6. Resolution 4316 - Adopt West Valley Neighborhood PlanAgenda -February 18, 1997
AGENDA ITEM 6 - RESOLUTION 4316-ADOPT WEST VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
BACKGROUND/CONSIDERATION: The West Valley Neighborhood Plan is a
culmination of 23 meetings over a year. I have enclosed the
transmittal letter from FRDO to me in addition to several
supporting documents and the proposed plan (inside front pocket)
RECOMMENDATION: Based upon the minutes, public participation, and
time previously invested in the plan, I recommend approval of the
West Valley Neighborhood Plan.
ACTION REQUIRED: APPROVAL of the resolution to amend the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan is needed.
RESOLUTION NO. 4316
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ADOPT, REVISE OR REJECT A RECOMMENDED
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AMENDMENT TO THE KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY MASTER
PLAN.
WHEREAS, on the 7th day of April, 1986, the Kalispell City Council
adopted the Kalispell City -County Master Plan by
Resolution No. 3641, and
WHEREAS, on the 6th day of February, 1986, the Flathead County
Board of Commissioners adopted the Kalispell City -County
Master Plan by Resolution No. 578A, and
WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of July, 1990, the Kalispell City Council
adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 3939, and
WHEREAS, on the 8th day of September, 1990, the Kalispell City
Council adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4075,
and
WHEREAS, on the 4th day of April, 1994 the Kalispell City Council
adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4148, and
WHEREAS, on the 19th day of September, 1994, the Kalispell City
Council adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4180,
and
WHEREAS, on the 5th day of December, 1995, the Kalispell City
Council adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4189,
and
WHEREAS, public participation in the Neighborhood Plan has
included 22 neighborhood meetings, a neighborhood
newsletter, and surveys mailed to each landowner in the
plan area, sponsored by the West Valley Steering
Committee, and
j:\wp\res\wstva11y 1
RESOLUTION NO. 4317
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ADOPT, REVISE OR REJECT A RECOMMENDED
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AMENDMENT TO THE KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY MASTER
PLAN.
WHEREAS, on the 7th day of April, 1986, the Kalispell City Council
adopted the Kalispell City -County Master Plan by
Resolution No. 3641, and
WHEREAS, on the 6th day of February, 1986, the Flathead County
Board of Commissioners adopted the Kalispell City -County
Master Plan by Resolution No. 578A, and
WHEREAS, on the 211d day of July, 1990, the Kalispell City Council
adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 3939, and
WHEREAS, on the 8th day of September, 1990, the Kalispell City
Council adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4075,
and
WHEREAS, on the 4th day of April, 1994 the Kalispell City Council
adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4148, and
WHEREAS, on the 19th day of September, 1994, the Kalispell City
Council adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4180,
and
WHEREAS, on the 5th day of December, 1995, the Kalispell City
Council adopted a Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by Resolution No. 4189,
and
WHEREAS, public participation in the Neighborhood Plan has
included 22 neighborhood meetings, a neighborhood
newsletter, and surveys mailed to each landowner in the
plan area, sponsored by the West Valley Steering
Committee, and
j:\wp\res\wstvally 1
WHEREAS, several affected county, state and federal agencies and
utility companies were notified about the plan and some
submitted recommendations, and
WHEREAS, on the loth day of December, 1996, the Kalispell City -
County Planning Board held a public hearing, after due
and proper notice, received public comment upon, and
received and evaluated the proposed plan amendment in
terms of environment impact, site potentiality and
availability of services, and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of said public hearing and after
consideration of the proposed amendment, the Kalispell
City -County Planning Board by Resolution No. KNP-96-2,
pursuant to Section 76-1-603, MCA, recommended to the
City Council of the City of Kalispell, Montana, and to
the Flathead Board of County Commissioners that the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan as amended through
Resolution No. 4180 be further amended through the
adoption of a West Valley Neighborhood Plan to serve as
a basis for future development of the property in the
vicinity, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Kalispell considers it
advisable that they consider the recommendation of the
Kalispell City -County Planning Board and adopt a
Resolution of Intention to Adopt, Revise or Reject a
Recommended Neighborhood Plan Amendment to the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. That pursuant to Section 76-1-604, MCA, the
City Council of the City of Kalispell intends
to consider the revisions of the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan, as recommended by the
Kalispell City -County Planning Board, by
adopting, revising, or rejecting a proposed
West Valley Neighborhood Plan.
SECTION IT. That the City Council of the City of Kalispell
j shall consider whether to pass a final
j Awp\res\wstva11y 2
Resolution revising the Kalispell City -County
Master Plan as set forth herein at a meeting
to be held on the day of ,
1997, at 7:00 P.M., at Council Chambers, City
Hall, Kalispell, Montana, and at the
conclusion of said meeting the City Council
will consider a Resolution to revise, reject
or adopt the proposed amendment.
SECT10x_I_II. The City Clerk of Council is authorized and
directed to give notice of this meeting in
accordance with Section 7-1-4128, MCA.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL THIS DAY OF , 1997.
Douglas D. Rauthe, Mayor
ATTEST:
Debbie Gifford, CMC
Clerk of Council
j:\wp\res\wstva11y 3
Flathead Regional Development Office
723 5th Avenue East - Room 414
Kalispell, Montana 59901
December 18, 1996 Phone: (406) 758-5980
Fax: (406) 758-5781
Clarence Krepps, City Manager
City of Kalispell
F.O. Drawer 1997
Kalispell, MT 59903
Re: West Valley Neighborhood Plan
Dear Clarence:
The Kalispell City -County Planning Board held a public hearing on December 10, 1996 concerning the
adoption of the West Valley Neighborhood Plan as an addendum to the Kalispell City -County Master Plan.
This plan is the compilation of over one years work and effort by the citizens of the West Valley
neighborhood. David Greer of Montana Planning Consultants provided technical support and fact
collection to this citizens -driven document. A total of 23 organized meetings were held at the West Valley
School which were well attended by members of the community. A Steering Committee of 17 individuals
met regularly to compile data, mail surveys, receive public input and prepare the final draft of the West
Valley Neighborhood Plan.
Steve Kountz suggested some changes for clarification and recommended adoption of the Plan. The active
participation of the community in the neighborhood planning process lends much legitimacy to the final
plan.
Two representatives of the neighborhood spoke in support of the Neighborhood Plan. The document
represents the vision of the neighborhood for the future development of their community, it provides
flexibility for the agriculture and timber industries in the community, and preserves open space around the
City of Kalispell. No one spoke in opposition.
The Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of adopting Resolution KNP-96-2 to adopt the West
Valley Neighborhood Plan as an addendum to the Kalispell City -County Master Plan and forward that
recommendation to the City Council and the County Commissioners for review and final action.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact this Board or Steve Kountz of the FRDO staff.
Sincerely,
KAL PEi .I " CTTY,CO LfIITPLANNING BOARD
t/''v �t
Therese Fox Hash
President
TFWSKIeo
Attachments: Resolution KNP-96-2
West Valley Neighborhood Plan
Memorandum Re: Proposed West Valley Neighborhood Plan
MSTRPLANIKCCMPIW VALLEY
Draft minutes 12/10/96
Providing Community Planning Assistance To:
• Flathead County • City of Columbia Falls • City of Kalispell • City of Whitefish -
KALISPELL CITY COUNTY MASTER PLAIN AMENDMENT
WEST VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
RESOLUTION KNP-96-2
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City County Master Plan was adopted by the Kalispell City Council by
Resolution #3641 on April 7, 1986, and the Flathead County Board of Commissioners by
Resolution #578A on February 6, 1986; and
WHEREAS, public participation in the neighborhood plan has included 22 neighborhood
meetings, a neighborhood newsletter, and surveys mailed to each landowner in the plan area,
sponsored by the West Valley Steering Committee; and
WHEREAS, several affected county, state, and federal agencies and utility companies were
notified about the plan and some submitted recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City County Planning Board held a public hearing on the plan on
December 10, 1996, preceded by a legal notice in the Daily Interlace on November 24, 1996,
and has given consideration to the comments elicited at the public hearing;
NOW THEREFORE it is resolved that the Kalispell City County Planning Board hereby
recommends to the Kalispell City Council and Flathead County Board of Commissioners that the
West Valley Neighborhood Plan attached hereto as Exhibit A be amended on page 3, to change
the date on Bonny Ogle's quote to 9/l/95; on page 18 to change "Whitefish River" to "Stillwater
River"; and on page 24, to add the residential policy to "Encourage control of noxious weeds";
be adopted as an amendment to the Kalispell City County Master Plan.
Signed on this 11th day of December, 1996.
e,- t
U, (�;- &Z�-
President, Kalispell City County Planning Board
Flathead regional Development Office
723 5th Avenue East - Room 414
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Phone: (406) 758-5980
Fax: (406) 758-5781
1-dy-' f ! 4
TO: Flathead County Planning Board and Kalispell City County Planning Board
FROM: Steve Kountz, Senior Planner q'C
DATE: December 3, 1996
RE: Proposed West Valley Neighborhood Plan
The West Valley Steering Committee has submitted a request to amend the Flathead County
Master Plan and the Kalispell City County Master Plan by adopting the West Valley
Neighborhood Plan as an addendum to each of these master plans. The neighborhood plan
area is the West Valley School District which extends into both planning jurisdictions. In
1995, Flathead County hired Montana Planning Consultants, Inc., to assist in preparing the
neighborhood plan and proposed zoning. The neighborhood plan was prepared over
approximately a one-year period through a public participation process of monthly
neighborhood meetings sponsored by the West Valley Steering Committee. Zoning requests
based on the proposed neighborhood plan have also been submitted, which include creating a
West Valley zoning classification to be added to the text of the county zoning regulations,
rescinding the existing West Valley Zoning District, establishing a new West Valley Zoning
District incorporating the new zoning classification, and amending portions of the existing
West Side Zoning District within the neighborhood plan area.
The neighborhood plan covers a large area, approximately 70 square miles. The entire area is
unincorporated and extends from Kalispell city limits (at the intersection of Four Mile Drive
and Highway 93) to the northwest approximately 13 miles. Land uses in the area include
farming and ranching, rural residential, a few interspersed businesses, and forest management.
Neither the Montana Planning Enabling Act nor the master plans proposed to be amended
establish criteria to be considered when amending a master plan. As a basis for consideration
of the proposed neighborhood plan, staff offers the following observations. First, the
neighborhood planning process provides for more localized and detailed analysis and direction
than otherwise exists in the existing master plans. The proposed plan consists essentially of
mapping, analysis, and policy recommendations specific to the West Valley.
Providing Community Planning Assistance To:
• Flathead County • City of Columbia Falls • City of Kalispell • City of Whitefish •
Second, the neighborhood planning process improves opportunities for public participation.
For example, preparation of the plan included monthly neighborhood meetings, a newsletter,
and surveys mailed to all property owners in the plan area.
Third, the neighborhood plan is substantially consistent with the existing master plans. The
county master plan maps all of the affected area as "Agriculture and Silviculture," except for
the area of Pleasant Hill Estates (4-28-22) which is mapped as "Suburban Residential."
Similarly, the Kalispell City County Master Plan maps all of affected area as "Agriculture/
Silviculture," except that a portion of the state land at the northwest corner of Highway 93 and
Four Mile Drive is designated "Public," and the north half of Section 11-28-22 between Two
Mile and Three Mile Drives is mapped "Suburban Residential. " No map amendments to the
existing master plans are proposed. The following are among the policies in the proposed plan
that reinforce the agricultural and silvicultural character of the area:
• Discourage conversion of prime agricultural soils to non-ag uses.
• Establish residential land use densities based on such considerations as soil type,
existing development patterns, fire hazards, distance to services, and
topography.
• Maintain an overall low density of development.
In addition, the county master plan (Chapter VII) recommends development of neighborhood
plans for unique areas or areas that request it, to be consistent with the overall master plan.
Letters were received from Flathead County Weed District and Montana Department of
Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) which recommend adding policies related to
noxious weed control and wildfire protection. Based on those letters, staff recommends
consideration of the following amendments to the proposed plan:
1. Add the following policy within the "Residential" section (page 24): Encourage control of
noxious weeds.
2. Add the following policy within the "Emergency Services" section (page 40): Encourage
the use of non-flammable roofing materials and provision of "defensible space" fire breaks
around structures as indicated in the Flathead County Subdivision Regulations.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed neighborhood plan, subject to consideration of the
two additions noted above.
To amend a master plan, the Montana Enabling Act requires that planning board action must
be by a resolution. A draft resolution is attached for your consideration.
FLATHEAD COUNTY MASTER PLAN ANIENDIMENT
WEST VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
RESOLUTION FNP-96-5
WHEREAS, the Flathead County Master Plan was adopted by the Flathead County Board of
Commissioners by Resolution #627A on March 10, 1987, and reaffirmed by Resolution
#1184A on June 26, 1996; and
WHEREAS, public participation in the neighborhood plan has included 22 neighborhood
meetings, a neighborhood newsletter, and surveys mailed to each landowner in the plan area,
sponsored by the West Valley Steering Committee; and
WHEREAS, several affected county, state, and federal agencies and utility companies were
notified about the plan and some submitted recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Flathead County Planning Board held a public hearing on the plan on
December 11, 1996, preceded by a legal notice in the Daily Interlake on November 24, 1996,
and has given consideration to the comments elicited at the public hearing;
NOW THEREFORE it is resolved that the Flathead County Planning Board hereby
recommends to the Flathead County Board of Commissioners that the West Valley
Neighborhood Plan attached hereto as Exhibit A be adopted as an amendment to the Flathead
County Master Plan.
Signed on this llth day of December, 1996.
President, Flathead County Planning Board
DEPARTMENT OFNATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
MARC RACICOT, GOVERNOR
STATE OF MONTANA
NORTHWESTERN LAND OFFICE
2250 HIGHWAY 93 NORTH
KALISPELL, MONTANA 59901-2557
November 26, 1996
Steve Kountz
Flathead Regional Development Office
723 5th Ave E - Rm 414
Kalispell, MT 59901
Re: West Valley Neighborhood Plan
Dear Steve:
TeMhonc (406) 752-7994
iN kAX (406) 752-7"3
ItQl
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the West Valley Neighborhood Plan. The DNRC, as with
other public agencies, is struggling to meet workloads that are increasing with budgets that are not. It makes
sense in expanding areas like West Valley to help residents help themselves, when it comes to wildland fire
protection. A relatively small amount of forethought and planning will help them, as well as us reduce the
potential wildfire risk.
I appreciate consideration of fire hazard in the residential policies section. The Kalispell Unit supports the
concept of clustering residences in areas of lower fire hazard where there are lighter fuel loadings, gentle
slopes, and good two-way traffic access.
In the emergency services section of the plan (pg 40), please specify the wildfire protection guidelines to be
implemented and make them mandatory. For example, on all new construction please require these basic fire
safety precautions be put in place:
1. Non-flammable roofing material.
2. Defensible space be established and maintained as outlined in "Fire Protection Guidelines for
Wildland Residential Interface Development" available from your local fire department or
Department of Natural Resources Office.
I urge you also to consult the West Valley Fire Chief, if you haven't already done so.
Sincerely,
� o,"I �
Greg Poncin
Kalispell Unit Fire Supervisor
DNRC
KALISPELL UNIT
STILLWATER STATE FOREST
LIBBY UNIT
PLAINS UNIT
SWAN STATE FOREST
2250 Highway 93 North
PO Box 164
14096 US Highway 37
PO Box 219
Swan Lake, MT 59911
Kalispell, MT 59WI-2557
Olney. MT 59927-0164
Lftyy, MT 59423.9M7
Plains. MT 59859-0219
Telephone (406) 754.2301
Telephone (406) 752-7994
Telephone (406) 881-2371
Telephone (406) 293-2711
Tdepho a (406) 826.3851
Fax (406) 754-2884
Fax (406) 752-7993
Fax (406) 881.2372
Fax (406) 293-9
Fax (406) 826.5785
54N EOWL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER'
FLATHEAD COUNTY
JED S. FISHER, SUPERVISOR
800 SOUTH MAIN
KALISPELL, MT S9901
WEED DISTRICT
(406)758.5798
(406) 758-5888 FAX
M
FLAT -HEAD REG:CNAL
VEV=PMENT OFFICR
November 21, 19%
ATTENTION: STEVE KOUNTZ
FLATHEAD REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
723 5' AVENUE EAST
KALISPELL, MT 59901
Dear Steve:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the West Valley Neighborhood Plan.
In reviewing the plan I was concerned at the failure of any mention of weed control on private
parcels. This particular area has the potential to become completely infested with state and county
declared noxious weeds which should be of concern to all residents involved in the development of
goals and policies.
On page 8, Specific Standards #7, there is a mention of weed control on all commercial lot lines
having frontage with a public road. Weed control is mandated by state law which states noxious weeds
shall not be permitted to go to seed on any land. I believe the frontage statement is shortsighted and
should include the entire commercial lot and the control of noxious weeds should also be mentioned
under the residential policy portion of the plan.
Uncontrolled noxious weeds decrease land values, cause erosion, diminish grazing capacity and
are not esthetically desirable. All landowners within the boundaries of the West Valley Plan have a
responsibility to control noxious weeds and the Steering Committee should make this clear in the
proposed plan before final approval is granted.
Sincerely,
Jed S. Fisher
Supervisor
cc: County Commissioners
2290 Farm to Market Road
Kalispell, Montana 59901
ph 406-755-7239
fax 406-755-7300
Board of Trustees
Gary Krueger, Chairperson
Linda Tutvedt, member
Phyllis Crawford, member
Keith Regier, member
Kenneth White, member
November 13, 1996
ist o�� cz
Flathead Regional Development Office
723 5th Ave. E. #414
Kalispell, Mt 59901
To Whom it May Concern:
The West Valley School District #1 Board of Trustees would like to officially
register their position of neutrality on the issue of the convenience store proposed
for the corner north of the school building. Whatever final decision is made on
the convenience store, the West Valley School Board of Trustees will work
towards the best solution for the community.
Sincerely,
?-�ZZ61- >�-
Janice McMillan, Clerk
West Valley School District #1
cc: David Greer, West Valley facilitator
Flathead County Commissioners
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Flathead Electric Cooperative, Inc.
2510 HighNvay 2 East
Kalispell, NIT 59901-2397
406-752-4483 Fax 752-4283
November 26, 1996
Steve Kountz, Senior Planner
Flathead Regional Development Office
723-5th Ave E Room 414
Kalispell MT 59901
RE: West Valley Neighborhood Plan and Zoning Regulations
Dear Steve,
Thank you for sending us a copy of the proposed neighborhood plan. Flathead Electric
Cooperative is the electric utility throughout most of the affected district and we certainly support
the stated goal in the general provisions of 'promotion of orderly growth and development in the
West Valley area'.
As this planning and growth evolves, we are impacted in the extension and upgrading of electric
distribution and subtransmission facilities as well as normal operation and maintenance of our
facilities. There are a few areas in the Standards of Compliance and Permitted and Conditionally
Permitted Uses that need to be clarified to avoid future difficulty in interpretation:
In regard to Section III on Structure Hight if utility poles are going to be defined as structures,
they would need to be exempted from the 35' height limitation. Many of our existing and future
extension or replacement poles will exceed 35' in height.
Also under Minimum Yard Requirements the set backs from property lines and/ or water body
of 20' or 50' is not practical. Utility facilities exclusion from being defined as structures is
probably the easiest solution to this concern.
Under Permitted Uses, we feel that all distribution and subtransmission facilities should be
clearly listed. Minor utility service facilities is far too ambiguous for any clear understanding of
standard permitted uses.
We are not attempting to be excluded from your planning standards, but reasonable
accommodation of essential utility service facilities is certainly in the best interest of the West
Valley residents.
Sincerely,
yvv
Warren G. McConkey
General Manager N
WGM1dh vEti°pM tVv
o`
Locally Owned By Those We Serve
I
Flathead County Superintendent of Schools
Donna R. Maddux
Supenntendent
723 Fifth Avenue East
Room 104
Kalispell, MT 59901
December 2, 1996
Steve Kountz
FRDO
723 Fifth Avenue East - Room 414
Kalispell, MT 59901
RE: West Valley Neighborhood Plan
Dear Steve:
Telephone 406-758-5720
Fax 406-�7-3869
DEC - 3 t9M6
* l
.&D.0.
Who am I to question a plan developed over a year's time by the folks who actually
live in the area. My regards to them and your staff for a job well done!
Sincerely yours,
Donna R Maddux
KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 1996
CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Kalispell City -County Planning
AND ROLL CAL Board and Zoning Commission was called to order at 7:U4 p.m. by
President Therese Hash. Board members present were Milt Carlson,
Robert Sanders, Jean Johnson, Joe Brenneman, Walter Bahr, Pam
Kennedy, N ichael Conner, and Therese Hash. Fred Hodgeboom had an
excused absence. The Flathead Regional Development Office was
represented by Narda Wilson, Senior Planner, and Steve Kountz, Senior
Planner. There were approximately 15 people in the audience.
APPROVAL OF The minutes of the meeting of November 14, 1996 were approved as
MINUTES written on a motion by Bahr, second by Johnson. All members. present
voted aye.
NELSON The next item for Board review was a proposed conservation easement
CONSERVATION from Gregory and Douglas Nelson to the Montana Land Reliance to be
EASEMENT placed on approximately 25 acres of property located between the Old
Steel Bridge Road and the Flathead River.
Staff Report Wilson presented an overview of report #FCE-96-6. The conveyance of
the conservation easement would further the goals and policies of the
Flathead County Master Plan, and staff recommended the Board
authorize the Planning Director to act on their behalf stating their full
support.
Board Discussion The Board was very supportive of the conservation easement.
Motion Carlson made the motion that the Planning Board authorize the Planning
Director to act on their behalf by stating to the Montana Land Reliance
that the conservation easement will further the goals of long-range
planning and the Board is in full support of the conveyance. Kennedy
seconded. By roll call vote, all members present voted unanimously in
favor.
President Hash announced a change in the published agenda to hold the
public hearings on the West Valley Neighborhood Plan, next. The two
matters overlap and were introduced together. Separate public hearing
and Board action was taken on each issue.
1
Staff Report Kountz gave a detailed presentation of staffs review of the proposed
West Valley Neighborhood Plan, as submitted in his memo to the
Planning Boards, dated December 3, 1996. Amendment to the Master
Plan must be by resolution, and a draft resolution was attached for
consideration.
The second item for Board review is a change in the zoning regulations.
The West Side Zoning District already exists and no changes are
proposed. An overlay set of regulations would be established on top of
that to (1) extend the jurisdiction of the Iand use committee, an advisory
committee to look at land use issues, that would make a recommendation
to the Planning Board. The second item being changed is the clustering
regulations. The West Valley overlay to the West Side Zoning District,
was evaluated in accordance with the necessary statutory criteria as sot
forth in report #FZC-96-9, and based on the findings, staff recommended
six (6) changes as summarized in the report.
A neighborhood steering committee meeting was held December 9", to
review the proposed changes, and there were no objections.
Response to Staff David Greer responded to the staff report. With regards to the
s Recommendations recommendations on the Plan, they had no problem with the policy on
weed control. However, there is a policy statement implementing the
state fire standards, and feels that would be redundant.
His comments on the zoning, the West Valley Zoning District is going to
be replaced by performance standards, which will include this cluster
provision. When we were working through the process, this was a new
concept that is different than the existing County regulations. We
worked very closely with the agricultural industry, and they agreed that
this provided the flexibility they need so they don't have to break their
farm up in chunks. It will allow them to create a one acre lot and
preserve 76% in open space. This was highly encouraged in the process.
Many of the farmers own land in both the West Side Zoning District and
the new proposed West Valley Zoning District, and they wanted
consistency between the two districts.
He referred the Board to the maps provided in the plan, and noted that
all the major utility services are located within the Kalispell City -County
planning jurisdiction. What happens is "trickle down" zoning, with 80
acre pieces, down to 40, down to 20, until what you have is 10 and 5
acre pieces without any open space. What I see is if someone proposes a
high density development, they will annex into the city to get the
services. If they choose not to do that, they would have to do a cluster,
3
which goes through subdivision review. At a worse case scenario, I
would envision this area in 20 years to have at least 50% permanent open
space, with this cluster provision. In the absence of that, you are going
to have zone change requests for 20 acres, 10 acres, to 5 acres, and you
won't have any open space. I think this is a visionary proposal, I think it
is going to work, and I think it is something that gives the farmers
incentives not to sell their land. I strongly disagree with the tone of the
staff report. I think it is short sighted.
As far as the recommendations proposed for the zoning, most of this is
just clarification. We agree that these changes are not significant. The
only change we would prefer is to eliminate the words "should" and
"shall", altogether, as recommended in #3 of the staff report.
What is important about this whole process is that there were a lot of
compromises made. There were some that really wanted stricter
regulations, and those who didn't want any regulations. I think we are at
a point where the community really accepts this plan and I encourage you
to adopt it as recommended.
Public Hearing Hash opened the public hearing to those in favor of amending the
Kalispell City -County Master Plan by adopting the West Valley
Neighborhood Plan.
In Favor Bill Breen, 335 Mountain Meadow Road, said that he has been involved
in this process since it started back in September 1995. It is coming
down the home stretch. I want to support the plan we came up with.
We had a very diverse group of people, many large landowners, timber
and agricultural interests, and people, like myself who five there. We
made a lot of concessions to each other and I think we came up with a
very suitable plan. I want to focus on the clustering provision, because
there are a lot of elements in here. Clustering is one of the key elements.
If you recommend that it be removed, you are going to destroy the major
elements in the plan. It gives the farmers flexibility and provides the
open space. It is particularly important around the city that we protect
this open space, because as the city grows, it becomes real hard to
protect it. I want to emphasize that the clustering concept has been
given a great deal of thought, and it is important that it be retained as
part of the plan. I urge this Board to adopt the Plan.
Bruce Tutdvedt, 1335 West Valley Drive, stated the agricultural
community strongly supports this unanimously. The clustering gives us a
way to get away from the 20's and 40's. It will let us have the houses in
the corner and still be able to farm and keep the rural beauty. We will
have an agricultural industry. Otherwise, we won't. It has been a good
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committee, we have worked well together, and I think everyone has
voiced their concerns in a very civil manner.
No one else spoke in favor of the proposal.
Opposition The public hearing was opened to opposition. No qne spoke in
opposition to the proposed plan. The public hearing was closed and the
meeting opened to Board deliberations.
Board Discussion Kountz addressed the Board and stated that he had no objections to the
changes proposed by David Greer.
The Board focused discussion on the Master Plan amendment to adopt
the West Valley Neighborhood Plan as an addendum.
Carlson commended Judy Hepper for her tremendous involvement with
bringing this plan to fruition. He went on to point out some minor errors.
in the document. On page 3, the date on the quote by Bonny Ogle was
9/l/95; on page 18, P line from the bottom, change ` V sh-River" to
"Stillwater River". I think the plan, as written, is a commendable job.
You can tell there is a lot of compromise in attempting to have
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agriculture recognized as a major entity that requires special handling for
the future of the county, and I commend the group for what they came
up with.
Kennedy offered her support for the neighborhood plan. All the
neighbors in the area have invested a tremendous amount of time in their
neighborhood to come up with a truly comprehensive plan.
Motion Kennedy made the motion that the Kalispell City -County Planning Board
direct the President to sign resolution #KNP-96-2 and send a favorable
recommendation to the Kalispell City Council and Flathead County
Board of Commissioner that the West Valley Neighborhood Plan be
adopted as an addendum to the Kalispell City -County Master Plan. Bahr
seconded.
Kountz noted that any amendments should be attached to the resolution.
Amended Motion Kennedy amended her motion to include amendments as follows: to
correct the typographical errors on page 3 and page 18, and on page 24,
add the residential polity "Encourage control of noxious weeds". Bahr
seconded the amended motion. On a roll call vote Bahr, Kennedy,
.Sanders, Brenneman, Carlson, Johnson, Conner and Hash voted aye.
The vote was 8-0 in favor of adopting the West Valley Neighborhood
Plan as an addendum to the Kalispell City -County Master Plan.
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