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H1. Res. 6327, MLUPA Public Participation Plan UpdateCITY K A L I S"i'lP E L L Development Services Department 201 lst Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/plannine REPORT TO: Jarod Nygren, City Manager FROM: PJ Sorensen, Director of Development Services SUBJECT: Resolution 6327 — Public Participation Plan Update MEETING DATE: June 1, 2026 BACKGROUND: The City of Kalispell recently adopted the Kalispell Land Use Plan — PLAN -IT 2045. The land use plan was adopted under the Montana Land Use Planning Act ("MLUPA") and is a policy document guiding land use regulations and decisions. As part of the implementation of the plan, the City is updating zoning and subdivision regulations, as well as updating the public participation plan which outlines public outreach and engagement. The existing participation plan, which was adopted in 2024, focuses primarily on the land use plan. The proposed update expands the details regarding notice and public comment for site -specific development, such as subdivisions and conditional use permits, by providing for notice in the newspaper and/or by mail, depending upon the land use action, and providing for access to documents on the city website. The update includes a table showing the notice required with each type of action. The notices reflect how the City has traditionally provided notice (legal notices in the newspaper and mailings to property owners within 150 feet) with a modification for notice of appeals, which is specified in MLUPA. It also includes a process for utilizing the city website to provide accessibility to information when a public hearing is not provided for, and for posting of written decisions for public review to allow an opportunity for potential appeals by any aggrieved party as provided in MLUPA. The proposed update is the result of discussion and comment through the review of the land use plan and zoning/subdivision regulation updates. The goal is to provide for effective public notice and ability to comment while staying within the legal parameters of MLUPA. This update creates a process which accomplishes that goal. RECOMMENDATION: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN UPDATE: It is recommended that the Kalispell City Council approve Resolution 6327, a resolution to amend the Public Participation Plan previously adopted as Resolution 6190. FISCAL EFFECTS: There are no anticipated direct fiscal impacts at this time. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution 6327 May 12, 2026, Kalispell Planning Commission Minutes Staff Report Amended Public Participation Plan c: Aimee Brunckhorst, Kalispell City Clerk RESOLUTION NO. 6327 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA, TO ADOPT AN UPDATE TO THE LAND USE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN IN ORDER TO CLARIFY THE DETAILS REGARDING NOTICE AND PUBLIC COMMENT FOR SITE -SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT, BY PROVIDING FOR NOTICE VIA MAIL OR NEWSPAPER, AND PROVIDING FOR ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS ON THE CITY WEBSITE. WHEREAS, the City of Kalispell is required to ensure sufficient public input for the land use planning and updates to both the subdivision and zoning regulations, as required by Section 76-25-106, M.C.A. of the Montana Land Use Planning Act; and WHEREAS, the Land Use Public Participation Plan was adopted by Resolution 6190 on April 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Kalispell Land Use Plan — PLAN -IT 2045 was adopted by Resolution 6322B on April 6, 2026; and WHEREAS, the updated Zoning Regulations, Ordinance 1950, and the updated Subdivision Regulations, Ordinance 1951, were each adopted on May 4, 2026; and WHEREAS, through the review of the land use plan and zoning/subdivision regulation updates, it was determined that effective public notice and the ability to comment while staying within the legal parameters of MLUPA was a desirable goal; and WHEREAS, upon consideration of the recommendations made by the city Planning Commission, professional staff, comments provided by the public, and upon review of the proposed update, the City Council of the City of Kalispell finds that it is in the best interest of the City to adopt the proposed update to the Land Use Public Participation Plan as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA, TO WIT: SECTION 1. That the update to the City of Kalispell Land Use Public Participation Plan, as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto, is hereby adopted. SECTION 2. This Resolution shall become effective immediately following its passage by the City Council and approval by the Mayor. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL, THIS 1 ST DAY OF JUNE, 2026. ATTEST: Aimee Brunckhorst City Clerk Ryan Hunter Mayor KALISPELL CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING May 12, 2026 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL The regular meeting of the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning CALL Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission members present were Doug Kauffman, Cate Walker, Cody Hunter, Rory Young, Dustin Leftridge, Brett Huff, and Emmett Van Allen. PJ Sorensen, Donnie McBath, and Kirstin Robinson represented the Kalispell Planning Department. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Young asked if there were any nominations for President. Kauffman (PRESIDENT) nominated Young and Hunter seconded the nomination. VOTE BY ACCLAMATION The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Young asked if there were any nominations for Vice -President. (VICE-PRESIDENT) Kauffman nominated Walker and Leftridge seconded the nomination. VOTE BY ACCLAMATION The motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Kauffman moved and Walker seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2026 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 None. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN The City of Kalispell recently adopted the Kalispell Land Use Plan — UPDATE PLAN -IT 2045. The land use plan was adopted under the Montana Land Use Planning Act and is a policy document guiding land use regulations and decisions. As part of the implementation of the plan, the City is in the process of updating zoning and subdivision regulations. This proposal, which is related to those regulation updates, involves updating the public participation plan that outlines public outreach and engagement. The existing participation plan was adopted in 2024 and focuses primarily on the land use plan. This proposed public participation plan update expands the details regarding notice and public comment for site -specific development, such as subdivisions and conditional use permits, by more specifically providing for notice in the newspaper and/or by mail and for access to documents on the city website. STAFF REPORT PJ Sorensen representing the Kalispell Planning Department reviewed the Public Participation Plan Update. Kalispell City Planning Commission Minutes of the meeting of May 12, 2026 Page I 1 Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the amendment of the Public Participation Plan. BOARD DISCUSSION Sorensen clarified the notification requirements for zoning appeals to Walker. PUBLIC HEARING None. MOTION — PUBLIC Walker moved and Kauffman seconded that the Planning PARTICIPATION PLAN UPDATE Commission forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the amendment of the Public Participation Plan. BOARD DISCUSSION Leftridge stated that he worked with city staff and is pleased with the plan. Kauffman, Young, and Walker agreed that the plan is a good compromise and that it as they expected. ROLL CALL — PUBLIC Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote. PARTICIPATION PLAN UPDATE OLD BUSINESS Sorensen updated the commission on city council action on items from the April Planning Commission meeting. NEW BUSINESS Sorensen updated the board on the upcoming Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:22 PM. Rory Young President APPROVED as submitted/amended: May 12, 2026 Kirstin Robinson Recording Secretary Kalispell City Planning Commission Minutes of the meeting of May 12, 2026 Page 12 CITY OF KALISPELL Development Services Department 201 V Avenue East Kalispell, MT 59901 Phone: (406) 758-7940 Fax: (406) 758-7739 www.kalispell.com/planning REPORT TO: Kalispell Planning Commission FROM: PJ Sorensen, Assistant Director of Development Services SUBJECT: Public Participation Plan Update MEETING DATE: May 12, 2026 BACKGROUND: The City of Kalispell recently adopted the Kalispell Land Use Plan — PLAN - IT 2045. The land use plan was adopted under the Montana Land Use Planning Act ("MLUPA") and is a policy document guiding land use regulations and decisions. As part of the implementation of the plan, the City is updating zoning and subdivision regulations, as well as updating the public participation plan which outlines public outreach and engagement. The existing participation plan, which was adopted in 2024, focuses primarily on the land use plan. The proposed update expands the details regarding notice and public comment for site -specific development, such as subdivisions and conditional use permits, by providing for notice in the newspaper and/or by mail, depending upon the land use action, and providing for access to documents on the city website. The update includes a table showing the notice required with each type of action. The notices reflect how the City has traditionally provided notice (legal notices in the newspaper and mailings to property owners within 150 feet) with a modification for notice of appeals, which is specified in MLUPA. It also includes a process for utilizing the city website to provide accessibility to information when a public hearing is not provided for, and for posting of written decisions for public review to allow an opportunity for potential appeals by any aggrieved parry as provided in MLUPA. The proposed update is the result of discussion and comment through the review of the land use plan and zoning/subdivision regulation updates. The goal is to provide for effective public notice and ability to comment while staying within the legal parameters of MLUPA. This update creates a process which accomplishes that goal. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the amendment of the Public Participation Plan. ATTACHMENTS: Draft Public Participation Plan Amendment Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN CITY OF KALISPELL - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Introduction The Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA), codified in Title 76, Chapter 25, M.C.A., creates a comprehensive update to Montana's land use regulations. Under Section 76- 25-106, M.C.A., the City of Kalispell is to provide a Public Participation Plan that creates a framework for communication and engagement to ensure access to public information, and continuous and ongoing public involvement for adoption of a future Land Use Plan and associated regulations as well as any amendments or updates. As public involvement in the administrative decision -making process for site -specific development will be more limited after the adoption of the Land Use Plan and potential subsequent five-year updates, public involvement during this process is vital. This document serves as a starting point for MLUPA compliance and will be revised as needed to ensure communication objectives are being achieved. MLUPA Requirements The Public Participation Plan is the beginning of a process to replace the City's current Growth Policy, zoning regulations, and subdivision regulations to comply with the MLUPA. It will also guide public participation for future amendments and updates to those documents. MLUPA requires that the Public Participation Plan provide for the (1) dissemination of draft documents; (2) opportunities for written and verbal comments; (3) public meetings after effective notice; (4) electronic communication including online access; and (5) an analysis of and response to public comments. 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services Public Participation Opportunity The purpose of this plan is to define a set of strategies that can be employed to ensure that the public is not only informed but also provided ample opportunity to participate in the process of crafting the City's MLUPA compliant Land Use Plan. The strategies outlined in this document will provide a framework for continuous and extensive public engagement. Public engagement is critical because the final adopted plan, including any amendments or updates, comprises the basis for implementing zoning and subdivision regulations that must be in substantial compliance with the plan. Additionally, the scope of and opportunity for public participation and comment on site -specific development that is in substantial compliance with the Land Use Plan is limited only to impacts or significantly increased impacts not considered in the Land Use Plan, zoning regulations, or subdivision regulations. The opportunity to be engaged comes with the process establishing the plan and regulations, not with review of a site -specific project. Public Participation Opportunity Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map . The creation of the Land Use Plan and Land Use Map will allow for the greatest opportunity for public involvement. Zoning and Subdivision Regulations The drafting of new zoning and subdivision regulations will allow for written and verbal public comment and analysis and response to public comments by City staff. - Public Notice of Administrative Decisions .The opportunity for public involvement in future developments conforming to the Land Use Plan, zoning, and subdivision regulations will be limited. 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map The intent of the Land Use Plan is to identify opportunities for the development of land within the City of Kalispell and its greater jurisdictional area for housing, businesses, agriculture, public lands, institutions, and the allocation of natural resources. The plan will acknowledge and address impacts of development on adjacent properties, the community, the natural environment, public services, facilities, and address potential natural hazards that may limit development in certain areas of the city. Accompanying the Land Use Plan will be the Future Land Use Map that establishes the City's expected jurisdictional area and future land use boundaries. Zoning and Subdivision Regulations The City will review its zoning and subdivision regulations to ensure their alignment with the Land Use Plan upon its adoption. The MLUPA requires that city zoning and subdivision regulations meet its specific statutory requirements. The zoning and subdivision regulations adopted by the City Council through recommendation of the Planning Commission will set forth the administrative and decision -making processes of the City of Kalispell Development Services Department. What Should You Expect From Us? At a minimum, the City and its consultants must allow the community access to: • Draft planning documents and regulations; • An opportunity to provide written and verbal comments; • The chance to be heard at public meetings; • A pathway for electronic communication to address any questions or concerns involving the planning and implementation processes, documents, comments, or any updates to the process; and 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services • Analysis of and response to public comment. The Public Participation Plan establishes the framework detailing our commitment to public involvement throughout the process of adoption, amendment, modification, or rejection of any future land use plans, zoning, or subdivision regulations. Public Participation Principles City staff and its consultants will be guided by the following principles: 1. Thought and Purpose Public participation helps to bring thought and meaning to our planning and decision -making process. The values imparted into planning and regulation documents through public participation will help preserve the City of Kalispell's culture, identity, and prosperity. 2. Respect and Inclusion Every member of our community has intrinsic value and adds to its ever enriching and endearing character. It is our goal to ensure that all members of the community feel welcome to participate in the planning process and have their voice heard. 3. Transparency and Trust Clear communication will be provided at each step of the planning process and the City will retain all material from public participation events as part of the public record in accordance with the retention schedule published by the Secretary of State. 4. Open, Adaptable, and Evolving It is important to maintain a continuous dialogue between community members 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services and the City, consultants, and contractors. Likewise, it is imperative that we continue to seek out new means and methods for improving communication and engagement activities through evaluation of participant feedback and public comment. Goals and Objectives City staff and its consultants will strive to achieve the following goals and objectives when engaging the public: Goal 1: Create Consistency Create a consistent approach to communication including clear expectations for where information can be found. Aim to improve current technology, create better processes, and continue to explore new methods of communication. Objective A: Create Communication Expectations Standardize how, when, and where information will be communicated to the public. Objective B: Improve Customer Communication Standardize publication of Development Services Planning Division projects to the City of Kalispell website. Periodically review communication processes and tools to evaluate their effectiveness. Goal 2: Engage the Public Receiving public involvement in planning and decision making is critical. We are committed to improving and increasing access to public participation opportunities and periodically refining engagement expectations. 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services Objective A: Create Public Engagement Expectations We will identify ways to engage the public through multiple platforms. Objective B: Improve Public Written Comment and Feedback We will identify and provide an easily accessible pathway to receive and retain written public comments and will provide analysis and feedback when necessary. Participation Framework and Tools There is a wide range of public engagement strategies that may be employed by the City. The strategies are provided to set consistent expectations for public communications and involvement opportunities. This is an adaptable framework. The following tools are not all -encompassing, but are instead intended to provide examples of types of public engagement which can be utilized in an effort to elicit robust public participation. Depending upon the specific platform, opportunities for written and verbal comments should typically be provided along with an analysis of and response to those comments. Information Tools The following methods may be used for sharing information, including dissemination of draft documents, about the adoption of or updates to the Land Use Plan, zoning regulations, and subdivision regulations. • Legal Notice in Public Newspaper or other means (see Sec. 7-1-4127, MCA) • Notification of adjacent properties when required • In some situations, seeking input from individual impacted properties • City of Kalispell Website (including access to information regarding the adoption process, documents, updates, and comments) • Social Media • News/Media/Advisory 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan Engagement Tools City of Kalispell Development Services The following methods may be used for gathering public input about the adoption of or updates to the Land Use Plan, zoning regulations, and subdivision regulations. • Meetings with Community Groups • Meetings with City Boards • Surveys and Comment Forms • Planning Commission work sessions (typically would occur after regular meetings, which are held at 6:OOPM on the second Tuesday each month, or at other times with the appropriate notice) • Charrettes • Storefront and "Pop-up" Studios • Open Houses • Presence at Public Events Continuous Information and Involvement The drafting and adoption of the Land Use Plan and subsequent land use regulations will be an extensive process, providing opportunities for continous community engagement and feedback. Those who wish to remain involved throughout the planning process can stay up to date on current events by following activity on the City of Kalispell's website (www.kalispell.com ), or by contacting the Development Services Department office (201 First Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901; (406-758-7940); planning2kalispell.com ). All public engagement material will be retained as public record and be available upon request. Participation Feedback Feedback from community members on the adequacy of public involvement opportunities and feedback on lessons learned from participation events is essential to ensuring a healthy communication stream. Using this combination of feedback, staff and 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services working partners will determine next steps to ensure continuous public engagement. Staff and consultants will also provide an analysis and response to public comments and engagement activities. Subsequent Site -Specific Development The MLUPA establishes a different process for land use decisions than what has previsously been used in Montana. The changes will front -load public input, with limited public involvement during land use permit and application reviews, including subdivisions. Any public notice or input for site -specific development will be governed by the applicable MLUPA section, s-r--local zoning and subdivision regulations, or as specificied within this public participation plan. TYPE OF ACTION NOTICE REQUIRED Zoning: Text Amendments Newspaper Zoning: Map Amendments Newspaper and mail Zoning: Planned Unit Developments Work session: Mail (not required; courtesy notice onlvl Hearing: Newspaper and mail Zoning: Appeals Per Sec 7-1-4127, MCA Zoning: Variances Newspaper and mail Zoning: Conditional Use Permits Newspaper and mail 1/1/2024 Formatted: Font: Bold \ Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted Table Public Participation Plan City of Kalispell Development Services Subdivision: Preliminary Plat Newspaper and mail (mail only for subsequent notices Subdivision: Variances Newspaper and mail (typically in conjunction with preliminary_ plat) Subdivision: Text Amendments Newspaper Subdivision: Appeals Per Sec 7-1-4127, MCA Publication in a newspaper would be in a newspaper of general circulation in the community. Mailings would be to all property owners within 150 feet of the subject property or proposed zoning district boundary. Public Participation for Site -Specific Development when a Public Hearing is not Provided A. City Website. The Citv shall maintain a Dubliclv accessible online Dlannina Daae on the Citv's official website dedicated to applications which do not involve a public hearing (i.e. preliminary plats for subdivisions, conditional use permits, and variances). For each application, the website shall display the following information, organized by application and updated as necessary throughout the review process: 1. The complete application as submitted, including all supplemental materials: 2. The initial determination issued by staff with the date of issuance: 3. All staff reports and findings as they are issued: 4. All written public comments received: 5. Any additional data or analysis collected: 6. The written decision issued by staff, including all findings and any conditions of approval: 7. The appeal deadline stated as a specific calendar date: and 8. The current procedural status of the application and the next anticipated step in the review process. 1/1/2024 Public Participation Plan B. Online Comment Submission. City of Kalispell Development Services During any public comment period, the City shall accept written comments submitted electronically through the planning website. Electronically submitted comments shall be treated as written public comments and included in the administrative record on the same basis as comments submitted by mail. C. Subscription Alert System. The City shall provide a free email subscription service through which any member of the public may elect to receive automated notifications when: 1. A public comment period opens, including the specific deadline for submission of comments: 2. A staff report or written decision is issued and posted to the planning website. D. Appeal Information Required in Every Decision. Written decisions for aDDlications listed in the table above that were not Dart of a Dublic hearing shall include the following information: 1. The specific calendar date by which an appeal must be filed: 2. The procedure for appeal: and 3. Contact information for the Planning Department for appeal inquiries. 1/1/2024