not opposed to
the AG-20 in a personal way. But, the area was zoned
AG-80 very recently for a reason. She thinks it should
stay AG-80 for awhile, anyway. The whole idea of the
zoning is to keep agricultural uses in the valley. She
feels that perhaps the applicant can buy some time and
work with some of the incentives in the County Master
Plan such as cluster development, to avoid a 20 acre
split. She strongly urged the use of the conservation
organizations or land trust organizations to keep this
land in perpetuity for agricultural purposes, but will
let these people out of the bind they are in.
There being no further comment either in favor or in
opposition, the public hearing was closed and the
meeting opened to Board deliberation.
Discussion Kennedy ascertained that the general consensus of the
neighborhood was to zone the area AG-80 at the time the
Lower Side Zoning District went into effect. Parsons
replied that was his understanding since the area was
zoned prior to his employment with FRDO. Public
hearings in accordance with state law did occur.
Family transfers were explained. Mr. Sanders was asked
if there were any neighborhood meetings. He said that
there were none. The zoning district was advertised in
the Bigfork Eagle and not in the Daily Inter Lake, so
they did not know about the AG-80 zoning of their
property.
Bob Lopp addressed a number of issues. He said that he
has known the Sanders a long time. He knows many
people in the Lower Valley area, and sympathizes with
the current designation of AG-80 for the preservation
of agricultural land. There are some issues he wants
to raise in the staff report, which are issues which
need to be weighed very carefully as we come to a
decision. First of all, pg. 2, under the second
criterion - according to the Master Plan the property
is currently designated as agriculture. Both the AG-80
and AG-20 designations equally fit within the Master
Plan. In other words the Master Plan does not micro -
plan to this level. However, the AG-20 zone not yet
occurring in this area, nor in any area within our
planning jurisdiction, will set the pattern for future
zone changes in the area. That is very significant.
One of the issues we have to look at is the issue of
spot zoning. This 186 acres is in the middle of an AG-
80 zone. That is something as a planning board that we
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1 ) are not supposed to do. It is surrounded by AG-80, not
adjacent to another AG-20 zone. On page 3, criteria 4,
paragraph 2, line 2 - "This process offers an
opportunity to ensure that any changes to the Official
Zoning Map are done in the general public interest."
it is important for us to look at what is the impact on
the entire neighborhood, not just on the parcel under
discussion. On the same page, criteria 7, line 3 -
obviously it is going to increase the density, but
currently there appear to be four legally created
parcels which can be sold by the applicant. One 35,
one 80 and two 40 acres. It does not mean they need to
put together 80 acres before they can sell it. Those
are bona fide units which can be sold. The bottom of
the page talks about the suitability of the property
for particular uses. It is prime agricultural land and
that is probably his biggest concern. We live in a
valley that is expanding so rapidly that we are
inundating our basic industries. We have had an
ongoing war for the last five years over the impact of
subdivision on timber. This is the same issue. The
impact of subdivision on agriculture. Yes, the Master
Plan anticipates this type of development for the area,
but at what point? Again, the Master Plan lists
agriculture for this area. It does not specify what
kind of agriculture, what size. However, this is
definitely a leapfrogging of lot size from the area
north of here, which has quite a bit of development,
single family housing units. There is still quite a
strip between that developed area and the agricultural
area. On page 4, regarding the character of the
district. The first line says it is primarily
agricultural. That is the reason the AG-80 was set up
to protect the agricultural. I see this as a direct
encroachment on what would be viable agricultural in
this valley. It is not a truck garden valley. You
have to hold together blocks of land that can be
adequately farmed. Again, on page 4, the last
consideration listed, the plan identifies the area for
agricultural development and frankly I don't see this
proposal as the appropriate use of the land. We are
all affected by what happens. On the issue of
retirement income, the property already has four
saleable subdivisions within the designation of AG-80.
What they are asking for is doubling that.
Milt Carlson stated that the 20 acres has always
bothered him since it was set up under the old
subdivision law. Twenty acre tracts ended up all over
the country and they have pretty much destroyed many
counties in Montana. He went back to the City -County
Master Plan, which is about 10-12 years old, and stated
it is about time we brought it up to date. He quoted
"Recognizing that highly productive agricultural lands
are a finite natural resource, and it is appropriate to
the public interest to be preserved in .this
jurisdiction. It should be protected by allowing
limited conversion of agricultural lands only in those
areas which are not productive agricultural lands where
these lands are needed for proper urban expansion." I
don't see this as fitting into that category. Over
one-third of the county's productive agricultural land
is located within the municipal planning jurisdictions
and each municipality needs to actively work to protect
the agricultural base of the county. That is in our
old Plan. Mr. Goodman read from the new County Plan,
on pg 16. Through the two year process of dealing with
the agriculture community throughout the county, with
the update of the master plan, it was dealt with over
and over again, and brought up as one of the biggest
problems in the entire county. A paragraph was put in
that stated: "That existing agricultural zoning in
Flathead County is not considered effective or
desirable. Mandated minimum lot sizes of 20, 40 or 80
acres deny farmers and ranchers the option of selling
smaller pieces to satisfy financial needs and thus
contribute to the rate of loss of agricultural land."
That is why clusters and conservation easements and
farm protection incentives are put into the entire
county master plan. Since this adjoins the county, it
is all part of that neighborhood. Where this
jurisdiction ends, it is surrounded by county to the
south. He agreed that there are legally saleable lots.
Mr. Sanders is very fortunate compared to most of the
farmers in the county right now..
Mike DeGrosky had a number of issues, things that have
concerned him about the discussion. One of them is the
goal of the Master Plan to preserve agriculture land.
He is intrigued by the situation that Bob is in. It
seems that his property should be grandfathered as to
the legal 20's. He really questions the retroactivity
of the law. His biggest concern is the Master Plan
intent, where it is defined - "A district to protect
and preserve agricultural land for the performance of
a wide range of agricultural functions. It is intended
to control the scattered intrusion of uses not
compatible with an agricultural environment, including,
but not limited to residential development." So, I
keep asking myself even though we are saying AG-20 is
an agricultural zone, is that really what the Master
Plan is envisioning. Is AG-20 a legitimate ag zone?
There are farmers that say yes, there are farmers that
say no. That is something we really need to look at.
The issue of Bob and his wife to use their property, I
am certainly sensitive to those rights. We also need
to consider the rights of the neighbors who want to
keep farming. That is something we need to think about
pretty hard. I am also concerned about the spot zoning
issue.
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1 Fred Hodgeboom's number one concern was whether or not
this was a desirable precedent for developing that part
of the Flathead Valley. We are in the unfortunate
situation where the AG-20 is the border line between
what is residential properties and what is truly
agriculture. His main concern was about these type of
subdivisions. If this sets a precedent for the entire
Flathead Valley, what happens if this continues to go
on. I'm really concerned about the cumulative effects
of this kind of development, where people will have to
sink wells in the aquifer. Most of us know that most
of this Valley is sand and gravel, glacial and river
worked sediment with very permeable fast infiltration
rates, and it is just a matter of a few days after you
flush the toilet that the septic water is back in the
water you are pumping out of. We've seen this in
Portland, we've seen it in the Rathdrum aquifer near
Spokane. Do 'we have to let everyone exercise their
property rights until the aquifer is polluted and then
dig up all the streets to put in the sewers. I know it
has happened in valley after valley in this country.
It is a real dilemma. I understand the property rights
issue, and yet there is the long-term future of all the
citizens of this valley, and everyone is going to have
to deal with it, with these continual developments on
septic systems. That is the key thing that the County
Plan is trying to deal with in providing options for
landowners to do things that will alleviate this
cookie -cutter approach to development. His second
concern is the stepping out of this subdivision from
the more densely zoned and subdivided areas. In
essence, it does appear to be a spot zone, in that you
will have a residential development surrounded by
agriculture. We have all heard about the problems that
pattern creates for everyone concerned.
Walt Bahr made an observation that has brought up
several times by some of the people in the audience,
that agriculture land, while it is extremely desirable
for a lot of people in the Valley, we are pricing the
agricultural base out of this valley. We have become
too popular and too attractive to use our land for
farming. It is most unfortunate for those of us who
have been here since day one. Yes, I am opposed to the
zoning of this, but it is coming. Down the road there
are three other parcels between them and a suburban
residential zone. That's all it will take is those
three to come in and this one is going to happen, and
it will go all the way through the Lower Valley. That
river is too attractive to have farming adjacent to it.
If you travel the river, you will see that there are
\1 homes doubling and tripling in number and the tracts
are getting smaller. It is just too darn nice in the
Flathead Valley to live here and to be able to afford
farms of the size that we need. It is going faster
It
than we want it to. I don't approve of this rezone,
but it is going to come.
Therese Hash echoed what has been said. She encouraged
not only the Board, but also the people who have spent
the time to come here and consider this particular zone
change, and any of the zone changes where we have what
is called the "leapfrog" development, or a spot zone.
Legally, spot zoning is not defined in terms of one
acre or five acres. The legal problem with spot zoning
is a change of a zone for the benefit of one landowner
contrary to the existing zone. To me, the situation
before us falls precisely within that definition. The
second point is irrespective of whether it applies to
an AG-80 or an AG-20 classification. The definition is
to protect and to preserve, to control the intrusion,
including residential development. Obviously, before
us is a zone change, but overlying that zone change
would be a development program. One does not wish to
split their 80's into 20's and sell them with the idea
of selling them to farmers. There is no question that
some type of residential and n•on-agricultural activity
would continue. I would have to agree that when you
are talking 20 acres, you don't put it in lawn, or
into gardens, and it becomes weeds. The law is that
you are to spray for thistle. Well, my neighbors
don't, and I have to spray to get the thistle off my
land. I suspect that this kind of a problem is just
exacerbated here. The comment about the damage to the
water aquifer is very applicable. In more densely
populated areas such as Evergreen we have seen what the
damage has done. The big concern here is long-range
planning. That's what we are all here for. That's
what the rewrite of the County Master Plan is all
about. Not just for today, and unfortunately not just
for Mr. and Mrs. Sanders' retirement, but 20 years f rom
now, what is going to happen here. The precedent which
is noted in the staff report certainly cannot go
unremarked. This type of zone does not exist in our
general jurisdiction. It will start. All the farmers
are faced with it. Heines, Fickens, I know your land -
it's great that you can keep it in the family. You
only hope that you can continue to do so. It is
certainly a dilemma that we are faced with here and I
think all over the country. Without knowing
specifically what can be done, there are incentives,
and some alternatives to cutting it up. As a last
resort, Mr. Sanders does have some saleable land. He
just won't make as much money.
Pam Kennedy felt that the Board clearly does not
1 believe that AG-20 is agricultural. She agrees that a
recommendation needs to be sent to the County
Commissioners that AG-20 is not in the nature of the
Lower Valley. I don't believe that it will uphold the
agricultural integrity of the zoning district. I also
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do not believe that proper notifications did not
happen. At the public hearings we had people in
attendance at our meetings. I am terribly sorry if Mr.
Sanders did not hear about those meetings and was not
in attendance, but it was clearly publicized and I know
that the Daily Inter Lake also did articles in regards
to it. I also understand and hear what those who have
indicated that property owners should be able to do
what they choose to do with their land, but you also
have to look at the property owners that surround
everyone, because all property owners have rights. We
clearly heard from many of the farmers in the direct
vicinity who would like to uphold the integrity of the
AG-80 and be able to continue farming. The fear level
of nuisance suits, is valid. The AG-20 would not be
kept in agricultural uses. it is suburban
agricultural. My recommendation to the County
Commissioners would be to address that and to look at
changing the definition of AG-20.
Motion Bahr made the motion to adopt the findings of fact in
report #FZC-94-23 and forward a favorable
recommendation to the County Commissioners to approve
the zone change request. Lopp seconded. On a roll
call vote Carlson, Lopp, Kennedy, Bahr, Hodgeboom,
DeGrosky and Hash voted no. The motion failed
unanimously on a 0-7 vote.
Discussion & The Board proceeded to make findings of fact in
Findings For accordance with the statutory criteria for the
Denial evaluation of a zone change, as follows:
On the second criterion, DeGrosky questioned whether
AG-20 was a legitimate agricultural zone. The
definition is to "protect and preserve agricultural
land", which a zone change such as this would not do.
The intention of AG zoning would be to control
residential development, which again, this zone change
would not do. The Board made findings as follows:
Does the Requested Zone Comply With The Master Plan?
The subject property is within the jurisdiction of the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan. According to the
master plan, the property is currently designated as
agriculture. This request is not in conformance with
that designation. The AG-20 zone, not yet occurring in
this area, will set the pattern for future zone changes
in the area.
Will The Requested Chancre Promote The Health And
General Welfare?
The general purpose of the County's zoning regulations
is to promote the general health and welfare and does
so by implementing the Master Plan. The City/County
12
I 1 Master Plan would support the requested zone change.
Any traffic generation that the proposed change allows
would be mitigated at the time of development. Any
impact to or due to floodplain, stormwater runoff,
septic systems, and water would be addressed at the
time of development proposals.
The zoning regulations provide a mechanism for public
input and review for all zone change and subdivision
requests. This process offers an opportunity to ensure
that any changes to the Official Zoning Map are done in
the general public interest. It is the opinion of this
Board that the zone change would not be in the general
public interest due to the impacts of residential
development on neighboring large agricultural
operations, opening them up to nuisance lawsuits, with
the potential for additional zone change requests and
approvals, thereby having a domino effect and the
destruction of agricultural areas.
Will The Requested Zone Change Prevent The Overcrowding
of Land?
Overcrowding of land occurs when development out -paces
or exceeds the environmental or service limitations of
- the property. The property is not within an area able
j to be serviced by a water and sewer system.
Will The Requested Zone Avoid Undue Concentration Of
People?
Concentration of people relates to the land use
permitted by a particular zone. The proposed zone
change would increase the intensity of residential use
on the 186 acres. Currently, there appears to be four
(4) legally created parcels: one 35 acre, one 80 acre,
and two 40 acre parcels.
Will The Requested Zone Facilitate The Adequate
Provision Of Transportation, Water, Sewer, Schools,
Parks And Other Public Requirements?
The additional demands for transportation, water,
sewer, schools, and parks would be evaluated pursuant
to individual development proposals and subdivision
review. Despite the density limitations of this zone
significant negative impact could be expected.
Does The Requested Zone Give Consideration To The
Particular Suitability Of The Property For Particular
Uses?
This was considered one the major issues, and was made
as f o'l l ows :
13
1 The subject properties are relatively level and
considered prime agricultural lands, have good exposure
to the roadway system, and are relatively close to the
City of Kalispell and emergency services. The
requested zone does damage to continued agricultural
use. Significant negative impact is expected on
existing agricultural uses for this land and
surrounding properties.
Does The Requested Zoning Give Reasonable Consideration
To The Character Of This District?
It was felt that this would set an undesirable
precedent for the agricultural areas in Flathead
County, and the finding was made as follows:
The intent of this district is primarily agricultural.
The uses that would be expected to occur as a result of
this zone change would be an estate or ranchette type
of land use with horses, equine, or other small farm
type facility, which would not preserve and protect the
agricultural character of the district.
Will The Requested Zone Change Encourage The _Most
Appropriate Use Of The Land Throughout The
Jurisdiction?
The Plan identifies this area for agricultural
development. As the City grows the entire jurisdiction
will continue to transform. There are no areas of AG-
20 in the Kalispell City County Planning Jurisdiction.
A change would set a precedent for this area by
creating large lot estate/ranchette development in this
jurisdiction, which is not consistent with the land use
throughout the jurisdiction.
Motion Kennedy made the motion to adopt the findings of fact
as proposed by this Board and forward this as a basis
for denial of the zone change request in FRDO report
#FZC-94-23. Lopp seconded. On a roll call vote Bahr,
Hodgeboom, DeGrosky, Kennedy, Lopp, Carlson and Hash
voted unanimously in favor of the motion to deny the
zone change request.
* A call for votes in opposition to the motion was made.
None was heard.
CLOVERLEAF As a point of procedure, a public hearing was held on
ESTATES a request by Robert and Marjorie Sanders for
PRELIMINARY preliminary plat approval of a nine (9) lot subdivision
PLAT to be known as Cloverleaf Estates. The property was
the subject of the above zone change request.
Staff Report Parsons presented report #FPP-94-26 which reviewed the
request for preliminary plat approval based on the
14
proposed AG-20 rezone. Based on that evaluation staff
recommended approval subject to 17 conditions.
Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to proponents of the
proposal.
In Favor Ray Sanders, south of the proposal, was in favor. He
referred to his previous testimony which would be the
same for this proposal.
Horace. Sanders, sees no problem with this proposal, and
feels that there should be a provision to reimburse
somebody for the difference in the price of land if
decisions are going to be made like this.
Bill Frey, said it seems to him that since the zone
change was denied, this is a moot point. He said he
sat and listened to about 3 to 1 in favor of the
Sanders subdividing their land. Then he saw a bunch of
pencil pushing parasites deny it. He doesn't think
that's right, because the neighbors who live next to
Bob Sanders all respect him, and the Board ought to
give more weight to that than they did.
John Dyer, said he has property near the Sanders, and
he fully intended to do the same thing when he retires.
Jack Barrett, spoke in favor of this subdivision. He
thought the land belonged to them, but apparently it
doesn't. They just had the privilege of paying taxes
on it for the last 30-40 years. He can't believe folks
can just jerk it out from under them. If you don't
like it, find somebody to buy them out.
Bob Sanders, the applicant, wanted it noted for the
record that there were over 200 names in favor of the
proposal, all Flathead Valley residents, not just the
4 or 5 in opposition. As to the subdivision, he had no
problem with the requirement for a 60 foot right of
way. However, he did have a problem with the length of
the cul-de-sac. He quoted from the County Subdivision
Regulations "the County may require multiple accesses
into a subdivision ... where the primary access road is
over 2500 feet long". His proposed road would be 2600
feet. He feels the exception does relate to this road.
Jeff Larson, engineer/surveyor on the project, said
they are in agreement with all the conditions of
approval, except for the length of the cul-de-sac.
There are several reasons to justify granting the
variance request. (1) The lots will be large 20 acres
in size, and there will be ample separation between the
houses to minimize the fire danger. (2) The flat
topography allows fire vehicles to go cross country.
(3) The area is cultivated and the vegetation would be
a low fire danger. (4) The cul-de-sac will act as an
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excellent fire break. (5) It is cost prohibitive to
put in a loop system or a multiple access because of
the large size of the lots. (6) There will not be
future development in the area, because the requested
zone was AG-20. (7) Only four lots have to use the
cul-de-sac, Lots 3 and 4 could actually access off of
Somers Stage Road. Section 3.8 of the Flathead County
Subdivision Regulations does say that 2500 linear feet
is allowable for primary access. He addressed the
issue brought up about septic systems and wells. They
do a lot of septic systems and wells in the county and
they aren't finding any significant impacts on water
tests or sewer systems. All the water tests come back
with minimal nitrates in them, and we just aren't
seeing it. They are doing a lot of different ones all
over the valley, so he doesn't see any evidence of
impacts. A 20 acre parcel is large enough to satisfy
the requirements for individual sewer and water
systems. Therefore, he feels that is not a reason to
deny the subdivision.
Lee Tower, lives in Kalispell and said that he would
like to move out of Kalispell, but there isn't any
place to go. In observing this whole operation, he has
seen a lot of non-agricultural folks make agricultural
decisions. He thinks it is a shame that the Board
didn't follow the recommendations of the neighbors in
the area that know what agriculture is.
There were no further proponents of the subdivision.
Opposition The public hearing was opened to those in opposition to
the subdivision. No one spoke in opposition. The
public hearing was closed and the meeting opened to
Board deliberation.
Discussion Kennedy noted for the record that the persons in
opposition to the subdivision left due to the
recommended denial of the zone change. She did not
agree with Mr. Tower saying that non-agricultural
people are making decisions for agricultural people,
and that we are not listening to the neighborhood,
because there were neighbors who are farmers in the
area that did speak in opposition to this zone change.
We did pay attention to the people. With regards to
the 200 people who signed the petition, the majority do
not live in the immediate area. I take personal
offense to being called a "pencil pushing parasite" by
Mr. Frey, and would hope that at future meetings there
is not that type of discussion process that happens or
comments made against people who volunteer their time
on Boards like this and try, to come forward with the
best recommendations that they believe they can.
DeGrosky feels that since the zone change was denied,
this is a moot point.
16
! 1 Hodgeboom suggested an additional condition in the
event that this plat is approved. "All purchasers
shall be notified in the covenants that their lot lies
within an agricultural area and will be subject to all
normal activities associated with agriculture and
livestock operations which may conflict with
residential uses." This type of condition should be in
there to protect the interests of the adjacent property
owners. By concurrence this language was added to
Condition #4, if this subdivision is approved.
Hash expressed her concern which dovetailed with the
decision regarding the zone change, in that Mr. Dyer
had indicated that this is precisely what he wanted to
do upon his retirement, was to split his property.
That just highlights the concern the Board has that
this general area will be split up. She wanted to
reiterate the concerns and the empathy we all have for
the problems that the farmers, as well as any other
business person in the Valley is being faced with right
now. But the fact that Mr. Dyer admits that he wants
to do it too, then we are going to get the domino
effect. The Fickens have farmed for a long time, the
Heines are out there with their property. Many of you
here have property, which T suspect that you would like
-1 to keep farming. We are talking long-range planning.
We have to try to meet competing needs of not only Mr.
Sanders, but Mr. Dyer and the parties who were opposed
to the zone change.
Motion Lopp moved to adopt report #FPP-94-26 as findings of
fact and forward a favorable recommendation to the
Commissioners subject to the conditions as amended.
Hodgeboom seconded. On a roll call vote Carlson,
DeGrosky, Kennedy, Bahr, Lopp, Hodgeboom and Hash voted
nay. The motion failed on a 0-7 vote in opposition to
granting preliminary plat approval for Cloverleaf
Estates.
Motion DeGrosky moved to send a recommendation to the County
Commissioners to deny the subdivision because of the
denial of the zone change request. Lopp seconded, on
a roll call vote Kennedy, Bahr, Hodgeboom, Carlson,
Lopp, DeGrosky and Hash voted unanimously in favor of
the motion to deny the preliminary plat for Cloverleaf
Estates.
During discussion of the zone change and subdivision,
it was recommended that the County Commissioners
initiate a text amendment to redefine AG-20 as a
suburban agricultural zone.
Robert Sanders returned to his seat on the Board for
the remainder of the meeting.
17
KALISPELL The next scheduled public hearing was on a request by
TEXT AMENDMENT the City of. Kalispell to amend the Kalispell Zoning
NONCONFORMING Ordinance Text, Chapter 27.25, Nonconforming Lots, Uses
USES and Structures. This amendment will consider allowing,
under certain circumstances, structural alterations and
additions to existing nonconforming residential
structures.
A letter was received from the City of Kalispell
requesting that this matter be continued until the
February meeting.
Motion Kennedy moved to grant the City's request to continue
the public nearing on the Kalispell Zoning Text
Amendment until the February Planning Board meeting.
Bahr seconded. By acclamation vote all members voted
aye.
PACK ZONE Hash introduced a request by Ron and Margaret Pack and
CHANGE / Colin and Kathleen Andrews for a change in zone from
RA-1 TO RA-2 RA-1 (Low Density Residential Apartment) to RA-2 (High
Density Residential Apartment) in Kalispell. The
property is located south of Two Mile Drive; Ashley
Creek crosses the property and borders the east side of
a portion of the property; Greenbriar Subdivision is to
the west; the southern boundary is about 600 feet north
of Highway 2. The site contains approximately 30
acres.
Staff Report Parsons presented an overview of report #KZC-94-04.
The request was evaluated in accordance with the
statutory criteria for a zone change, and based on the
findings staff recommended the zone change be granted.
He noted that the most significant impact is that the
by-pass alignment is shown to go through the site.
The requested zone change will double the density
allowed on the site.
Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to proponents of the
proposal.
In Favor Ronnie Pack, the applicant, explained that the reason
for the requested RA-2 zone was because it is
designated in the Master Plan for high density. With
regard to the by-pass alignment, he has been in contact
with Larry Brazda at the State Highway Department, and
was told that we will never see a by-pass through there
in our lifetime. When the time comes to construct the
by-pass, the State and Federal government will buy out
the least expensive route.
Parsons indicated that Larry Brazda did not have the
authority to change the Kalispell City -County Master
Plan and EIS which indentified the Hwy 93 by-pass
route.
0V]
No one else spoke in favor of the zone change. The
hearing was opened -to opponents.
Opposition Kathy Britten, 490 Two Mile Drive, stated that there is
already a buffer of apartment buildings between the
commercial and residential zones. The area which he is
requesting to have the density increased is largely
residential uses now, which isn't as depicted on the
Master Plan, but that is how it is developing.
Bob Cole, 1470 Hwy 2 West, is opposed to the 10 acres
behind his property being developed as high density.
They requested their zoning of R-1 in 1985 which allows
them to have horses. They have zoning which is
restrictive, but flexible. He pointed out that he had
the first right of refusal to purchase the subject
property, but he didn't want to buy it because it was
zoned RA-1. He feels that the high density RA-2 zone
would substantially lower the value of his property,
because of the increased noise, activity, and traffic.
High density usually means high rise which would block
their view, and that is a concern of theirs.
Donna Therkelson, owns a home and a business in the
area,. and she feels that the RA-2 zone would affect the
entire area. She expressed concern about the
environmental impact on the creek which runs through
the property and hoped that this would be addressed.
The area is already densely populated and to double the
density would affect the comfort of those living there
and could become a slum..
There being no speakers either in favor or in
opposition, the public hearing was closed and the
meeting opened to Board discussion.
Discussion The doubling of the density was addressed and the range
of differences in the intensity of uses between the two
zones was identified. There is only one other RA-2
zone in Kalispell. It was noted that Greenbriar which
is immediately adjacent to this property is single
family residents, protected by covenants. Bahr noted
that RA-2 is defined as inner city and urban uses, not
for suburban. This may possibly require a text
amendment.
The consequences of development within the by-pass
alignment was addressed in terms of condemnation
lawsuits and the increased costs from high density
development in the alignment.
Lopp agreed that the concern regarding Spring Creek was
valid. He lives upstream and has seen it 10 feet wide
and 4 feet deep. one summer it was nearly 35 feet
wide. This property is downstream below where other
drainages feed into it. He distinguished between the
19
Master Plan designation and zoning. When the Master
Plan says high density, that designation covers a
number of zoning options and RA-1 qualifies as high
density. Therefore, the RA-1 is already compatible
with the Master Plan and does not need to be changed.
There is only one other piece of RA-2 in Kalispell, and
the tremendous difference in density is achieved by
additional building height.. There is a lot of multi-
family development out there. We are very adequately
meeting the needs of the community by providing multi-
family housing. The proposed zone change is adjacent
to a single family development by covenant agreement
with City and the residents of Greenbriar. The RA-2 is
an incompatible density. The RA-1 designation
adequately meets the Master Plan, meets the character
of the neighborhood, and provides a base to add to the
multi -family housing.
DeGrosky did not feel that the RA-2 was an illogical
progression, it will promote infill development and
affordable housing. Hodgeboom didn't see much
difference between the two zone designations either.
Hash noted that RA-2 is intended for central and inner
city use. This particular piece of property borders
the city limits, and that would constitute suburban
property. This is a request by one landowner for one
parcel which could again raise the question of spot
zoning. The concern regarding condemnation for
buildings in the by-pass alignment was discussed.
Carlson expressed concern about the access of that
dense of a development onto Two Mile Drive, but his
main concern was for Ashley Creek. Putting that amount
of density on the waterway is asking for more trouble.
Kennedy believes the property is suitable for the
density, the access would be onto Hwy 2 and Corporate
Way, and a conditional use permit would be required.
Lopp compared this proposal to Meridian Pointe, which
is zoned RA-1. There has been considerable amount of
flack over that development. This proposal is double
the density. That area of town is doing far more than
its share of providing housing of all kinds. It is a
very heavily impacted area.
Motion Kennedy moved to adopt FRDO staff report #KZC-94-04 and
forward a favorable recommendation to City Council -to
approve the zone change from RA-1 to RA-2. DeGrosky
seconded. On a roll call vote Hodgeboom, Sanders,
Kennedy and DeGrosky voted aye. Lopp, Bahr, Carlson
and Hash voted no. The vote was tied at 4-4.
Motion Kennedy made a motion to continue Board discussion with
regards to #KZC-94-04 for a zone change request from
RA-1 to RA-2 on the Pack and Andrews property to the
February meeting to allow for a full Board vote.
20
Hodgeboom seconded. On a roll call vote DeGrosky,
Hodgeboom and Kennedy voted aye. Sanders, Lopp, Bahr,
Carlson and Hash voted no. The motion failed on a 3-5
vote.
HERITAGE Next, was a request by Ron Gersack on behalf of Lantis
PLACE / Enterprises for a conditional use permit in the H-1
CONDITIONAL zone to construct an addition to the north side of the
USE PERMIT / Heritage Place - Extended Care Facility in Kalispell.
EXPANSION The expansion would include a dining room, activity
EXTENDED CARE area, and nurses station for specialized care. The
FACILITY site is located on the north side of Heritage Way
approximately 400 feet east of Highway 93 on the
northwest corner of Windward Way and Heritage Way. The
property is described as Lot 1 of Heritage Place
Subdivision in Section 6, T28N, R21W, P.M.M., Flathead
County.
Staff Report Parsons presented report #KCU-94-20. Staff recommended
granting the conditional use permit subject to seven
(7) conditions. He pointed out that the construction
of the addition has begun with a valid permit for the
foundation. However, the city water main is under the
addition and is an issue which must be resolved prior
to the completion of this project. This matter is
addressed in the conditions of approval.
r
" Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to those in favor.
In Favor Ron Gersack, administrator of Heritage Place, said they
ate still working with the City on the resolution of
the water main. He asked for clarification of
condition #4 pertaining to the driveway/fire lane and
parking. He went on to explain the project. At the
present time, two rooms have been combined to create a
dining room and nurses station. The addition to
Heritage Place will provide this activity area so the
rooms can be put back in use as the demand for a
special care unit for alzheimer and dementia patients
increases. He was anxious to continue construction as
they had a waiting list of patients.
Opposition No one spoke in opposition. The public hearing was
closed and it was opened to Board deliberation.
Discussion Resolution of the issue of who has authority of the
city water main was discussed.
Motion Bahr moved to adopt report #KCU-94-20 as findings of
fact and recommend to City Council to grant the
conditional use permit subject to the conditions set
forth,'with the omission of condition #4 to delay the
-- paving requirement until the hospital presents its
overall PUD. Carlson seconded.
21
Amended Motion Kennedy amended the motion to add condition #4 to read:
That the southwestern access from the parking lot to
the access road and Heritage Way be closed, with an
emergency access gate, to the satisfaction of the
Kalispell Fire Chief, or pave the access road." Bahr
seconded the amendment to the motion.
A roll call vote was taken on the amendment to the
motion. The motion carried unanimously in favor.
on a roll call vote Bahr, DeGrosky, Kennedy, Sanders,
Hodgeboom, Lopp, Carlson and Hash voted unanimously in
favor of granting the conditional use permit for the
expansion of Heritage Place.
EATON ZONE Hash introduced a request by Terry and Pamela Eaton to
CHANGE / amend the West Side Zoning District Map by changing the
R-5 TO B-2 zoning on approximately 15,000 square feet from R-5
(Two family residential) to B-2 (General Business).
The property is generally located on the northwest
corner of Welf Lane and Highway 93, and is further
described as Assessor's Tract 11L, in Section 29, T28N,
R21W, P.M.M., Flathead County.
Staff Report Parsons presented an overview of report #FZC-94-24.
Based on evaluation of the necessary statutory criteria
for a zone change, staff recommended approval.
Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to those in favor of the
zone change.
In Favor Bill Frey, who owns property immediately crest of this
site, which has storage units on it, spoke in favor of
the Eatons' zone change request. All of the property
in the vicinity is business, and the trend is to
continue that way. The Eatons have made tremendous
improvements to the place, they work hard and deserve
the zone change to allow them to get on with their
lives.
Terry Eaton, the property owner, is in agreement with
the staff report and requested the Board grant the zone
change. He was available to answer any questions.
No one else spoke either in favor or in opposition to
the zone change request. The public hearing was closed
and the meeting opened to Board discussion.
Motion Kennedy made the motion to adopt staff report #FZC-94-
24 and forward a favorable recommendation to the Board
of County Commissioners to change the zone from R-5 to
B-2 (General Business). Lopp seconded. on a roll call
vote the members voted unanimously in favor of the zone
change. The motion carried 8-0.
Fxa
WHITE BIRCH The next item was a' request by Joan Bailey for
PRELIMINARY preliminary plat approval on approximately 6.9 acres of
PLAT property zoned R-5. The subdivision proposes to create
3 parent lots: Lot 1 would have the existing motel and
mobile homes; Lot 2 is proposed to have a 41-space RV
park and 4-space tent campground on it; and Lot 3 would
contain the existing mini -storage. The property is
located on the east side of Shady Lane on the south
side of Spring Creek. The subdivision is to be known
as White Birch RV Park and Campground. The site is
further described as Assessor's Tract 41 in Section 4,
T28N, R21 W, P.M.M., Flathead County.
Staff Report Parsons gave a detailed presentation of subdivision
report #FPP-94-30. Preliminary plat approval is
recommended subject to eight (8) conditions.
Public Hearing The public hearing was opened to those in favor of the
proposed subdivision and RV park and campground.
In Favor Paula Johnson, attorney representing Joan Bailey on
this 'matter, said that basically they do not have a
problem with staff's recommendations except for the
following: on page 5, lb. Adequate Access. she would
like to have it clarified that the paving requirement
is 20 feet and not 24 feet. That makes a difference of
about 20o in the cost of paving. Subdivision
Regulations require only 20 feet of paving, so she
would like that language inserted in the report.
Parsons explained that the road would have to be paved
in accordance with the subdivision regulations to
AASHTO standards at two 10 foot wide travelways, with
a two foot shoulder on each side.
Ms. Johnson also objected to condition #3 which says to
connect individual RV spaces to the sewer system. They
have an argument with hooking all 40 spaces to the
sewer. She said that water, sewer and power will be
available to 24 individual spaces, not all 40 spaces.
It is not required under the Department of Health and
Environmental Sciences, and she felt that it is not the
county's concern regarding the rentability of the
sites. The concern would be with the health
regulations as to how many spaces are hooked up to the
sewer, and what the requirements are for a dump site.
Individual hook-ups would incur more expense for her
client and it is not required by the regulations.
Bob Hafferman, engineer for the project, stated that
there is no point in having every RV site sewered.
'., There are various types of RV's such as a camper that
does not have a sewer connection. He said that he has
been in the recreation business since 1956. Within the
last three years he has designed and had approved by
the Commissioners a number RV parks and campgrounds,
23
some of which have been constructed, others are in the
process. He read off several examples. Most of the
campgrounds that have been recently approved had sewer
to half the sites, half without, plus .shelter sites
that had central "comfort stations" equipped with
restrooms and showers. The DHES does not require a
sewer connection to every site. They do have to
provide facilities for those sites that do not have
connections. It is not good planning to have all sites
sewered. It is a waste of money. The conditional use
permit does not require individual sewer hook-ups, as
stated in condition #10 of the conditional use permit.
It will be hooked into the Evergreen Sewer District.
It has to. That is what makes this whole project
feasible. They are proposing 24 sites with full hook-
ups, 16 sites without, and 5 campsites. He asked the
Board to let them, through their experience with RV
park and campground construction design the RV park and
campground. They will follow the rules and follow good
practices. He urged the Board to correct the staff
report on page 5 where it states that hooking in to the
sewer will improve the environmental integrity of the
area, because this is not a fact. He requested that
condition. #3 be deleted.
Paula Johnson, addressed whether a central dump site
would be required on the location. She cited from the
regulations whereby the law does not require one if
there is a central dump station within 15 miles from
the campground. There are a number of dump stations in
and around Kalispell.
Jack Barrett, an adjacent property owner, was in favor
of the proposal. This is a good use for the property,
and it is a benefit to the City. It keeps campers out
of the Park, so that the cities get the money instead.
Joan Bailey, the applicant, said the only complaint she
had was with the dump station. Based on the
regulations, there is no reason for it. She lives
within one mile of Spruce Park, where they charge $3
for anyone who doesn't stay there and if they stay in
the campground, then they can dump for free. There are
four dump stations that stay open year round in
Kalispell area, and ten in the whole area.
No one else spoke in favor of the proposal. No one
spoke in opposition. The public hearing was closed.
The meeting was opened for Board discussion.
Discussion Hash announced for the record that Mr. Lopp had been
\�) excused from the Board.
Kennedy said that she is not in favor of making a text
amendment as requested by Ms. Johnson, regarding the
paving of 20 feet. She referred to the conditions of
24
the conditional use permit, item #14 that says "All
internal roads, including all access road, shall be
paved from the existing pavement. Two way roads shall
be paved to 24 feet and one way roads paved to 12
feet." This indicates that the shoulder shall also be
paved. This is a condition of what is already passed.
As it stands under recommendation #1 of preliminary
plat approval, the conditions of the conditional use
permit must be met. She did agree, however, that not
all the RV spaces need to hooked up to sewer.
DeGrosky asked about the fact that the county has
changed its road standards in the interim? Parsons
replied that the conditional use permit will take
precedence.
The recommendation for individual sewer hook-ups was
discussed and the Board determined that the applicant
made a good argument that the requirements will be in
compliance with the Department of Health and
Environmental Sciences regulations, and it is covered
in the conditions of the conditional use permit. The
Board agreed that it was not necessary to change any
wording in the staff report.
Motion Kennedy made the motion to adopt subdivision report
#FPP-94-30 as findings of fact and recommend to the
County Commissioners that preliminary plat be approved
with the 8 conditions as written. Bahr seconded. On
a roll call vote Hodgeboom, Sanders, Carlson, Bahr,
DeGrosky, Kennedy and Hash voted in favor of.granting
preliminary plat approval for White Birch RV &
Campground.
OLD BUSINESS There was no old business.
NEW BUSINESS Kennedy addressed the issue of electing the member -at -
large at the December meeting so that that member can
sit at the January meeting to constitute a full Board.
Parsons noted that all the planning boards members for
the cities and Flathead County are appointed at the
same time. Since new members are appointed on
December 31st, those Board members must be allowed to
vote for the member -at -large. Retiring Board members
would not vote for the 9th member.
Motion Kennedy made a motion to send a recommendation to the
County Commissioners that they request the FRDO staff
to look at the definition and intent for AG-20, to
possibly change it to SAG-20. Bahr seconded. By
acclamation vote all members present voted aye.
The adopted North Meridian Neighborhood Plan and
Resolution was passed out to the members to include in
their books.
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Zoning in conformance with the Kalispell Airport
Neighborhood Plan will be corning before the Board.
Craig Kerzman, Kalispell Building Official, asked to be
recognized. He explained why a building permit was
issued to Heritage Place for the foundation. Often
permits are issued for foundations so construction can
begin as weather dictates. They are issued subject to
the contractors or developers assuming all risks. It
was a valid permit. The permit for construction of the
superstructure was not issued.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was
adjourned at 11:18 p.m.
V, 4!
Therese Fox Hash, President iza h Ontko, Recording Secretary
r
APPROVED: 6W �� a
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