October 14, 2025 PacketAGENDA KALISPELL CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025
The public can participate in person in the Council Chambers or via videoconferencing. Please sign in 5 minutes prior to the meeting to ensure connection. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_amA5H0PHS4GDphqO8Y-epg
The City of Kalispell does not discriminate based on disability in its programs, services, activities, and employment practices. Accessible parking is available at the City lot north of City Hall, and accessible restrooms are available. If you need auxiliary aids or services for effective communication or other reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or hearing, please contact the Development Services front desk at (406)758-7940 as soon as possible, preferably at least two working days before the meeting date.
The regular meeting and work session of the Kalispell City Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Kalispell City Council Chambers, Kalispell City Hall, 201 First Avenue East, Kalispell.
The agenda for the meeting will be:
A.Call to Order and Roll Call
B.Approval of Minutes of September 9, 2025
C.Hear the Public – The public may comment on any matter on the agenda or not on the agenda. (Comments are typically held to 3 minutes or less.)
D.Public Hearing
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and take public comments on the agenda item(s) listed below:
1.File #KA-25-08 – Flathead County has submitted a petition for annexation and initial zoning of
P-1 (Public Facilities) for property located at 225 Snowline Lane, Kalispell, Montana. The
property can be legally described as Parcel B of Certificate of Survey No. 23135, located in the
Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, Section 33, Township 28 North, Range 21
West, M.P.M., Flathead County, Montana, containing 33.5 acres, more or less.
Annexation will allow connection to municipal services and establish zoning consistent with the
proposed public facility use. The project includes construction of a new Flathead County Public
Safety Facility, consisting of a detention center, Sheriff’s Office headquarters, courtroom and
program space, administrative offices, and related infrastructure.
E.Old Business
F.New Business
G. Adjournment The Planning Commission will also hold a work session on the following items: 1. In the 2023 legislative session, the Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 382, which created the
new Montana Land Use Planning Act. Under the Act, for cities such as Kalispell, the current
growth policy, subdivision regulations, and zoning regulations are largely replaced with a new land use planning paradigm. The concept is that a land use plan is established with extensive public input. The plan then becomes a guiding document for land use decisions, many of which, such as subdivisions, become administrative rather than conducted through a public hearing
process. The opportunity for the public to be engaged comes with the process establishing the plan
and regulations, not with review of a site-specific project. This work session is the thirteenth in a series the Planning Commission will hold in the coming months. It is intended that the focus of this work session will be a discussion of chapters of the
preliminary draft land use plan. Future work sessions will be noticed and a formal hearing will be
held before the Commission forwards a recommendation to the City Council for its action. Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 PARTICIPATION Due to occasional technical difficulties, the most reliable way to participate is through in-person attendance. Electronic means are not guaranteed. Those addressing the commission are requested to give their name and address for the record. Comments can also
be sent to planning@kalispell.com. To provide public comment live, remotely, register for the video conference through zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_amA5H0PHS4GDphqO8Y-epg. Please sign in at least 5 minutes prior to the meeting to ensure connection. Raise your virtual hand to indicate you would like to provide comment.
Watch Planning Commission sessions live with the agenda and supporting documents or later with documents and time stamped minutes at: https://www.kalispell.com/480/Meeting-Videos. Watch Planning Commission sessions live or later on Charter Cable Ch. 190 or via the City YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/@cityofkalispellmontana9632/streams.
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Data Sources:
Montana Cadastral,Flathead County GIS
City of Kalispell GIS,
Austin Bachurski -
Kalispell City Planning Commission Minutes of the meeting of September 9, 2025 Page | 1
KALISPELL CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING September 9, 2025
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The regular meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present were Doug Kauffman, Joshua Borgardt, Cate Walker and Rory Young (Zoom). PJ Sorensen, Kirstin Robinson, and Donnie McBath represented the Kalispell Planning Department.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Borgardt moved and Walker seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2025 meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning Commission.
VOTE BY ACCLAMATION The motion passed unanimously on a vote of acclamation.
HEAR THE PUBLIC
KZTA-25-01 – EAVES SETBACK Hayden Homes has submitted a petition for a zoning text amendment relating to how setbacks are applied to a structure’s eaves. Current zoning regulations, under Section 27.37.010(177), defines a setback as “The horizontal distance required between any structure (i.e. the furthest extension of the structure, typically an eave line or deck) and a lot line. . . .” This amendment would allow eaves to extend up to two (2) feet into the setback areas in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, and R-5 zones.
STAFF REPORT PJ Sorensen representing the Kalispell Planning Department reviewed Staff report #KZTA-25-01.
Staff recommends that the Kalispell City Planning Commission adopt the findings in staff report KZTA-25-01 and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the proposed amendment be adopted as provided herein.
BOARD DISCUSSION None.
PUBLIC COMMENT Peter Hagen - Hayden Homes – 250 SE Timber Ave. Redmond, OR - Hayden Homes – Supports the amendment because it benefits the community with minimal impact.
Kisa Davison – Iron Star Construction - 326 6th Ave E – Read a letter written by Iron Star’s job superintendent Shane Cooke that
supports the amendment. She is also in support of the amendment for the same reasons that Mr. Hagen and Mr. Cooke presented.
MOTION – KZTA-25-01 Walker moved and Borgardt seconded that the Kalispell City Planning Commission adopt the findings in staff report KZTA-25-01 and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that theproposed amendment be adopted as provided herein.
None.
Kalispell City Planning Commission Minutes of the meeting of September 9, 2025 Page | 2
BOARD DISCUSSION Sorensen clarified to Borgardt and Walker that historically the 5ft setbacks were for fire protection and that, if the amendment is adopted, additional fire separation requirements could apply under the building code. Sorensen also advised Borgardt that snowfall on a fence is a private issue that does not put the city at risk. Young advised the commission that his firm has previously represented Hayden Homes and Iron Star Construction but is not currently representing them and offered to recuse himself should the commission feel there is a conflict of interest. The commission unanimously agreed that there was no conflict.
ROLL CALL Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.
OLD BUSINESS Sorensen updated the commission on city council action on items
from the August Planning Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS Sorensen updated the board on the upcoming October 14, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting and Work Session.
ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:26 PM.
WORK SESSION Transitioned into work session on the Montana Land Use Planning Act.
_____________________ ___________________ Chad Graham Kirstin Robinson President Recording Secretary
APPROVED as submitted/amended: ___________
CHAPTER 7 – FUTURE LAND USE MAP
7.1 Future Land Use Map
Based on the foregoing chapters, which consider information, analysis, and public input
collected, considered, and relevant to the population projections for and economic development
of Kalispell and the housing and local services needed to accommodate those projections, while
acknowledging and addressing the natural resources, environment, and natural hazards within the
city planning area, the future land use map reflects the anticipated and preferred pattern and
intensities of development for the City over the next twenty or more years. The future land use
map is hereby incorporated by reference as an integral part of the land use plan.
7.2 Description of Future Land Use Map Use Designations
The following land use designations are used on the Future Land Use Map. Other chapters of
this plan and supporting data contain additional information regarding population characteristics
and aspects of the built environment that have an impact on these categories.
(a) Commercial: Commercial designations along major arterials are anticipated to
provide areas for commercial uses that require space for outdoor display of merchandise,
storage of materials and / or equipment and outdoor sales areas as well as general retail.
Residential uses, when appropriately incorporated, may be developed into commercial
areas.
The expansion of additional commercial districts along major arterials is anticipated to
occur at such time as the development or redevelopment of existing commercial districts
have significantly developed to avoid the creation of new commercial districts and
leapfrog development. Expansion of commercial areas should be contingent upon the
provision of public services and adequate infrastructure with consideration given to
anticipated impacts on the neighborhoods, streets and the natural environment.
Commercial development should accommodate traffic circulation and access in ways that
are safe for both motorized and non-motorized users, and that complement the street
environment, rather than detract.
(b) Neighborhood Commercial: Neighborhood Commercial creates areas designed to
provide convenient goods and services that address the daily needs of the immediate
neighborhood as well as potentially including a residential component. 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, emphasizing bike and pedestrian access. Uses should be
architecturally designed, landscaped and buffered to fit the surrounding neighborhood.
(C) Industrial: The Industrial designation allows for areas that support industrial uses.
Residential uses are generally not compatible within an Industrial designation. There
should be adequate and suitable areas for industrial uses provided for in appropriate
locations within the city while avoiding encroachment into established, intact residential
areas. Industrial areas should have adequate access to transportation infrastructure and be
sufficient in size to allow for future expansion. They should also take into account,
where appropriate, adequate buffering from non-compatible uses. Rail-based industry
should be encouraged to locate at the Glacier Rail Park. Non-rail served industrial
business should be encouraged to locate in the appropriately zoned areas along the
Highway 93 South corridor.
(D) Urban Mixed Use: Urban Mixed Use allows a compatible mix of higher intensity
uses including office, some commercial and light industrial, residential (including high-
density) and public facilities. This designation encourages the development of compact,
centrally located service and employment areas that provide easy connections between
existing commercial and residential neighborhoods. When establishing this designation,
encroachment into established, intact residential areas should be avoided.
When designating an area as Urban Mixed Use, a complete system of pedestrian and bike
paths is an important element.
Urban Mixed Use designations should expand the depth of urban highway commercial
areas as mixed-use corridors in order to (1) provide an alternative to linear commercial
development; (2) concentrate more intensive uses along traffic arterials; (3) improve
business district circulation and transportation efficiency; (4) provide flexibility for larger
development sites; and (5) expand small business opportunities and housing by providing
for mixed use.
Within these corridor areas, Urban Mixed Use should provide for higher-intensity, mixed-
use areas roughly two blocks on both sides of urban highways. As distance from the
highway increases, it should 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) High Density Residential: Density may be up to 20 units per gross acre, and
potentially up to 40 units per acre with a PUD. This category may typically include
housing types ranging from single-family to multi-family buildings.
(F) Urban Residential: Density may be up to 12 dwelling units per gross acre. This
category may typically include a mix of small lot single-family and attached housing of
varying configurations, such as duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and multi-family
residential uses. Zero lot line and patio homes, when accompanied by ample open spaces
and common areas, may also be used to provide transitional density between lower-
intensity neighborhoods and higher-density mixed-use areas or corridor developments.
(G) Suburban Residential: Density may be up to 7 dwelling units per gross acre. This
category may typically include housing types such as single-family homes on 4,500+ sq
ft lots and townhomes. Zero lot line and patio homes, when accompanied by generous
open spaces and common areas, may also be appropriate where clustering is used to
preserve natural features, reduce infrastructure costs, or enhance neighborhood character.
(H) Public/Quasi-Public/Open Space: This designation encompasses areas that would
not be developed as strictly private, but would instead be utilized for a variety of public
or quasi-public uses or held as open space.
7.3 Applicable Zoning, Subdivision, and Other Land Use Regulation
The future land use map is a guiding document for City Council, the Planning Commission, staff,
and the public to consider as land use decisions are being made. The land use plan and map
provide the basis for specific land use regulations and decisions, particularly the Kalispell
Zoning Ordinance (including the zoning map) and the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations, which
should be in substantial compliance with the plan and map. The intent section for each zoning
district should add further descriptions for that zone outlining the character of the district along
with the land use designations where that zone is appropriate.
7.4 Geographic Distribution Supporting Land Use Plan
Chapter 3 of this plan discusses projected population growth and housing needs, which are
projected to be from 8,800 to 10,000 new residential dwelling units over the next 20 years. As
noted in that chapter, there were approximately 7,500 units that received some level of
entitlement from the City from 2021-2025. About 2,000 of those have been constructed, leaving
about 5,500 in the pipeline for construction. The entitled units create a strong start to meeting
the 20-year housing demand. In addition, this plan provides for further residential development
that can help meet the projected housing needs.
The overall planning area for Kalispell has three subparts, essentially creating concentric circles:
land within the city limits, land within the annexation boundary, and all land within the overall
planning area. The inner area is land already a part of Kalispell either as the original townsite or
subsequently annexed. While most areas in the city limits have already developed, there is a
substantial amount of land that is potentially available for infill projects or has recently annexed
and has entitlements for residential development.
The annexation boundary was established through an annexation policy that was adopted by the
City Council in 2011 and is incorporated into this land use plan. The boundary has been
modified a number of times since the initial adoption. The boundary was established to provide
guidance for annexation decisions by analyzing physical boundaries such as rivers, existing
development, and both current and future infrastructure. Land inside the boundary has a
presumption that it should be annexed and land outside the boundary has a presumption that it
should not be annexed. The annexation boundary, also known as the urban growth boundary,
shows the areas that are most ready for growth and development over the next 20 years due to
their proximity to the existing city limits and the City’s ability to serve the area. There is a
substantial amount of land available for annexation and development that has the appropriate
land use designations which would support the projected housing needs over the next 20 years.
Land outside of the annexation boundary, while generally not positioned as growth areas in the
immediate future, may be brought into the annexation boundary as the City continues to develop
with the proximity and availability of infrastructure and services being a key component to the
timing of the development of these areas. While not necessarily expected to develop in the near
future, these lands are expected to eventually develop at the appropriate time.
Land Within City Limits
Land Within Annexation Boundary
Land Within Planning Area
7.5 Impact of Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions
Private covenants and other restrictions may have an impact on potential uses and densities
throughout the planning jurisdiction. It is relatively common, for example, for homeowner
covenants related to subdivisions to restrict uses to single-family only. As private obligations,
the City is not directly involved in the creation, interpretation, or enforcement of covenants and
related provisions. Furthermore, the City cannot limit the creation of private covenants. Each
homeowners’ association may have varying degrees of enforcement as well. Such situations are
spread throughout the jurisdiction and, while individual areas may vary in impact, the result
would tend to be evened out throughout the planning area. It may reduce the maximum potential
hypothetical densities that may be achieved, but is unlikely to have a significant real reduction in
the number of developed units or the City’s ability to provide adequate areas for the development
of housing or other uses.
7.6 Areas of Increased Growth Pressure
It is anticipated that areas in the western and northern portions of the planning jurisdiction would
continue to experience the most growth, primarily through new development and infill. Growth
pressure in those areas is driven by multiple factors.
First, the southern area of town is pinched between Lone Pine and the Flathead River, creating a
narrow corridor generally following Highway 93 South. The eastern area is limited by existing
development in Evergreen along with the Flathead River, which creates a natural barrier as well
as a large floodplain area which limits development. Those environmental factors tend to push
most development into the west and north.
Secondly, new infrastructure on the west and north is available due to prior development and can
support additional growth. Some of the infrastructure would include the Highway 93 Bypass, the
Westside Sewer Interceptor, and a water tower along Highway 93 North. The availability of city
services, particularly with these upgrades, will likely lead to additional growth in the western and
northern areas of the city.
CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES
One of the main benefits of living in or operating a business within the City of Kalispell is access
to municipal public infrastructure, such as water, sewer, storm drainage, and streets, and the
municipal services of police, fire protection, EMS, solid waste management, and parks and
recreation. In addition, non-municipal services such as health care and education are vital to the
community. The provision and reliability of these public services is of paramount importance
for current residents and for the orderly growth of the City’s population and boundary.
Individual facility and services plans for components of public infrastructure and city services
have been adopted by the City. The Water Facility Plan was adopted in 2018, the Sanitary Sewer
Collection and Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Plans were adopted in 2019, the
Transportation Plan was adopted in 2021, and the Solid Waste Master Plan was adopted in 2024.
Updates to the water, sewer, and WWTP facility plans are being developed, as well as an update
to the storm water facility plan, which was adopted in 2008.
A Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan was adopted in 2006 with an update
currently being developed. A Public Safety levy was approved by the voters in 2024 to help
support the implementation of the Police and Fire/EMS reports.
All of the plans listed above are hereby incorporated by reference into this land use plan. This
chapter reinforces the findings and recommendations in those plans and updates, and provides
the basis for their implementation and periodic updates.
In addition, the city funded a Police Operations and Data Analysis Report in 2023 and a Fire and
EMS Operational and Administrative Analysis Report in 2023. The reports were not specifically
adopted by the City Council, so they are not incorporated into this land use plan.
4.1 PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES
- 4.1(A) 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. When the jail was opened in 1987 it was built to house up to 64
beds. Currently, the jail is outdated and is typically capped at 100 inmates at a time. A new
jail has been proposed in the south side of Kalispell to upgrade the facility and to alleviate
overcrowding.
2. Illegal drugs in the community pose a threat to residents and public at large.
3. Limited space with the police department office creates problems with attempting to bring on
additional staff.
GOALS:
1. ENSURE THAT WE HAVE SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS.
2. FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS FOR JAIL EXPANSIONS.
3. ELIMINATE THE ABILITY OF MANUFACTURERS AND USERS OF ILLEGAL
DRUGS TO EXIST OR OPERATE IN THE COMMUNITY.
4. BUILD ON ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENGIES TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DRUG TASK FORCE.
5. ENSURE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE PROTECTING THE
RIGHTS AND DIGNITY OF THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY.
6. INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS REGARDING THE PRODUCTION AND
USE OF DRUGS.
7. STRIVE TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THE SKILLS, EQUIPMENT AND
RESOURCES OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY.
8. COLLABORATE WITH THE PUBLIC TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF CRIME AND TO
REDUCE CRIME.
9. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY POLICING MODES AND INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
10. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE CO-RESPONDER EFFORTS, PARTICULARLY IN
REGARD TO OPIOID AND RELATED ISSUES.
Policies:
1. Adequately staff law enforcement agencies.
2. Officers and staff conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, professional competence,
compassion and respect for the public.
3. Apply unbiased enforcement of the laws.
4. Pursue “broken-window” enforcement strategies.
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. The City of Kalispell should strive to achieve an appropriate response model for the
community, including, but not limited to, the goals of the 2024 public safety levy.
-4.1(B) FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE: The Kalispell Fire Department, with mutual aid
from surrounding fire districts, provides fire response to the community. The City of Kalispell
operates an Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport ambulance service that is staffed by cross-
trained firefighter/paramedics and responds for emergency medical calls for service to the City of
Kalispell and portions of the county EMS districts upon request. Other duties provided for the
community are special rescues, community fire safety education, residential fire safety inspections
and fire code compliancy in the commercial occupancy setting.
Issues:
1. Fire protection provided by the Kalispell Fire Department is currently limited to the area
of the City limits of Kalispell. Geographical, population, protection class types and other
variables continue to challenge the department in providing an effective and timely
response to incidents located on the outer perimeter of the City limits of Kalispell.
2. Continued development on the northern, southern and western boundaries of the city limits
of Kalispell add to the constraints of effective fire protection and EMS response.
3. Call demand, frequency, and call type quickly exceed current fire department capabilities,
relying on outside agencies other than Kalispell Fire to provide response and care.
4. To achieve a beneficial Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, the department needs to
continue to provide adequate training, facilities, and staffing.
5. Only approximately one-third of EMS bills are fully paid by customers when they utilize
the service.
GOALS:
1. ADEQUATELY STAFF AND OPERATE FIRE COMPANIES TO BE ABLE TO
HANDLE CALL DEMAND AND PROVIDE EFFECTIVE FIRE AND EMS RESPONSE
AND MITIGATION.
2. MAINTAIN THE CITY’S ISO RATING AT A CLASS 3 OR BETTER.
3. MAINTAIN MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS WITH SURROUNDING FIRE
DISTRICTS AND RESPONDING AGENCIES.
4. ASSIST THE COMMUNITY IN REDUCING AND PREVENTING EMERGENCIES
THROUGH PUBLIC EDUCATION, FIRE CODE AND SAFETY ENFORCEMENT,
AND COMPLYING WITH CURRENT ENGINEERING STANDARDS BY ADOPTING
CURRENT FIRE, BUILDING, AND ELECTRICAL CODES.
Policies:
1. All new construction, occupancy remodeling and/or change of documented occupancy use
shall be required to comply with adopted fire, electrical and building codes.
2. All fire department actions will be implemented to provide the greatest need for the greatest
number to the community.
3. The fire department will attempt to provide a safe working environment available for fire
department staff and assisting agencies.
4. The Kalispell Fire Department will protect our community with the highest level of
professionalism.
5. Provide adequate training and resources to all fire department personnel.
Recommendations:
1. The City of Kalispell should strive to achieve an appropriate response model for the
community, including, but not limited to, the goals of the 2024 public safety levy and a
beneficial ISO rating.
2. Continue providing appropriate training needed to fire department personnel and maintain
training records as needed per National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and ISO.
3. Continue necessary multi-company, multi-jurisdictional involvement in training and
response.
4. Continue fostering better working relationships with other responding agencies and
provide the necessary means to support mutual and automatic aid.
-4.1(D) HEALTHCARE
Healthcare has been a prominent industry in Kalispell since 1910, when the Sisters of Mercy first
opened the Kalispell Hospital in Downtown Kalispell. Searching for additional space to address
the increasing demand for healthcare, Logan Health moved to its present day location on Buffalo
Hill in 1976. Since that time, medical services associated with Logan Health have continued to
grow. A host of additional medical providers have sprung up adjacent to the hospital creating a
regional medical community serving a significant area of Northwest United States and reaching
into Canada. Services added include: A.L.E.R.T. (a rural rotor wing air ambulance program),
Neurology, an Intensive Care Unit, Radiation Oncology, the New Addition Birthing Center, Home
Health, Dialysis and Heart Catheterization Services, Inpatient Rehabilitation, a psychiatric and
substance abuse treatment center, cardiac surgery, Gastroenterology, a Children’s Hospital and
Neonatology. Remodel and cutting edge ideology has long been the norm at Kalispell Regional
Hospital, with new patient care areas and diagnostic space being added as technology has changed.
Flathead County healthcare and social assistance jobs are growing significantly, creating economic
development benefits for Kalispell and the region. Because of the growing medical specialties,
broad service area, unified medical system, high quality doctor pool, and proximity to Canada,
Kalispell has the potential to further grow its destination medical center services.
Issues:
1. KRMC and the surrounding healthcare neighborhood continues to grow and expand placing increased demands on the local transportation systems and infrastructure.
2. As the hospital has grown they have been required to continue to add surface parking. This is becoming problematic because space is limited, surface parking competes with future building sites and adequate parking adjacent to the specific facilities is difficult to coordinate.
3. Pedestrian access to the hospital and the surrounding healthcare neighborhood currently has challenges as new facilities are added in an area that originally had limited pedestrian
facilities available.
4. The hospital, the surrounding healthcare related offices, visitors, and surrounding residents are inhibited by a lack of through streets to conveniently carry traffic through the healthcare neighborhood.
GOALS:
1. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY.
2. PROVIDE FOR A SATELLITE AREA WITHIN THE CITY WHERE HEALTHCARE RELATED DEVELOPMENT CAN OCCUR.
3. STRENGTHEN KALISPELL AS A REGIONAL HEALTHCARE CENTER THAT PROVIDES A BROAD SPECTRUM OF HEALTHCARE RELATED SERVICES.
Policies:
1. Designate adequate and suitable areas for healthcare related uses.
2. Provide for adequate infrastructure and public services to support the healthcare district.
3. Consider the impacts of healthcare development on the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Recommendations:
1. Coordinate with the hospital in order to monitor and, if necessary, modify the existing PUD
for the healthcare district in order to better coordinate land use needs of the expanding
medical community with the land use regulatory structure.
2. Allow for short-term and long-term housing options within the healthcare district.
3. Work with major interests in the healthcare district to develop a unified way-finding
signage program to help the public and emergency service providers locate services and
facilities.
4. Continue to evaluate traffic flows and needs as growth continues on the campus.
4.2 UTILITY SERVICES
-4.2(A) WATER: Clean, safe drinking water is arguably the most precious resource the City
offers its residents. It is also one of the most vital services it provides. The City of Kalispell and
the Evergreen Water District are the primary providers of drinking water in the Growth Policy
planning area, but there are a number of private, community water systems owned and operated
by homeowner’s associations within residential subdivisions. The demand on the current and
future water system is based on land use, population density, the magnitude and type of
commercial and industrial activity in the area, visiting population and employment impact, the
condition of the existing system, extension opportunity, and regulatory requirements.
Issues:
1. Historic population growth has been cyclic with alternating periods of rapid expansion and
years of slower growth, making forecasting difficult and inexact.
2. Aging water mains and fittings, many installed over 100 years ago, have outlived their
design life, leading to an increase in water main breaks and needed pipe replacements.
3. The City of Kalispell possesses significant water rights with respect to growth, priority
dates, volumes, and flow rates for both groundwater and surface water sources.
4. Based on population forecasts and the demand on existing system facilities, it is important
that the City continually monitor and, when necessary, upgrade and expand the water
system supply, storage and distribution to ensure adequate capacity.
5. The timing and need for water main extensions or expansions, wells, and tanks to serve
growth is dependent on how fast and where growth occurs. The City water system
currently has two separately managed pressure zones with a third in development. The
growth in a particular pressure zone dictates the types of expansion for the zone. Proactive
expansion of infrastructure can facilitate growth in certain areas.
6. Limited fire flow capacity in some areas of the City hinders redevelopment and
reinvestment.
7. There are areas adjacent to the City of Kalispell on private water systems that would not
be easily upgraded to meet fire flow requirements and are currently without hydrants.
8. Some areas outside of the City limits use water lines for their domestic water supply which
do not meet minimum City standards.
9. Some areas have water mains which are not looped, limiting available water flow, fire
protection potential and water service redundancy.
10. There are a number of individual private wells within the City that are unregulated and
potentially pose a long-term threat to the aquifer due to pollutant source introduction and
infiltration.
11. High summer water usage related to irrigation places a high demand on the water system.
12. PFAS and other contaminants present a potential risk to the city water supply.
13. Unfunded mandates resulting from federal and state regulations create funding difficulties,
particularly in light of state taxation and revenue statutes.
GOALS:
1. COMPLETE AN UPDATE OF THE WATER FACILITY PLAN INITIATED IN 2025
TO REFLECT THE CURRENT POPULATION TRENDS AND ANY
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS.
2. CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE LOCATIONS WITH MAINS THAT
ARE AT THE HIGHEST RISK OF FAILURE.
3. MAINTAIN AND UPDATE WATER RIGHTS TO ENSURE CURRENT AND FUTURE
WATER NEEDS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR.
4. IMPLEMENT WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS AIMED AT EDUCATING
THE PUBLIC AND PROLONGING THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE EXISTING
INFRASTRUCTURE.
5. WORK TO INCORPORATE ALL USERS OF CITY WATER SERVICES INTO THE
CITY.
6. LOOP ALL WATER LINES TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FIRE FLOWS FOR
HYDRANTS AND REDUNDANCY FOR ALL WATER USERS.
7. CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SAFE, POTABLE WATER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
ALL USERS.
8. CONSIDER FUTURE NEEDS WITH THE REPLACEMENT, EXPANSION OR
INSTALLATION OF MAINS.
9. PROVIDE ADEQUATE PRESSURE AND FLOWS TO MEET FIRE FIGHTING AND
FIRE SPRINKLER NEEDS.
Policies:
1. Water lines and utility easements should be extended to the farthest extent of new
developments to facilitate orderly growth to adjacent lands in the future.
2. Dead-end lines should be avoided.
3. Water mains should be looped when practical and feasible.
4. Annexation to the City of Kalispell should be required when water is extended to provide
service to an unincorporated area.
5. New water mains should be sized to accommodate current and potential future users in the
area.
6. Water systems should be designed and constructed to promote long-term resiliency,
efficient operation, and cost-effective maintenance, while aligning with applicable
engineering and regulatory expectations.
7. The use of individual wells within the City is discouraged.
8. When individual wells are abandoned, they shall be properly decommissioned in order to
protect groundwater resources from contamination.
Recommendations:
1. Monitor and, as necessary, update the extension of services plan and facility/capital
improvement plans addressing City water system demands, preferably every five years.
2. Construct new wells and storage tanks as necessary to serve growth areas.
3. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell receiving water services should be
annexed to the City as part of a comprehensive annexation plan.
-4.2(B) SEWER: The City’s sanitary sewer system includes over 150 miles of sanitary sewer
main, 43 public sanitary sewer lift stations, and an advanced wastewater treatment facility. All
infrastructure is managed and maintained for overall system health. Much of the original
infrastructure installed in the original townsite is still in place and functioning today. The newest
infrastructure in the system is primarily in the growth areas on the north and west sides of the City.
Issues:
1. High groundwater infiltration and storm water runoff inflow have a significant negative
impact on the City’s wastewater conveyance system and treatment plant.
2. New development may require upgrades to the existing collection systems including
possible upsize, upgrade or replacement of existing sewage pumping facilities.
3. Throughout Kalispell, some neighborhoods still use on-site sewage treatment for sewage
disposal.
4. Outside the City limits, Kalispell is surrounded by areas of residential and commercial
development using on-site sewage treatment systems.
5. Continued reliance on septic systems in the valley presents potential risks to water quality
in the aquifer, rivers, and lakes, including Flathead Lake.
6. By contract, the City of Kalispell allocates a portion of wastewater treatment capacity to
the Evergreen Sewer District.
7. Suburban residential subdivisions developed using on-site sewage treatment systems are
difficult to convert to public sewer.
8. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is expected to tighten Total
Maximum Daily Limits (TMDLs) and water quality standards for Ashley Creek and
Flathead Lake. These changes are expected to include nutrient and temperature limits likely
unreachable by current technologies. Any new MDEQ requirements will require costly
upgrades to the treatment plant.
9. Unfunded mandates resulting from federal and state regulations create funding
difficulties, particularly in light of state taxation and revenue statutes.
GOALS:
1. COMPLETE AN UPDATE OF THE SANITARY SEWER AND WASTEWATER
TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY PLANS INITIATED IN 2025 TO REFLECT THE
CURRENT POPULATION TRENDS AND ANY TECHNOLOGICAL
ADVANCEMENTS.
2. CONNECT AREAS WITHIN THE CITY CURRENTLY USING ON-SITE SEWAGE
TREATMENT SYSTEMS TO PUBLIC CITY SEWER WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
3. MAKE PUBLIC SEWER AVAILABLE TO AREAS THAT ARE IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY TO SERVICES AS DIRECTED BY THE EXTENSION OF SERVICES
PLAN.
4. WORK TO INCORPORATE ALL INDIVIDUAL USERS OF CITY SEWER INTO THE
CITY.
5. ELIMINATE INFILTRATION OF HIGH GROUND WATER INTO THE CITY’S
SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM.
6. ENSURE THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND THE SEWER
COLLECTION SYSTEM HAVE ADEQUEATE CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
Policies:
1. New sewer mains should be designed and constructed to accommodate the future extension
and expansion of the sewer system.
2. Annexation to the City of Kalispell should be required when sewer is extended to provide
services to an unincorporated area.
3. Sewer systems should be designed and constructed to promote long-term resiliency,
efficient operation, and cost-effective maintenance, while aligning with applicable
engineering and regulatory expectations.
4. Impacts from new development requiring upgrades to the sewer collection system, such as
the upsizing of mains and lift stations, should primarily be the responsibility of the
developer or builder rather than existing users.
5. Sewer service to new developments should follow the Extension of Services Plan.
Recommendations:
1. Continue the study and analysis of the wastewater treatment and collection facilities.
2. Complete an update of the Sanitary Sewer Facilities Plan.
3. Monitor and, as necessary, update the extension of services plan and facility/capital
improvement plans addressing City sanitary sewer system demands, preferably every five
years.
4. Identify and correct instances of groundwater and storm water inflow and infiltration.
5. Continue to update the capital improvements plan.
6. Unincorporated areas of Kalispell receiving sewer service should be annexed to the City
as part of a comprehensive annexation plan for the area.
-4.2(C) STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: Storm water is rainwater and melted snow that
runs off streets, lawns, and other sites. When storm water is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered
and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. In developed areas, however,
impervious surfaces such as pavement, sidewalks, and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally
soaking into the ground. The runoff from these impervious surfaces is often contaminated with
various pollutants, which can negatively affect receiving waters, and the concentrated flows can
cause downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, habitat degradation and numerous other
problems. There are several storm water systems in the City of Kalispell, but few in the
unincorporated urban areas of the community.
Issues:
1. There are no public storm drainage systems in most of the planning jurisdiction.
2. Storm water management and treatment can be problematic for new development where
no public facilities exist.
3. Some areas of the community are especially prone to flooding and ponding because of
inadequate storm water management facilities.
4. The City is a regulated small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and is required
to meet the storm water Montana Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (MPDES)
permit requirements.
5. Unfunded mandates resulting from federal and state regulations create funding
difficulties, particularly in light of state taxation and revenue statutes.
GOALS:
1. COMPLETE AN UPDATE OF THE STORM WATER FACILITY PLAN TO REFLECT
THE CURRENT POPULATION TRENDS.
2. ENSURE ADEQUATE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITES FOR ALL
INCORPORATED URBAN AREAS.
3. IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN
PROBLEM AREAS OF THE COMMUNITY.
4. REQUIRE ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT TO HAVE
ADEQUATE STORM-WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES FOR STORM EVENT
ATTENUATION AND WATER QUALITY TREATMENT.
5. ENSURE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING AND NEW STORM
WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES ARE BEING PERFORMED ON BOTH
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTIES TO MAXIMIZE THEIR USE.
6. MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS OF THE MS4 PERMIT INCLUDING EFFLUENT
LIMITS, STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, WATER QUALITY
MANAGEMENT AND SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR IMPAIRED WATERS AND
MONITORING, RECORDING, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
7. IMPROVE SERVICE TO LOCATIONS WHERE EXISTING FACILITIES ARE
INADEQUATE, SUCH AS THE DOWNTOWN AREA.
8. CONTINUE TO IDENITFY AND DEVELOP LOCATIONS FOR REGIONAL
STORMWATER FACILITIES.
Policies:
1. As new City streets are constructed, and as existing streets are improved, storm drainage
infrastructure will be installed or improved.
2. The rate of runoff from a developed piece of property should not exceed that which would
occur had the property remained undeveloped.
3. Best management practices should be implemented on new development and
redevelopment to reduce the discharge of pollutants as required by the MS4 permit.
4. Encourage the use of low impact development techniques as part of an overall storm water
management plan for new development.
Recommendations:
1. Complete an update of the Stormwater Facilities Plan.
2. Monitor and, as necessary, update the extension of services plan and facility/capital
improvement plans addressing City stormwater system demands, preferably every five
years.
3. As the City’s street reconstruction program continues, storm drainage should be improved.
4. Develop a storm water management system for areas identified in the stormwater facility
and capital improvement plans.
5. Explore the expansion of existing storm water management facilities to accommodate new
development.
6. Seek greater cooperation between public entities such as the City, County, and State to
recognize and address storm water management issues in the community.
- 4.2(D) SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: The City of Kalispell provides residential and
commercial solid waste transport service. 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.
4. Maintenance and operations costs have been increasing at a high rate, complicating efforts
to maintain and improve service.
GOALS:
1. EXPAND RECYCLING EFFORTS IN A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO REDUCE
TONNAGE AT THE LANDFILL.
2. KEEP THE CITY STREETS AND ALLEYS CLEAN AND FREE OF DEBRIS.
3. MAINTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND
TRANSPORT.
4. REDUCE WASTE AT THE LANDFILL BY ENCOURAGING THE LANDFILL TO
HAVE PROGRAMS FOR SEPARATING COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS FROM
HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE AND ENCOURAGE PRIVATE RECYCLYING EFFORTS
AND PROGRAMS.
5. MAINTAIN REASONABLE AND COMPETITIVE RATES FOR SOLID WASTE
TRANSPORT SERVICES.
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 and utilize the City’s special collection services for bulk items.
3. Encourage and work with the County landfill to develop a composting program.
Recommendations:
1. Expand residential and commercial services to new areas in the City.
2. Continue the City’s spring and fall cleanup program and collection of large debris with
special collection services.
3. Monitor and, as necessary, update the extension of services plan and facility/capital
improvement plans addressing solid waste management, preferably every five years.
Figure 8: Public Infrastructure & Services Map
4.3 TRANSPORTATION
This chapter is based on the findings and recommendations contained within the MOVE 2040
Kalispell Area Transportation Plan, adopted in 2021. The Kalispell Area Transportation Plan was
a major update to the City’s 2008 Transportation Plan. The Plan was written in direct response to
the rapid growth Kalispell experienced in the preceding years as well as anticipated future growth,
and includes the US Highway 93 Bypass in the modeling of future traffic impacts for the land use
plan area. The Transportation Plan contains a comprehensive inventory of the transportation
system, along with a discussion of travel demand, traffic calming, system management, and
recommended street network improvements. The issues, goals, policies, and recommendations
below are summarized from the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan.
Issues:
1. Overall traffic volumes in Kalispell have grown considerably over the last 10 years and are
forecasted to continue to increase over the next 20 years.
2. A number of local, collector, and, arterial streets lack pedestrian and bicycle facilities or
the road right-of-way to add them and pose significant safety problems.
3. Some areas both inside and outside of the City lack a gridded, interconnected street system,
which limits route options for local residents and business, and concentrates traffic onto
one or two access roads.
4. A significant amount of traffic, including truck traffic and seasonal tourist traffic, passes
through the City on US Hwy 93 without making a stop and contributes to traffic congestion
in key areas.
5. At times, traffic volumes overwhelm the capacity of the transportation system and
associated traffic control devices to adequately maintain system performance.
6. The local climate and snow and ice removal operations cause lane markings to rapidly
degrade.
7. Pedestrian safety issues are especially problematic the further one travels from the core of
the community, especially in the older and middle-aged neighborhoods, due to the almost
total lack of sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use trails.
8. While there is a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle travel plan connecting schools,
parks, shopping areas, and community facilities with neighborhoods included within the
Transportation Plan, there is a lack of a revenue source to implement the improvements.
9. The narrow two-lane segment of Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street and West
Reserve Drive is substandard with both existing and projected volumes of traffic.
10. There is no east / west connection between Highway 93 and Whitefish Stage Road north
of Oregon Street and south of West Reserve Drive, which inhibits free flowing access
between Kidsports, Flathead Valley Community College, the Highway 93 North retail area,
and Fire Station #62 with the Edgerton School neighborhood and Evergreen.
11. No funding program is in place to upgrade substandard existing or newly annexed streets
to urban standards.
12. Congestion from commuter traffic and on-street parking in and around the Flathead High
School degrades the residential character of the West Side Neighborhood.
13. Public transportation is limited.
14. Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East do not connect.
15. Funding and construction of roadway improvement projects is time-consuming, expensive,
and subject to delays.
16. There are approximately 145 miles of roadway within the City. Of the 145 miles,
approximately 36.8 miles is rated poor or very poor based on the City’s Pavement
Condition Index (PCI) System.
17. There is a lack of regional cooperation relating to transportation facilities.
18. Lack of available funding limits the ability of the City to address transportation issues.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE A SAFE, EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, AND COST-EFFECTIVE
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT OFFERS VIABLE CHOICES FOR MOVING
PEOPLE AND GOODS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
2. ADOPT A COMPLETE STREET APPROACH TO RIGHT-OF-WAY DEVELOPMENT
THAT BALANCES VEHICLE USAGE WITH TRANSIT AND NON-MOTORIZED
MODES OF TRANSPORTATION, SO THEY MAY BE SEEN AS VIABLE
ALTERNATIVES TO AUTOMOBILE TRAVEL IN AND AROUND THE
COMMUNITY.
3. PROVIDE AN OPEN PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT
OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS WHERE COMMUNITY STANDARDS AND
VALUES, SUCH AS AESTHETICS AND NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION, ARE
INCORPORATED.
4. PROVIDE A FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN THAT IS
ACTIVELY USED TO GUIDE TRANSPORTATION DECISION-MAKING
THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
5. IDENTIFY AND PROTECT FUTURE ROAD CORRIDORS THAT WILL SERVE
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS AND PUBLIC LANDS.
6. PROVIDE A TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION BETWEEN KIDSPORTS AND
WHITEFISH STAGE ROAD.
Policies:
1. Use a complete street approach to the planning and development of capital improvements
in the public right-of-way and in the review of development proposals that include
dedication of transportation improvements.
2. Coordinate land use and transportation so higher-intensity development is located in well-
established areas near arterial and collector streets.
3. Discourage routing heavy traffic and through-traffic in residential areas by creating a more
thorough grid system when possible.
4. Utilize and reserve principal and minor arterials for through traffic.
5. Provide access to individual lots by way of local streets to the maximum extent feasible
and avoid granting individual access onto collectors and arterials.
6. Reserve adequate right-of-way for designated arterial and collector roads on lands
proposed for new development.
7. Support the expansion of public transit services to meet the mobility needs of seniors,
disabled persons, and the general public.
8. Develop a pedestrian-bicycle system to supplement the auto-oriented street system and to
meet local transportation and recreation needs.
9. Provide a bike and pedestrian connection from Woodland Avenue to 7th Avenue East
North.
10. Support the development of a roadway connection over the Stillwater River to link the
Flathead Valley Community College to the neighborhood surrounding Edgerton School.
11. Coordinate major capital improvement projects on the transportation system and other
public infrastructure to minimize “throw-away” costs and make the most efficient use of
public resources.
12. Support the acquisition of grants to study and improve traffic system performance.
13. The MOVE 2040 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan identifies a major street network
classification system. Each functional classification is defined below. The classifications
are listed in a hierarchy intended to describe the function and traffic-carrying capacities of
each road, relative to other roads in the system.
a. Principal Arterials: Principal arterials provide the means of regional and
interstate transportation of people and goods. This is done by having roads which
have the highest speed and uninterrupted trips. In urban areas, principal arterials
serve as corridors with the highest traffic volume and carry the most trips through
urban areas. Principal arterials generally connect to other principal arterials, minor
arterials and some collector streets.
b. Minor Arterials: The minor arterial routes in the street system provide
connections and support the principal arterial system. The trips are generally
shorter in nature and spread out over a smaller geographic area.
c. Major and Minor Collectors: Major and minor collector streets are designed for
lower speeds and shorter distances that collect and distribute traffic from the arterial
streets and local streets. These are designed to provide traffic circulation within
residential neighborhoods and commercial and industrial areas. The collectors
connect to local streets to deliver the traffic to its destination.
d. Local: Local streets are all streets not defined above in the hierarchy with the
purpose to provide basic access between residential and commercial properties.
These streets are generally slower and have the addition of traffic calming
measures. These are the largest element in the American public road network in
terms of mileage.
Recommendations:
1. Review and update the MOVE 2040 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan as necessary.
2. Explore alternative funding sources and methods for developing alternative modes of
transportation.
3. Develop alternative funding sources and expanded programs for transportation upgrades.
4. Develop funding for a comprehensive pedestrian / bike system for the community, which
may include special improvement districts.
5. Continue to support a comprehensive pavement management system that ensures roadway
conditions are inventoried periodically, and repairs and maintenance of the pavement
surface and lane markings are performed in a timely manner to minimize costly
replacement projects.
6. Connect Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East North with a bike and pedestrian
trail.
7. Develop a capital improvement program that provides a plan for implementing the
Transportation System Management and Major Street Network improvements presented in
the MOVE 2040 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan.
8. Apply for and obtain grants to study and improve the traffic control system performance.
9. Incorporate traffic and pedestrian safety into the analysis of proposed developments and
street improvements.
10. Update the Transportation Impact Study requirements to include mitigation decision-
making criteria that incorporate a safety-related metric and multimodal comfort metric, in
addition to LOS metric, as well as an assessment of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and
report the impacts of development on active transportation facilities.
Figure 7: Transportation System Map
4.4 EDUCATION
The education system in Kalispell is comprised of several different organizations, both public and
private. They include School District 1 (West Valley), School District 5 (Kalispell), School
District 15 (Helena Flats), School District 29 (Somers), School District 44 (Whitefish), and School
District 50 (Evergreen), as well as Glacier and Flathead High Schools. Flathead Valley
Community College provides educational opportunities as a community college as both a regular
curriculum and continuing education for the community. In addition, there are several private
schools that provide educational opportunities. Homeschooling is another option available. The
City does not play a role in operations or funding of any of the schools as they are either a separate
public entity or are private.
Issues:
1. School funding formulas present challenges for local schools to plan for and provide
services.
2. Continued growth and development of both the City and the County add to the student
population.
3. Historically, lack of voter support for school levies creates additional funding issues for
schools.
4. Federal and state requirements can sometimes be difficult to meet given funding issues.
5. As growth has occurred, historic school district boundaries are not adjusted to meet
changing conditions.
GOALS:
1. CONTINUE TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
Policies:
1. Encourage cooperation between schools and the City, especially when facing common
issues.
Recommendations:
1. Explore methods to improve coordination between the schools and City.
Figure 8: School Districts Map
4.5 PARKS AND RECREATION
The Kalispell park system consists of both active and passive recreational areas, including a variety
of park types, pathways, and facilities. The City of Kalispell manages approximately 496 acres of
parkland, including 138 acres under permanent easement from the State of Montana for the Dan
John’s Youth Athletic Complex. The parkland inventory includes 381 acres of active parkland and
115 acres of natural open space. Kalispell also owns 60 acres of undeveloped land. The
undeveloped land contains a stormwater detention facility with seven multipurpose fields partially
constructed at this time. Additionally, Ashley Creek Park on the west side of Kalispell is beginning
development. While it will eventually be a city park, it is not owned by the City at this time.
In 2006, the City of Kalispell published the “Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan”
in response to the rapid growth occurring in Kalispell and the Flathead Valley in the first five years
of the new millennium. The Master Plan addresses the Kalispell’s anticipated parks and recreation
needs until the year 2020. Much of the content for the Growth Policy was taken from the master
plan. An updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan was initiated in 2025.
Issues:
1. Park system renovations have been historically under-funded and the deferred maintenance
is leading to an overall decline in recreation assets.
2. Trails consistently rank high in community surveys, yet the City lacks funding for a
comprehensive network of trails, sidewalks and bike lanes.
3. Although wetlands, creeks and, river corridors create barriers to development, they can
provide ideal locations for regional greenways and trail systems.
4. The City lacks year-round public indoor recreation spaces and public meeting spaces.
5. With an aging population, parks and recreation programs aimed at older demographics
need to be an integral part of city offerings.
6. Based on National Recreation and Parks Association standards, the City is currently under-
serving the needs of its citizens relative to parklands and recreation facilities. As the City
boundary and population expand, maintaining or improving parks and recreation
opportunities should be a focus.
7. There is lack of funding for the City to acquire or maintain additional park area.
8. New park area within the city is typically private rather than public.
GOALS:
1. COMPLETE PARK RENOVATIONS IN A TIMELY MANNER.
2. ENSURE THE PARK SYSTEM IS SAFE, USABLE, AND ATTRACTIVE IN ALL
SEASONS.
3. CREATE A PARK VOLUNTEER PROGRAM THAT LEVERAGES DEPARTMENT
RESOURCES AND ACCOMPLISHES NEEDED PARK IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS
THE SYSTEM.
4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A MULTI-FUNCTION COMMUNITY RECREATION
CENTER EITHER THROUGH PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
5. PLAN FOR AND INVEST IN THE CONNECTIVITY OF PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE ROUTES.
6. ESTABLISH A PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT THAT CREATES A STABLE
AND SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MECHANISM FOR PARK MAINTENANCE AND
FUTURE ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT.
7. PROVIDE CONVENIENT AND SAFE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES AND INCOME LEVELS.
8. IMPROVE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA) ACCESS AT PARK SITES
AND FACILITIES, AS WELL AS THROUGH RECREATION PROGRAMS.
Policies:
1. Enhance and develop public/private partnerships with non-profits, private organization and
other governmental agencies to provide necessary park and recreation services to the
community.
2. Demographic and economic information should inform and support the development of
current and future park facility plans.
3. Commercial and residential developments should provide parks and recreation amenities
as a condition of approval. Planned unit developments (PUDs) should provide both land
and park improvements to mitigate the impacts of increased density. Cash in-lieu is an
acceptable substitute for direct improvements when a neighborhood’s park needs are
already met.
4. Greenways and trails should be supported for their social, economic, environmental, and
public health benefits.
5. Parks, recreation, and dedicated open spaces are essential to the quality of life in Kalispell
and should be professionally administered and managed.
6. The City should keep pace with industry trends in Parks and Recreation programs;
exploring and adapting to the changing culture of active adults, using social media, and
other technical opportunities to enhance our community.
Recommendations:
1. Establish a park renovation fund that ensures park renovations are conducted so as to
prevent major deterioration of park assets that would necessitate complete replacement.
2. Enhance and develop a park and recreation volunteer program that leverages community
assets and improves residents’ understanding and appreciation for the park system and its
programs.
3. Plan for and invest in the current and future park needs in the community.
4. Monitor and, as necessary, update the Kalispell Parks and Recreation Plan, preferably
every five years.
Figure 6: Parks and Recreation Facilities Map
Legend
Annexation Boundary
Commercial
Neighborhood Commercial
Industrial
Industrial
Urban Mixed Use
High Density Residential
Urban Residential
Suburban Residential
Public/Quasi Public, Openspace
Floodway
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0 1 2 3 40.5 Miles
Future Land Use
From:blems@aol.com
To:Kirstin Robinson
Subject:EXTERNAL 10/14/2025 Planning Commission Public comments
Date:Tuesday, October 14, 2025 10:05:22 AM
TO: Kalispell Planning Commission
I support the annexation of proposed Flathead County Public Safety/Detention Center
Complex south of the City with a stronger emphasis on providing pedestrian/non-
motorized access to the complex.
Application for annexation: As indicated below, the applicant does not address
pedestrian or non-vehicle considerations.
g. Facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, etc.
SITE PLAN: “Recommendations from the TIC are being included in site plans and
include improvements to Highway 93 S/Snowline Lane intersection providing an adequate
transportation route to and from the project site.”
i. Giving consideration to the peculiar suitability of the property for particular uses
“The project is in close proximity to dowtown Kalispell.”
Staff Report:
2. Will the requested zone have an effect on motorized and non-motorixed transportation
systems?
“Non-motorized facilities such as sidewalks, internal circulation, and connection to the
broader pedestrian and bicycle network will be reviewed during site development.”
Given the County's unwillingness to provide non-motorized transportation systems in
the past, this provision needs to be emphasized as an integral element of the
development it has proposed for the site. Strenthening its obligation to provide these
systems on any public road that the detention center/public safety complex abutsshould be clearly understood as an requirement of annexation. The mix of employee,
visitor, and service provider vehicles at this site will be substantial.
Margaret S Davis, homeowner in Kalispell, POB 788, Lakeside MT 59922