2. Growth Policy UpdateCity of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903
Telephone: (405) 758-7701 Fax: (406) 759-7759
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor Johnson and City Council
From: Doug Russell, City Manager
Re: Growth Policy Update
Meeting Date: November 24, 2014
BACKGROUND: At the October 27 work session, Council began the review process for the
Growth Policy update (see attached memo from the work session). Discussion was limited
during this meeting as Council focused on the process they desired to use for the review. It was
decided that a series of meetings would be held to move through the Growth Policy Update in a
linear process.
At the work session, we will begin this process of reviewing the update and amending where
desired.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
REPORT TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
MEETING DATE:
MONTA21A
Doug Russell, City Manager 91
Kevin LeClair, Senior Planner
Planning Department
201 V Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www, ka lis p el 1. co nVoia n ni n g
KGPA-14-01 — Kalispell Growth Policy --- PLAN -IT 2030
October 27, 2014
BACKGROUND: Kalispell's current Growth Policy was adopted in February 2003 with Resolution
4773. Four amendments have been added since that time with the Highway 93 North Area Plan in
August 2006, the Highway 93 South Corridor Area Plan in December 2008, the Kalispell West
Neighborhood Plan in May 2009, and the Core Area Plan in December 2012. The Growth Policy
Future Land Use Map was adopted in May 2009, and the Annexation Policy Boundary was adopted
in March 2011.
An update process of the Growth Policy began in 2012, with Planning Department staff
meeting with over 40 community groups, local agencies, and service providers within the City of
Kalispell and the surrounding area. The information gathered during this effort was combined with
current demographic, economic, and development activity, and then incorporated into an updated
draft document. The Planning Board then spent the past year meeting every other week to review
and update the entire document. Once this process was substantially complete, another round of
outreach meetings were held with key stakeholders to solicit and gather feedback before transmittal
to the city council for consideration.
On September 2, 2014, the Kalispell City Council approved a resolution of intent to hold a
public hearing on October 6, 2014. On September 8, 2014, the city council held a work session
where the Planning Department staff reviewed the updated Kalispell Growth Policy --- PLAN -IT
2030. Following the October 6, Public Hearing, the city council scheduled a subsequent work
session to review comments received and begin the discussion on final adoption of the plan.
As was discussed at the September 8''' work session, the Growth Policy leads off with an
executive summary that presents a short-term (3-5 years) planning direction for the City of Kalispell
and includes five key deliverables that will support and reinforce the Growth Policy. They include:
1) Implement the Core Area Plan.
2) Complete THE Downtown Plan.
3) Draft anew South Kalispell Urban Renewal Plan.
4) Create a Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
5) Update the Kalispell Transportation Plan.
Kalispell's Growth Policy is a foundational document that offers a vision statement and guides
growth and development in and around the City of Kalispell for the next 10-15 years. The document
is arranged into chapters covering a series of elements fundamental to Kalispell's future. Each
chapter contains a brief summary of the topic, followed by:
• "Issues" highlighting important trends, problems, opportunities, and community values;
• "Goals" stating the community's aims and priorities;
• "Policies" conveying the principles of action to guide the city in making decisions; and
• "Recommendations" to be considered as part of an implementation strategy.
On August 12, 2014, the Kalispell City Planning Board held a public hearing to finalize their
review of the updated Kalispell Growth Policy — PLAN -IT 2030. The day of the meeting, a comment
letter was received from Citizens for a Better Flathead with a number of comments and suggestions
for the document. The Planning Board reviewed and discussed each comment and incorporated
several of them into the document. Following this review, they voted unanimously, on a vote of 5-0,
to forward a resolution recommending adoption of the updated Kalispell Growth Policy — PLAN -IT
2030.
At the September 8, 2014, work session held by the City Council, Citizens for a Better Flathead
submitted a comment letter containing 21 suggestions. The letter is largely a reiteration of the
comments submitted to the Planning Board at their hearing with some additional reasoning included.
A copy of the comment letter is attached to this memorandum with each comment numbered and
annotated for reference purposes. Following the Council work session, staff reviewed Citizens for a
Better Flathead's comment letter, along with the meeting minutes from the Planning Board's Public
Hearing on August 12, 2014. As a result of the subsequent review, staff is recommending five
revisions to the Growth Policy. The changes are noted in the annotations in the margins of the
attached comment letter.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Kalispell City Council review the comments
from Citizens for a Better Flathead and suggest any additional revisions to the draft Kalispell Growth
Policy-- PLAN -IT 2030 in preparation for final adoption proceedings.
FISCAL EFFECTS: Approval of the request is expected to have limited fiscal impact to the City.
ALTERNATIVES: The Kalispell City Council may also adopt the Kalispell Growth Policy —
PLAN -IT 2030 as recommended by the Planning Board; or reject the proposed Kalispell Growth
Policy -- PLAN -IT 2030 and return it to Kalispell Planning Board for additional review and
consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin LeClair
Senior Planner
Attachment: Citizens for a Better Flathead's Comments on Kalispell Growth Policy Update, City
Work Session, September 9, 2014 with Planning Department staff annotations
c: Theresa White, Kalispell City Clerk
PO Box 771 a 35 4'h Street West
Kalispell, Montana 59903
T: 406-756,8993 e F: 406.756.8991
citizens@flatheadeitizens.org
Citizens for a Better Flathead's Comments on Kalispell Draft Growth Policy Update
City Work Session, Sept 9, 2014
Citizens for a Better Flathead appreciates this opportunity to comment on the proposed
updates to the current Kalispell Growth Policy. We provided earlier comments for the planning
board at their final hearing. These comments are a follow-up to those comments on items we
would like to ask the council to consider further.
Our organization was founded in 1992 and we represent some 1500 supporters throughout the
county including many Kalispell residents. We have participated in the public process of the
drafting of updates to the Kalispell Growth Policy since 1992_
We see the Growth Policy as not only an important document for setting city policy and
priorities, but as a resource document for economic development where someone considering
locating in the Kalispell area can easily find information that can early on peak their interest in
the area. For residents, the growth policy should be a window into the diverse goals, and
policies of the city and on that informs residents who when informed will be willing to take a
more active role in local government decisions and leadership such as serving on boards.
We have reviewed the entire draft Growth Policy and want to compliment the city, staff, and
planning board on a job well done. As you move towards final adoption we want to provide
you with a series of final comments for your additional consideration. But let me first repeat
that we particularly appreciate that:
Your planning staff provided direct outreach to groups in the planning area to both
explain the proposed update and to seek input to the plan. We also appreciate that
planning staff made themselves available to answer questions for us as they arose.
We appreciate that you provided us, and the public, a copy of both the strike -through
version showing what was being changed and a final draft that incorporated all changes.
The strike through version was vital to our understanding the nature of the changes
being proposed and where no change was needed.
a We think you have provided a good balance between background text and a bulleted lay
out of easy to read issues, goals, and policies. Numerous maps included are well done
and valuable.
❑ur comments are organized by chapter and the page numbers sited are those of the p rop osed
draft growth policy found on the city web site on 91512014, which does not show changes
made with strike-throughs. We hope this layout helps you to review and consider our
1
comments. Where we felt it was important in addition to a suggested change we have included
a reason for why we think the change is important.
Chapter 1: Growth Policy Administration
Page 9, Policy 9 Needs Revision "9. Provide a mechanism to address large-scale
projects that have not been anticipated in the growth policy. "
1 j Discussed and denied
by the Pia nning Board (PBj. Consider revising to provide a clearer policy statement: Criteria will be
Staff recommends retaining developed to address large-scale projects that have not been anticipated
_
the PB's recommendation. in the -growth polite.--
Reason The term mechanism is broad, vague, and not easy to
understand what tools might be used to fulfill this policy.
Page 9, Recommendation #4
Needs Revision #4. Use the general growth policy amendment
process to address large-scale and / or complex projects that have not
been anticipated in the growth policy.
2) Discussed and denied by Revise this recommendation to provide more specific criteria for large-
PB. Staff recommends scale and / or complex projects such as: Develop criteria to address
retaining PB large-scale projects that have not been anticipated in the growth policy
recommendation. and that are proposed as -general growth policy amendments.
Reason. As this is tied to policy 9 above, it is important, we feel, to
provide more direction for the developer and the community as to how
large scale and/or complex projects that are not a clear fit under the
growth policy will be handled.
Page 9, Recommendation
Needs Revision "2. Find ways to provide greater exposure for the
public to the planning process, such as the local media, to encourage
greater improved public involvement and interest."
Reason Consider being more specific and take this opportunity to
toot your own horn as you have a great web site, televised meetings on
line, and email notifications to encourage and support public
involvement.
Revise this recommendation and add some additional
r
3a) PB discussed and denied recommendations by stating:
the original comment. Continue to encourage public involvement in the city's planning
The comment was revised processes b maintainin access to documents minutes develo meat
and staff recommends applications and staff reports on the city:s web site.
incorporating the suggested
text.
3b) Staff recommends Retain links on the city web site as feasible to televised meetings, and
incorporation as suggested maintain a Iist_serve set up for those reguesting email notifications.
3c) This statement was the Develop signage guidelines that require applicants for development to
main contention from the post signs on Property identifying land use zoning or growth Policy
original comment. Staff changes proposed, date and location of hearing and opportunities to
comment on changes in use requested on properties proposed for
recommends denying development.
suggestion.
Continue to support the use of work sessions, and proactive outreach
3d) Staff recommends activities by the planning staff to encourage public participation in cit
incorporation as suggested dPr.isinns.
Chapter 4: Business
Page 22, Issues
Add new issue 7. The Kalispell Downtown planning area has
4) This comment was accepted significant capacity for future growth and infill. This current capacity has
by PB. Staff recommends not been measured for a number of years. Knowing this capacity can
retaining this suggesting. help in planning for downtown revitalization and in economic
development efforts.
5) Discussed and denied by Add Goal 7. IDENTIFY THE 1NFILL AND REDEVELOPMENT CAPACITY
OF THE DOWNTOWN AREA AND POTENTIAL RATE OF BUILD OUT. USE
PB. Staff recommends THIS INFORMATION TO PROMOTE AND SECURE DOWNTOWN
denying the suggestion. REVITALIZATION AND INVESTMENT.
Page 25 Add Recommendation 11. Give priority to completing a study of
6) Discussed and denied by the infill and redevelopment capacity of the downtown area and its
PB. Staff recommends potential rate of build out.
denying the suggestion.
Reason: Businesses looking to relocate to our area, or residents
considering starting a business or encouraging family or friends to
relocate to the area, should be able to determine from reading the
growth policy where the city has potential to grow. You have set goals
for downtown redevelopment. Basic to these goals is identifying and
including what the infill and redevelopment potential is.
Page
7a) This is a new comment,
"Mini -storage" is an Admin-
istrative Conditional Use in
B-2, B-5, 1-1, and 1-2 zones.
Staff does not recommend
adoption.
Page
7b) Same comment as 7a"
above,
Add new issue Businesses that provide storage units for
rent are providing a service that is used my many. Without development
standards for such units, however, storage units are often being
developed without adequate landscaping, buffering, setbacks, and
architectural standards, needed to make them an visually pleasing
addition to the community.
Add new policy ESTABLISH DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR
STORAGE UNIT FACILITIES TO ENSURE THEY ARE DEVELOPE❑ WITH
ADEQUATE LANDSCAPING, BUFFERING, SETBACKS, AND ARCHITECTURAL
STANDARDS, NEEDED TO MAKE THEM AN VISUALLY PLEASING ADDITION
TO THE COMMUNITY.
Chapter 5: Industry
Page 29 Add Issue Add an issue statement:
8a) Discussed and denied by There is not quantifiable information that addresses the current (over?)
PB. Staff recommends supply of business parks in the plan area and the potential need to
denying the suggestion, encouraize infill in these business parks before adding additional capacity.
8b) Same comment as "8a" Add goal SEEK QUANTIFIABLE INFORMATION THAT ASSESSES
above. MARKET CONDITIONS, ABSORPTION POTENTIAL AND VACANCY RATES
FOR BUSINESS PARKS,
Add Recommendation Gather_quantifiable information that assesses
8c) Same comment as "8a" market conditions absorption potential and vacancy rates for business park
above. uses within the Growth Polite area.
Reason Businesses looking to locate in this area need information
like this to help them understand resources and locations where a synergy of
business development can be attractive to them as a potential new business.
Page 29 Add goal SEEK QUANTIFIABLE INFORMATION THAT ASSESSES MARKET
9a) Discussed and denied by CONDITIONS,_ ABSORPTION POTENTIAL AND VACANCY RATES FOR LIGHT
PB. Staff recommend denying INDUSTRIAL USES WITHIN THE GROWTH POLICY AREA,
the suggestion.
Page 29 Add Recommendation Gather quantifiable information that assesses
9b) Same comment as "9a" market conditions absor tion potential and vacancy rates for ii ht industrial
above. uses within the Growth Policy area.
Chapter 6: Agriculture
Page 32 Add new goal Where feasible, work with the Flathead County
10) ❑iscussed and denied by Extension Service and the Flathead Valley Community College Sustainable
PB. Staff recommends denying Agricultural Program to support the growth and economic development
the suggestion, potential of a sustainable agricultural industry within the plan area.
Page 32 Add new policy Encourage the connectivity of agricultural lands
1 1) Discussed and denied by and open space with similar features on adjoining parcels of land as
PB. Staff recommends denying development occurs.
the suggestion.
Page 32 Add new policy As development occurs, ensure and facilitate
12) Discussed and denied by producers' access to agricultural land.
PB. Staff recommends denying
the suggestion.
4
Page 32 Add new recommendation Develop incentives to encourage and
13) Discussed and denied by reward conservation of agricultural, ecologically important, and open
PB. Staff recommends denying space lands.
the suggestion.
Reason for new goal, policies and recommendation: The above
recommendations are small steps to sustain the growing small scale
farming enterprises in the current growth policy area and future growth
areas for the City of Kalispell. When agricultural lands and open space on
adjoining parcels are encouraged to be connected through the design of
proposed development the viability of the adjoined agricultural or open
space uses is increased and buffered by their connectivity, The attached
report provides additional rationale to support the economic
development potential and local food security that is provided by
planning for small scale farming within the growth policy area. SEE
ATTACHED REPORT, Agricultural Protection in Montana: Local Planning,
Regulation, and Incentives and these exerpts:
"Particularly noteworthy for local governments is the Montana
Constitution's mandate that state laws not only protect agricultu re, but
also enhance and develop agriculture. This language may shed light on
the subdivision review obligation, suggesting that the mitigation of
"impacts on agriculture" is something more than just the slowing down of
agricultural land loss over time. Rather, it should be an approach that
results in the advancement of agriculture in the community." {page 9, ]
"A national review of agricultural protection initiatives reveals that
agricultural protections can take many forms, from traditional
agricultural zoning districts, to public and private easement acquisitions,
to community food programs.ss Communities most effective at
agricultural protection use a variety of tools together in an integrated
approach called "food system planning."ss" (page 14 )
"Another important consideration is contiguity among protected lands.
Fragmented agricultural lands can undermine a community's ability to
retain a functioning agricultural land rase. Among other concerns,
fragmentation can interrupt water supply delivery, place conflicting land
uses beside one another, and hamper the movement of livestock and
agricultural equipment. Contiguity of lands can also promote related
open space and conservation goals." (page 29)
Chapter 8: Natural Environment
Page 37 Add new issue Aquatic Invasive Species are being introduced to
14a) Discussed and denied by Montana unintentionally as they hitchhike on and in boats, recreational
PB. Staff recommends denyingequipment, aquariums and backyard ponds. In Montana, Aquatic Invasive
the suggestion. Species (AIS) are a serious problem. There are currently over 70 aquatic
invasive species reported in the State. Current state activities and
5
statutes address AIS prevention and control. However, there is a need to
combat AIS at the local watershed level to assist with these efforts, and
minimize the harmful economic, ecological and social impacts of AiS.
Reason Kalispell depends on tourist dollars as an important part of
its economy. AIS prevention and control is an issue that should be
identified in the growth policy for local government officials and
residents alike. Many city residents have boats and travel in the region
with their boat. The city should do their part to educate residents of this
issue and to collaborate with agencies working on this issue.
AIS if not controlled will harm the attraction of tourist to this region and
will be costly to control. It is important that each city and the county play
a part to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Montana agencies are inspecting boats at boat ramps, on highways and
at the Montana borders_ Most of these inspection stations require
mandatory stops of all boaters with boats.
The City of Whitefish recently donated to support an inspection station
that inspects boats traveling to their area. Efforts are being ramped up in
the Flathead Basin since it encompasses some of the state's most intact
ecosystems and blue ribbon fishing. In order to protect these ecologically
and economically valuable resources, inspections stations have been
added at Ronan, Gearwater Junction, Eureka, and Highway. Additionally,
it is mandatory to have your watercraft inspected before launching in
Glacier National Park.
Page 40 Add Goal Support local efforts as appropriate to prevent, control
14b) Same comment as "14a" and/or eliminate Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) within the Flathead Basin.
above.
Page 40 Add new Issue According to the Flathead Lake Biological Station,
15a) Discussed and denied by endocrine disrupter compounds, pharmaceuticals, and personal care
PB. Staff recommends denying products were detected in 13 or 14 shallow ground -water wells that were
the suggestion. sampled in the fall of 2010 by the Flathead Lake Biological Station in the
Flathead River Drainage.
Page 40 Add Policy Encourage residents not to flush or pore unwanted
15bj Same comment as "15a" pharmaceutical and personal care products down the drain. Promote the
above
Page 40
16) Discussed and ultimately
denied by PB. Upon further
consideration, staff is
recommending this language
be re -incorporated into the
Growth Policy.
use of a free and secure drop-off box for unwanted medications located
in the Flathead County Justice Center in Kalispell.
Retain former policy "New commercial and industrial
development and residential subdivisions should be accessible by paved
roadways to protect air quality. "
Rationale This policy is in the current Kalispell Growth Policy and
should be retained. New development should not contribute to air
quality issues, which remain a concern in the area.
Page 40 Retain need for noise standards informer policy "Limit and mitigate
17) Discussed and denied by impacts related to outdoor lighting and noise by developing measurable
PB as suggested. Staff standards for noise impacts and by enforcing dark sky compliant lighting
recommends following policy regulations. " (See original wording in 2020 KGP page 28)
be added:
Policy: Limit and mitigate Rationale Noise is an on -going concern far many. it is an issue that
impacts of noise on the deserves review and consideration of best practices to address this
community and develop concern. A good job was done addressing lighting issues, the same kind
measurable standards for of effort needs to be given to noise issues.
addressing noise impacts.
Page 127 Example of one place that noise is addressed in the KGP Update
"22. Advocate the design and site layout of new residential development
adjacent to industrial zoned property, Highway 93 and the future bypass
to incorporate noise reduction techniques so that the new development
will not be affected by noise that exceeds 60 dBA at the property line."
Page 128 "23. Encourage the use of setbacks and earth berms as noise reduction
techniques in residential development to mitigate noise impacts and
discourage the use of sound walls."
Chapter 9: Downtown and Core Area
No additional comments
Chapter 10: Historic and Cultural Conservation
No additional comment
Chapter 11: Parks and Recreation
Page 59 Add new text to this section to give recognition of and future
18) Discussed and denied byoliaboration opportunities with the trail systems that have been
PB. Staff recommends the developed through and around Kalispell by Rails to Trails with the Somers
to Kila trail, and with Foy's to Blacktail trail and open space that are an
following additions:
Add Issue: Multi -use trails and
trail systems, such as Rails -to
-Trails and Foy's to Blacktail
Trails are important for the
economy and for public health
reasons.
Add Policy: Support and
encourage the expansion and
development of additional
multi -use trails and trail systems in
and around Kalispell.
asset to the City of Kalispell.
Development of parks and trails should be recognized as an important
factor in the Kalispell economy. The Institute for Tourism and Recreation
Research (ITRR) at the University of Montana's School of Forestry
conducted a study entitled, "Analysis of Touring Cyclists: Impacts, Needs
and Utaportunities for Montana,"(PDF) which found that multiAay
cyclists spend $75 per day while in Montana, and stay an average of eight
or more nights. Researchers queried cyclists who had visited Adventure
Cycling headquarters in 2013, or who had purchased Montana section
7
maps between 2010-2013. Cyclists hailed from 48 states and 18
countries.
http://www.advertu recycl ing.org/d efa u lt/assets/File/US BRS/Research/
M u Iti-dayCycl ing5tudyW eb. p df
https:l/outdoorindustry.org/imagesjore reports/MT-montana-
outdoorrecreationeconomy-oia. pdf
Finally, develop issue and policy statements that recognize the message
that Transportation Planner Mark Fenton recently delivered in his recent
visit to Kalispell that there is a direct connection between community
design and community health. He cited research showing that community
design was the, or one the, most important tools for improving
community health by encouraging active living through community
design for walkability and recreation.
Chapter 12: Transportation
No additional comment
Chapter 13: Sand and Gravel Resources
No additional comments.
Chapter 14: Public Infrastructure anti Services
19) Discussed and denied Add new Goal PLAN FOR BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE BY
by the PB. Staff recommends MAPPING BROADBAND LOCATIONS AND WIRELESS COVERAGE AND
FORGE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT THIS WORK AND TO
the following addition to the GROW BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY.
Economics chapter;
Issue: Internet, broadband, and
telecommunications infra-
structure are becoming
increasingly vital to the growth
and development of private
businesses and the daily
lives of residents.
GOAL: ENSURE
BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS
HAVE BROADBAND
CONNECTIVITY AND SUPPORT
THE WORK OF PRIVATE
COMPANIES IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE
NECESSARY ■
INFRASTRUCTURE. ■
Add new Policy Map broadband locations and wireless coverage
develop policies needed to grow broadband connectivity.
Reason Identification of issues, goals and policies for
internet/broadband or such telecommunications facilities should be
included as these are important issues for future economic development.
SEE ATTACHED RATIONALE and the following excerpt:
The "Planning and Broadband Report... stresses that planners can and
should begin to actively engage in planning our broadband infrastructure
future in seven different ways:
Including broadband infrastructure as a basic planning component.
Conducting broadband mapping — knowing the "what" and "where" of
connectivity is a growing public need.
■ Increasing bandwidth demands, New standards are needed to facilitate
large-scale data sharing.
0 Mapping broadband locations and wireless coverage.
■ lasing social networking as an information resource.
Forging public/private partnerships. Both public and private partners
need to work together in striving for universal broadband connectivity.
Maximizing the generated benefits from private development resulting
from public funding for infrastructure.
Planning and Broadband emphasizes that planners need to incorporate
broadband initiatives into comprehensive plans. The report also provides
guidance on how planners can work with
telecommunications professionals. Using the telecommunications
industry's "layers" model provides easily identifiable opportunities for
planners and telecommunications professionals to work together."
How do you determine if your community is ready for a broadband plan?
The authors offer these questions to consider:
■ What is the level of stakeholder engagement? Successful plans tend to
have wide stakeholder engagement.
■ Is there an existing community broadband plan such as a
communications or technology master plan?
■ Where is broadband currently available in the community?
■ Who is unserved or underserved: businesses, people, institutions?
• Who is currently using broadband and how?
■ Who will use broadband in the future and how?
■ What efforts are being made to meet local needs now, and what efforts
could be made?"
Chapter 15: Annexation Policy
No additional comments.
Chapter 16: Implementation Strategies
Page 98 Expand Growth Policy Amendment Criteria
The current growth policy criteria states:
Growth Policy Update Implementation Strategy
"e. Evaluation criteria should include:
1. Consistency with the goals and policies of the growth policy, state law,
and other established policies adopted by the city council;
2. Demonstration of the public need and support for the change;
3. The proposed change is the most effective means of meeting the need;
and
4. The public, as a whole, benefits, rather than one or a few property
owners at the expense of others."
Expand the evaluation criteria by adapting the current criteria wording
and adding the following additional criteria to make the amendment
process more predictable, less subject to challenge, and comprehensive.
Growth. Policy Update and Amendment Implementation Strategy
20) Discussed and denied by e. G.rowth Policy Amendment Criteria includes the following:
PB. Staff recommends denying 1. Is the proposed amendment Consistency with the goals and policies of
the suggestion. the growth policy, state law, and other established policies adopted by
the city council?
2. Is their demonstration_ of the public need and support for the change?
3. is the proposed change is the most effective means of meeting the
need? ......_.
4. Will the public, as a whole, benefit, rather than one or a few property
owners at the expense of others
S. Is the amendment based on existing characteristics and/or nroiected
trends that are substantially different from those presented in the most
recent ugdate?
6. Does the amendment create inconsistencies within the document.?
7. Has the proposed amendment undone a sufficient process of
citywide public participation and review?
Page 109 Revise "f. Information regarding public hearings, development
21 j Accepted by PB. Text proposals and staff recommendations should be available consistent with
now reads: the date of notice time which triggers the time period for public notice
established by state law ..,4 < GleGiU ,te time �GF FeVieW Rd
'T Information regarding public
hearings, development proposals
and staff recommendations Rationale Notice provisions for state law are not met if the public
should be available with does not have access to the development proposal and staff report for
adequate time for review and the entire notice period.
consideration according to
state law."
10
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
MONTANE!
DRAFT - CITY OF KALISPELL
GROWTH POLICY
PLAN -IT 2030
Prepared by:
Kalispell City Planning Board
201 1s' Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-7940
Adopted by Kalispell City Council
Resolution #
_________12014
This document can be viewed, printed, or downloaded at http://www.kalispell.com/planning
CITY OF KALISPELL GROWTH POLICY
PLAN -IT 2030
Contents
ExecutiveSummary..................................................................................................................................i
Introduction:
PLAN -IT 2030..................................................................................................................1
Chapter 1:
Growth Policy Administration.........................................................................................7
Chapter 2:
Community Growth & Design.......................................................................................
11
Chapter3:
Housing........................................................................................................................
15
Chapter4:
Business.......................................................................................................................23
Chapter5:
Industry........................................................................................................................
29
Chapter6:
Agriculture...................................................................................................................
31
Chapter7:
The Economy................................................................................................................
35
Chapter 8:
Natural Environment....................................................................................................
39
Chapter 9:
Downtown and Core Area............................................................................................45
Chapter 10:
Historic and Cultural Conservation...............................................................................
51
Chapter 11:
Parks and Recreation....................................................................................................57
Chapter 12:
Transportation.............................................................................................................63
Chapter 13:
Sand and Gravel Resources...........................................................................................71
Chapter 14:
Public Infrastructure & Services....................................................................................73
Chapter 15:
Annexation Policy.........................................................................................................87
Chapter 16:
Implementation Strategies...........................................................................................95
APPENDIX A
Neighborhood and Area Plans & Growth Policy Amendments
Highway 93 North Area Plan (adopted August 7, 2006)...........................................................................
117
Highway 93 South
Corridor Area Plan (adopted December 1, 2008).........................................................
123
Kalispell West Neighborhood Plan (adopted Mayo, 2009)......................................................................135
Core Area Plan
(adopted December 17, 2012)........................................................................................141
List of Figures
1. Kalispell Growth Policy Planning Area Map (Introduction chapter) (11x17)
2. Residential Subdivision Map (Housing chapter)
3. Environmentally Sensitive Resources Map (Natural Environment chapter)(11x17)
4. Downtown and Core Area Map (Downtown and Core Area chapter)(8.5x11)
5. Historic Districts and Properties Map (Historic and Cultural Conservation chapter)(8.5x11)
6. Parks and Recreation Facilities Map (Parks and Recreation chapter)(11x17)
7. Transportation System Map (Transportation chapter)(11x17)
8. Public Infrastructure Map (Public Infrastructure & Services chapter) (11x17)
a. Water mains
b. Groundwater wells and storage tanks
c. Sewer mains and lift stations
d. Waste Water Treatment Plan
e. Fire stations
f. Police stations
g. Kalispell Regional Medical Center
9. Annexation Policy Map (Annexation chapter)(8.5x11)
10. Urban Renewal Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts Map (Implementation Strategies
chapter)(8.5x 11)
11. Highway 93 North Area Map (8.5x 11)
12. Highway 93 South Corridor Map (8.5x 11)
13. Kalispell West Neighborhood Map (8.5x 11)
14. Core Area Plan Boundary (8.5x 11)
Executive Summary
Dear Reader:
Kalispell, Montana is at a turning point in its history — and its future. When the first settlers
came upon the fertile prairies north of Flathead Lake, with majestic mountains draped with lush
timberlands on three sides, few could have imagined how this remote wilderness would change
over the coming century.
Founded in 1891, as a division point for the Great Northern Railroad on its route through the
Rocky Mountains, Kalispell's founders positioned it as the financial, governmental and cultural
center of the Flathead Valley. The railroad chose another route and relegated Kalispell to a
branch line, but their vision held true and Kalispell has flourished in the intervening years.
As of 2014, Kalispell's population stands at just over 20,000 residents, with a local and regional
economy that belies its modest size. Kalispell is the heart of the Flathead Valley, and serves as
the economic, cultural, and governmental center of a region that includes the world class
recreational amenities of Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Ski Area
and thousands of square miles of National Forests.
Kalispell is expected and prepared to grow. "Kalispell Growth Policy PLAN -IT 2030" lays
out a framework to guide growth in and around the City for the next 20 years. It was developed
through a comprehensive outreach effort with scores of community groups with a stake in
Kalispell, followed by an in-depth review by the Kalispell Planning Board and Kalispell City
Council.
Following the adoption of the Growth Policy by the City Council, the next step is to begin
development of the significant and relevant deliverables described in its recommendations. Of
them all, there are five key projects that will have a tangible, positive impact on the citizens of
Kalispell. They include:
The "Core Area Plan" that was adopted by the City Council in 2012. Its key
components are the establishment of a rail -served industrial park on Kalispell's northeast
border, the relocation of the rail -dependent uses out of the Core Area, the creation of a
linear park and trail across town, and the infusion of both private and public resources
back into the neighborhood.
2. A "Downtown Plan" that takes a careful and considerate look at Kalispell's historic
downtown and courthouse corridor and identify the area's key strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats; and then prioritizes and addresses the issues to energize and
reinforce the historic downtown's role as the heart of Kalispell.
i I P a g e Executive Summary
3. The "South Kalispell Urban Renewal Plan" will explore and evaluate future scenarios
facing the residential and commercial areas surrounding the Kalispell City Airport and
along the U.S. Highway 93 South Corridor, with the goal of establishing a land use vision
that can be fostered and built upon in the coming years.
4. The "Kalispell Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan" will use the completed sidewalk
and trail inventory to create a conceptual pedestrian and bicycle network, identify and
prioritize key missing links in the system, and establish strategies for improving and
increasing the community's non -motorized mobility.
5. The "Kalispell Transportation Plan Update" will ensure Kalispell's road network
keeps pace with growth and continues to serve the needs of its residents, businesses, and
visitors. Kalispell's Transportation Plan was last updated in 2008. At that time, the
Highway 93 Alternate Route, connecting Highway 93 South with Highway 93 North, was
still in the conceptual design phase, and was not certain enough to be included in the
transportation models for the community. Now imminent, this project, and many other
factors, will be incorporated into traffic demand models and future capital improvement
plans.
Throughout its history, the development of the City of Kalispell has been a cooperative effort
between its citizens, its businesses, and various government entities; and so has it been with the
creation of "Kalispell Growth Policy PLAN -IT 2030." A vision for the future of Kalispell is
spelled out in the following pages, but that vision can only be realized through the actions of
many people and organizations working for a variety of interests. "PLAN -IT 2030" serves to
weave these actions into a cohesive fabric that will ensure Kalispell is a unique and vibrant place
for people to live, work, and play — now and into the future.
Yours truly,
Mayor Mark Johnson
Doug Russell, City Manager
iiIPage Executive Summary
Introduction: PLAN -IT 2030
The Kalispell Growth Policy is an official public document created and adopted by the City of
Kalispell as a plan for future growth in and around the City. The growth policy is not a law or
regulation, but rather a community guide for making land use decisions. The term "growth
policy' is synonymous with "master plan," "comprehensive plan" or "community plan."
Montana statutes require that a growth policy be adopted and that the City Council give
consideration to the policies and pattern of development set out in the growth policy. The
growth policy is implemented through different methods, including the adoption of zoning and
subdivision regulations and the making public resource investments. When considering zoning,
subdivisions, and other development issues; the growth policy should be consulted to ensure
development is in substantial compliance with its goals and policies. The plan is intended to
reflect the economic, social, and environmental visions of the City of Kalispell, its residents and
various stakeholders. It is, at is most fundamental level, a blueprint for the physical
development of the community.
The growth policy area boundaries shown in Figure 1, "Kalispell Growth Policy Planning Area",
illustrate three distinct planning areas covered by the Kalispell Growth Policy.
• The first is the Kalispell City limits, covering approximately 11.75 square miles. This is
the only area the City can implement the growth policy and enforce its rules and
regulations.
• The second is the annexation boundary and includes land beyond the city limits where
City services area generally available or could be reasonably extended if the property
were to be annexed into the City in the next ten years. The future land use designations
in this area provide guidance for the City when it considers initial zoning for properties
proposed for annexation. The future land use designations also serve as a guide to the
County when it considers rezoning land around the City.
• The third is the Growth Policy Planning Area, which generally extends out three miles
from the City limits. It is primarily taken from the transportation system and public
works facilities plans, adopted by the City Council between 2006 and 2008. This is the
area anticipated to be served by City of Kalispell water and/or sewer over the next 30 to
50 years. It has been used in this document to provide a vision for the future.
1IPage Introduction
A vision statement has been developed for the community that is intended to reflect overall
ideas about future growth and development in Kalispell.
"Kalispell is the commercial and governmental center of the
Flathead Valley with a diverse economy, robust employment, and
vibrant neighborhoods offering a variety of housing options; where
community history and culture are celebrated, parks are abundant
and well -maintained, greenways and trails connect the community,
and public services provide for the needs of residents and visitors
alike, while looking forward to future growth."
The essential characteristics of the growth policy are that it is comprehensive, general, and long
range. Comprehensive means that the document applies geographically to the entire
community in order to coordinate its overall pattern of growth. Comprehensive also means
that consideration is given to all of the basic functions that make a community work such as
housing, the economy, land use, the environment, transportation, public facilities, and public
services.
General means that the policy is broad in scope, focusing more on general principles and
philosophy than detailed standards. Accordingly, the format of the document is an outline of
issues, goals, policies, and recommendations, rather than legally described locations,
engineered solutions, or detailed regulations on specific property.
Long range means that the growth policy looks beyond the present to anticipate future
problems and opportunities. The period addressed by this policy is through the year 2030, with
a scheduled annual review by the planning board. The growth policy should be updated every
five years or sooner as needed. The update may result in a partial or full revision of the
document as deemed necessary by the Kalispell City Council.
Legal foundations of the growth policy are found in Montana's Local Planning and Enabling Act
(Sections 76-1-101 through 76-1-606, MCA) which outlines the contents and process for the
preparation and use of the growth policy. These provisions state that the planning board shall
prepare and propose a growth policy for review and approval by the governing body, in this
case the Kalispell City Council.
2 1 P a g e Introduction
The state statute prescribes the following specific elements be included in the growth policy
document:
A. Community goals and objectives;
B. Maps and text describing the jurisdictional area;
C. Projected trends for the duration of the growth policy;
D. Policies, regulations, and other measures to be implemented in order to achieve the
goals and objectives established above;
E. Development, maintenance, and replacement strategies for public infrastructure;
F. An implementation strategy that includes:
a. a timetable for implementing the growth policy;
b. a list of conditions that will lead to a revision of the growth policy; and
c. a timetable for reviewing the growth policy at least once every 5 years and revising
the policy if necessary;
G. A statement of how the governing bodies will coordinate and cooperate with other
jurisdictions and the county in which the City or town is located on matters related to
the growth policy;
H. A statement explaining how the governing bodies will define, evaluate and make
decisions regarding subdivisions and their impacts;
I. An explanation of how public hearings regarding subdivisions will be conducted;
J. An evaluation of the potential for fire and wildland fire in the jurisdictional area,
including whether or not there is a need to delineate the wildland-urban interface.
Past Efforts
The City of Kalispell adopted its first master plan in 1962. In 1974, the Kalispell City -County
Planning Board updated the plan to reflect the changing conditions in the community. The
1974 plan was re -affirmed in 1978 when the County and the three cities of Whitefish, Columbia
Falls, and Kalispell jointly undertook the preparation of the Flathead County Comprehensive
Plan. In 1984, the Kalispell City -County Planning Board again undertook the task of updating
the plan, a process that was completed in1986, and the Kalispell City -County Master Plan was
adopted.
From 1997 to 2001, a draft growth policy was produced through the combined efforts of the
former Kalispell City -County Planning Board and the Kalispell City Council, but the draft was not
adopted. The Kalispell City -County Planning Board, which represented a jurisdiction area of the
City of Kalispell and surrounding county area of four and a half miles, was dissolved by Flathead
County in 2001. The Kalispell City Planning Board was created with the City limits as a
jurisdictional boundary and they continued work on the growth policy. The Kalispell City
Planning Board used the 2001 draft document as a basis for the growth policy that was
31 Page I n t r o d u c t i o n
ultimately adopted in February 2003. A resource and analysis section of the growth policy was
prepared in conjunction with those earlier efforts and updated as new information became
available.
Kalispell Growth Policy — Plan -it 2030
In 2012, an outreach effort consisting of community presentations and workshops with various
school boards, fire districts, community interest groups, and individuals was conducted. The
feedback gathered during this effort was incorporated into the current draft.
The growth policy document is composed of the growth policy text and the future land use
map, while the resource and analysis section provides support data dealing with social,
environmental, and economic factors.
The policy document includes the following chapters:
A. Growth Policy Administration
B. Community Growth & Design
C. Housing
D.
Business
E.
Industry
F.
Agriculture
G.
The Economy
H.
Natural Environment
I. Downtown
J. Historic and Cultural Conservation
K. Parks and Recreation
L. Transportation
M. Sand and Gravel Resources
N. Kalispell Annexation Policy
O. Public Infrastructure
P. Neighborhood Plans
Each chapter is organized into a format of interrelated issues, goals, policies, and
recommendations. The "issues" are statements of important trends, problems, opportunities,
and community values. The "goals" are basic statements of the community's aims and
priorities. The "policies" are the principles of action that guide the City in making decisions.
The "recommendations" are specific actions to be considered by the City as part of an overall
implementation strategy.
The future land use map found on the next page is a geographic illustration of the plan's goals
and policies applied to the growth policy area. The map indicates the types of land uses
recommended in various locations, representing the recommendation of an orderly growth
pattern. The text includes explanations of these map designations within related chapters. Like
the text, the color map designation is part of the growth policy and it is intended to indicate
generalized rather than exact locations for anticipated future land uses.
41 Page I n t r o d u c t i o n
Figure 1
Kalispell Growth Policy Planning Area Map
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Chapter 1: Growth Policy Administration
Administration of the growth policy and its implementation is the responsibility of the City of
Kalispell. Kalispell has a council / manager form of government with an eight member council
and a mayor who votes on all matters. A full-time city manager administers the day-to-day
business of the City. There are a number of boards and commissions that advise the council on
a range of issues.
Issues:
1. Cooperation between the City and other public service providers is critical to reinforcing
an orderly development pattern in the growth policy area, coordinating the extension of
public facilities and services, and addressing the numerous issues that cross over City -
county boundaries.
2. There is a need for joint planning between the City and the County.
3. Development standards for the City and County at the urban / rural interface are not
consistent.
4. Relationships with adjacent rural fire departments have improved in recent years.
GOALS:
1. FOSTER CITY -COUNTY COOPERATION, PARTICULARLY IN MANAGING GROWTH AND
COORDINATING PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES.
2. PROMOTE COOPERATION BETWEEN KALISPELL, UTILITY SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND
IN041Im1IF_\17:19I.11ILI1 =10011
3. ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY TO CONSIDER AND ADOPT ZONING CONSISTENT WITH THE
GROWTH POLICY LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR PROPERTY WITHIN THE POTENTIAL
UTILITY SERVICE AREA.
4. ENSURE DECISIONS ARE FAIR, OPEN AND BASED ON GOOD INFORMATION THAT IS
AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND DECISION MAKERS.
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COUNTY THAT WOULD FORM AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO PROMOTE:
• URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
71 Page Administration
• ZONE CHANGES, GROWTH POLICY AMENDMENTS, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS.
• SUBDIVISION PLAT REVIEW PROCESSES.
• TRANSFER OF COUNTY ROADS TO THE CITY.
• EXTENSION OF SERVICES INCLUDING SEWER AND WATER.
• PUBLIC SAFETY, EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND RELATED FACILITIES.
6. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY IDENTIFY WAYS TO SHARE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER
RESOURCES TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
7. THAT THE CITY MEET PERIODICALLY WITH THE COUNTY, SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND PUBLIC
UTILITY SERVICE PROVIDERS TO SHARE AND COORDINATE LONG-TERM PLANS FOR
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS, AND UTILITY EXTENSIONS.
8. SEEK WAYS TO PROVIDE FOR GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT
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CONSISTENT LAND USE GOALS, POLICIES, AND A LAND USE MAP IN AREAS OF MUTUAL
INTEREST
Policies:
1. Use this document as a guide for development and growth within the growth policy
planning area.
2. Zoning and subdivision regulations should conform and be used to implement the
provisions of this document.
3. Initiate City -County agreements or programs that would cooperatively influence the
amount and type of growth within the growth policy area.
4. This document should be used when considering all development decisions.
5. Coordinate development codes in the City and outlying areas to promote the orderly
expansion of the City.
6. The growth policy will be reviewed a minimum of once every five years by the planning
board for relevancy and a report given to the Kalispell City Council who may initiate an
update as needed. Amendments can also be made through the general growth policy
81 Page Administration
amendment process to address specific development projects that have not been
anticipated or with a neighborhood plan to address specific areas within the community
that have special needs or issues. Amendments outside these updates should be
viewed cautiously and be based primarily on unanticipated changes.
7. Comprehensive updates of the growth policy should be considered when there is a
major change in circumstances such as a significant increase or decrease in population,
changes in economic or environmental conditions, or significant changes in public
infrastructure and services.
8. Public involvement and outreach to inform the public regarding development projects in
a timely manner and to encourage public participation will be provided to ensure the
integrity of the public review process.
9. Provide a mechanism to address large scale projects that have not been anticipated in
the growth policy.
10. The City Council should be guided by their core values and vision statement when
making land use decisions.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a cooperative relationship between the elected officials, government agencies,
and utility service providers that results in consistent development standards, efficient
use of public infrastructure and resources, and quality development.
2. Find ways to provide greater exposure for the public to the planning process, such as
the local media, to encourage improved public involvement and interest.
3. Schedule meetings between the City and County planning boards to discuss goals and
policies in areas of mutual interest and coordinate the growth policy to reflect a shared
vision of the future.
4. Use the general growth policy amendment process to address large scale and / or
complex projects that have not been anticipated in the growth policy.
9 1 P a g e Administration
Chapter 2: Community Growth & Design
Growth in the Kalispell area has been cyclic with bursts of growth and then a leveling of the
growth rate. During the early part of the 1990's there was a relatively high level of growth that
stabilized during the last half of the 1990's. At the beginning of the 2000's the City experienced
a rapid expansion of its boundaries due to both residential and commercial growth. This growth
continued until 2009 when development of new homes and commercial businesses slowed
dramatically. Within the next several years the number of foreclosed homes increased.
Beginning in 2012, the pace of development began to show signs of recovery, and 2013 has
seen this trend continue. There is an emphasis on redevelopment of the existing urban core.
Along with this new development and redevelopment, the community still considers the quality
of life for its residents a significant issue that must guide the changes and growth of the City.
Issues:
1. When growth rates fluctuate between moderate and high levels land use and planning
must constantly adjust to meet the demand of increased growth pressures. According
to the 2010 Decennial Census, of the 10 largest cities in Montana, Kalispell had the
highest growth rate since 2000. The City of Kalispell had a population of 19,927 at the
time of the 2010 Census. This represents a 40.1 percent increase since the 2000 Census
and about a 4 percent average annual population growth during that decade.
2. Growth has both positive and negative effects on quality of life. Along with a good
economy and examples of well -designed developments, the impacts of growth have
also included disruption of established neighborhoods, strain on public facilities and
services, environmental impacts, increasing traffic, escalating housing costs, and
changing cultural values.
3. Most of the outlying zoning districts were adopted between 1987 and 1993 and have
been applied throughout the growth policy area by the City and County as a result of
development pressure. The City and County regulations are not always consistent
leading to conflicts in development standards and haphazard development patterns.
4. Low -density development in outlying areas has created difficulties in the City's natural
expansion of its infrastructure (streets, parks, water, and sewer lines) to accommodate
the increase in the City's population.
111Page Community Growth & Design
5. The lack of coordinated planning between the City and County has led to strip
commercial development outside of the City limits along the highways leading into and
out of the City. This land use pattern further diminishes the existing commercial areas
of the City and adds to the deteriorating functionality of the federal highways system
outside of the City limits.
6. Finding ways of making infill growth more attractive and economical is necessary to
overcome the trend toward low -density rural scale development typical on the City's
fringes.
7. Information technology and the infrastructure needed to support it have changed
greatly in recent years and will likely continue to do so in the future.
GOALS:
1. RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD COMPLEMENT THE
COMMUNITY VALUES OF:
a. Creating walkable and bikeable neighborhoods
b. Design that integrates the new development into the surrounding neighborhood
c. De-emphasizing large parking lots adjacent to the street or highway and making the
building the prominent feature from the street or highway
2. IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE, EFFECTIVE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM THAT
RECOGNIZES AND UPHOLDS THE GENERAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.
3. ENCOURAGE HOUSING TYPES THAT PROVIDE HOUSING FOR ALL SECTORS AND INCOME
LEVELS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
4. TARGET THE DOWNTOWN AND CORE AREA FOR REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES BY
PROVIDING UPDATED INFRASTRUCTURE, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOPERS AND
PROPERTY OWNERS, AND DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES OR INCENTIVE ZONING.
5. COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF AND ENHANCE ADJACENT STREETS, PARKS, AND NATURAL FEATURES.
6. ENSURE KALISPELL IS EQUIPPED WITH THE TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO
CONNECT WITH GLOBAL MARKETS.
7. IMPLEMENT DESIGN STANDARDS AT THE HIGHWAY ENTRANCES TO THE CITY.
121Page Community Growth & Design
Policies:
1. Encourage resolution of disputes involving land use policy by broad participation,
education, compromise, and consideration of private property rights with that of the
neighborhood. Maintain mechanisms to provide for open, well -publicized public
processes.
2. Encourage consistent government policies for development and infrastructure within
urban areas.
3. Provide for land use changes which are complimentary to well -established residential
areas that have significant neighborhood and cultural integrity, such as Kalispell's
historic districts.
4. Design and locate development to protect public health and safety; ensure adequate
provision of services; and complement the character of its surroundings.
5. Development by the public sector should comply with the same standards and rules as
that of private sector development. Encourage, where feasible, development by the
private, rather than public sector.
6. Partnering between public and private sector should be considered when greater
efficiency of resources can be realized by both parties.
7. Encourage the design of urban public spaces such as local streets and public squares to
be central areas framed by buildings, creating a visual quality of partial enclosure.
8. Encourage the design of urban streets to provide for convenient circulation, safe
pedestrian access, and avoid excess road width that encourages speeding and makes
pedestrian crossing difficult.
9. Encourage the design of new developments to relate to significant features of the
surrounding area.
10. Encourage deployment of cutting edge information technology infrastructure to support
and attract residents and businesses, while ensuring the preservation of the historic and
cultural heritage and natural environmental of the community.
131Page Community Growth & Design
11. The highway entrances into the City should be developed as attractive gateways with
broad setbacks, landscaping, and multi -use trails that tie in with the pedestrian and
bicycle system.
Recommendations:
1. Maintain a municipal annexation program in conjunction with the City of Kalispell
Water, Sewer and Storm Drainage Systems Facility Plan to address service to fringe
developments.
2. Use the Kalispell potential utility service area plan as indicated in this document and
taken from the Kalispell Facility Plan as a guide when deciding the future use and
densities in a particular area.
3. Continually monitor, update, and streamline development codes to keep abreast of
changing trends and technologies, to better coordinate the development review
process, and to avoid unnecessary, costly delays in processing applications.
4. Encourage infill housing where public services are available by allowing guest cottages,
garage apartments and accessory dwellings when feasible.
5. All zoning district designations should be reviewed for conformance with this Growth
Policy. The City or neighborhoods may initiate zone changes in order to bring zoning into
compliance.
6. Develop and adopt design standards for the highway entrances into City.
141Page Community Growth & Design
Chapter 3: Housing
Affordable housing within the growth policy area is an important issue for the community.
Inflation of housing prices, increased demands due to population increases, and an expansion
of service related jobs have resulted in a need for additional moderate to low income level
homes. There is also a need for more diverse housing types such as townhomes,
condominiums and multi -family dwellings to accommodate smaller households.
Issues:
1. Kalispell's population is expected to grow by up to 38% over the next two decades,
increasing the demand for additional housing by as many as 3000 housing units by 2030.
2. The combination of increased housing prices and an expanding proportion of service
related jobs have produced a significant shortage of low and moderate -income housing.
3. As housing ownership for traditional detached single-family houses has become
increasingly more difficult for low and moderate income wage earners, the definition of
what constitutes affordable housing should be re-examined.
4. Kalispell has a high proportion of seniors with special needs. While most local housing
consists of single-family detached houses, demand is growing for a mix of housing types,
such as more one -person households, assisted living housing for seniors, townhouses,
apartment buildings, accessory apartments, and second homes.
5. There are relatively few quality rental housing options that are not single-family
residences, duplexes, or townhouses.
6. Residential development in Kalispell has often occurred in a piecemeal manner,
resulting in disjointed service delivery and a lack of community cohesiveness, expressed
as streets not linking neighborhoods together, limited water line looping, unplanned
and expensive sewer lift stations, and localized rather than regional storm water
solutions. Additionally, it has been difficult to acquire and develop community and
neighborhood parks, trail systems, and non -motorized connections.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY AND MIX OF HOUSING THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF
PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS IN TERMS OF COST, TYPE, DESIGN AND LOCATION.
151 Page Housing
Policies:
1. All residents should have the opportunity to live in neighborhoods that provide safe and
affordable housing.
2. City regulations should maintain standards to provide for varied affordable housing
types, including detached single-family housing on small lots down to 2,500 square feet,
townhomes, multi -family apartment buildings, and mixed use buildings.
3. Encourage the development of urban scale residential neighborhoods as the primary
residential land use pattern in the growth policy area. These developments should
incorporate design features that are either consistent with or anticipate the changing
character of the area.
4. Encourage the provision of an adequate supply of affordable housing to meet the needs
of low and moderate -income residents.
5. Give special consideration to functional design to accommodate seniors and disabled
residents who have various special needs regarding housing, transportation,
handicapped access, and services.
6. High -density housing developments and senior housing should be located in close
proximity to other necessary services and incorporate bus stops and shelters in their
design.
7. Allow low -impact home occupations that do not undermine a neighborhood's
residential character.
8. Maintain the integrity of existing residential districts so they are bicycle -safe and
pedestrian -friendly.
9. New residential subdivisions and multi -family developments should provide a full set of
urban improvements, including paved streets, curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, street
lighting, public water and sewer, well-connected network of existing or planned streets,
and other public services. When possible, neighborhoods should connect to and
complement the community's trail system.
161 Page Housing
10. On larger tracts of land, creative design and a mix of housing types is encouraged within
the overall density requirements to create more dynamic neighborhoods, to provide
more open space, and to protect sensitive resource areas.
11. Low -density residential (suburban) neighborhoods should be developed at a density
that does not exceed 4 dwelling units per acre on an overall site basis. An integrated
development plan within a suburban neighborhood could include:
a. Single-family homes on lots down to 5,000 square feet,
b. Zero lot line and patio homes, when accompanied by generous open spaces and
common areas, and
c. Townhomes.
12. Medium -density residential (urban) neighborhoods should be developed at densities
between four and twelve dwelling units per acre on an overall site basis. An integrated
development plan within an urban neighborhood could include:
a. Single-family homes on lots down to 2,500 square feet,
b. Zero lot line and patio homes, when accompanied by ample open spaces and
common areas,
c. Duplexes and triplexes,
d. Townhomes; and
e. Limited mixed uses.
13. High -density residential neighborhoods should be developed at densities up to 20 units
per acre, with some as high as 40 units per acre. An integrated development plan within
a high -density neighborhood could include:
a. Zero lot line and patio homes, with open spaces and common areas,
b. Triplexes and Four-plexes,
c. Multi -family, and
d. Mixed uses.
14. Residential neighborhoods should have convenient access to the transportation
network, business districts, parks, and schools via streets sidewalks and multi -use paths.
15. A variety of housing types and compatible land uses are encouraged in residential areas
and should be designed to fit scale and character of the neighborhood. Where
necessary, developers should utilize the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process to
craft development proposals that are both innovative and creative, while maintaining
the integrity and values of the community.
171 Page Housing
16. Encourage and promote the use of second floor residential units in the historic
downtown and in the redevelopment of the core area.
17. Invest in the creation of neighborhood plans that seek to revitalize and energize
deteriorated or blighted areas.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and implement an affordable housing strategy to effectively provide for the
needs of low and moderate -income residents.
2. Develop programs for rehabilitation of deteriorating and historically significant housing
and infrastructure.
3. Periodically review the zoning text and map to remain current with changing
technologies and policies.
4. Develop a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle network in the community that
includes the installation of new sidewalks and trails and the replacement of dilapidated
sidewalks and trails to better serve and connect neighborhoods, schools, parks, and
commercial areas.
5. Support the ongoing efforts of the Kalispell Community Development Department to
encourage the creation of affordable housing options and programs.
6. Maintain the integrity of the historical east and west side districts by recognizing the
existing streets as local streets rather than as collectors or minor arterials, specifically 3rd
Avenue East and 4 1 h Avenue East.
7. Foster the creation of neighborhood groups that are concerned with protecting and
promoting the character of their neighborhoods and can serve a resource for
revitalization efforts.
8. Encourage mixed uses to include residential units within the core area as it redevelops.
9. Identify older neighborhoods and areas of deteriorated or blighted housing stock and
develop programs to assist in their stabilization and repair.
181 Page Housing
10. Encourage regular, open communication between the City Council, the Impact Fee
Committee, and other boards and commissions as it relates to affordable housing.
191 Page Housing
Figure 2
Kalispell Subdivision Activity Map
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Chapter 4: Business
Kalispell is the retail, commercial, and government center for the Flathead Valley. Four major
commercial centers have developed through Kalispell's history. The first being Kalispell's
downtown, which emphasizes historic character and architecture while being more pedestrian
oriented. As an extension of the historic downtown, a redevelopment plan was recently
completed for the "Core Area," which calls for the removal of the rail lines and transitions the
district away from industrial uses toward a vibrant mixed -use, commercial, and retail
environment. The second commercial center is south of Kalispell's original residential
neighborhoods and the Flathead County Courthouse on Highway 93 South. This area has the
hallmarks of an auto -oriented commercial district where individual properties developed
independently with little thought given to pedestrians, landscaping or coordinated site design.
The third commercial district, located on the westside of downtown on Highway 2 West, has
declined significantly over the past twenty years, but reinvestment and redevelopment is
beginning to occur and more seems imminent given construction plans for the Alternate
Highway 93 (Kalispell Bypass), which crosses Highway 2 West on the west edge of the district.
This area serves as transitional zone to high -density residential neighborhoods to the
northwest. The fourth major commercial district has developed on Highway 93 North over the
past decade. This area is also auto -oriented, but incorporates coordinated site and landscape
designs that promote safety, functionality and aesthetics. In addition to the four major
commercial centers, the Kalispell Regional Medical Center provides an important contribution
to the economic diversity and prosperity of the area and has stimulated professional office
development in the neighborhood area surrounding the hospital.
Issues:
1. The main advantages of commercial corridors for businesses, such as highway visibility
and high vehicle traffic, present design problems, because they lack secondary street
access, bike and pedestrian access, and general aesthetic appeal.
2. Land with commercial zoning is available in the community but is sometimes located in
undesirable areas where infrastructure is either lacking or in need of upgrades.
3. Downtown Kalispell has been impacted by the loss of department stores and general
commercial dispersion.
4. Downtown Kalispell has been reinforced by the downtown shopping mall, expansion of
specialty stores, and rehabilitation of existing historical structures.
231Page Business
5. Auto -oriented design of commercial areas that lack pedestrian and bicycle access and
landscaping, have poorly designed parking lots, obtrusive signage, and reflect franchise
architecture contribute to visual clutter that diminish the quality of life in the area.
6. Design standards are sometimes inadequate in producing desirable results at a district
or neighborhood scale, especially in regards to community entrances and when districts
develop in a piecemeal way.
7. The Kalispell Downtown planning area has significant capacity for future growth and
infill. This current capacity has not been measured for a number of years. Knowing this
capacity can help in planning for downtown revitalization and in economic development
efforts.
8. A growing body of research is showing that In terms of dollars per -acre, mixed -use,
downtown parcels bring in, on average, significantly more property tax revenue than
conventional single -use commercial establishments on the outskirts of town.
GOALS:
1. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF PROSPEROUS COMMERCIAL
DISTRICTS, EACH WITH A VIABLE MIX OF BUSINESSES, SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND
A COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT PATTERN THAT REDUCES BUSINESS COSTS AND
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IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CORE AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN.
3. LARGE SCALE RETAIL SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP IN AN ARCHITECTURALLY
COMPATIBLE WAY AND WITH AN INTEGRATED SITE DESIGN INTERCONNECTING
DEVELOPMENTS WITH EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE PLANNED
DEVELOPMENTS RATHER THAN AS AN ISOLATED DEVELOPMENT.
4. PROVIDE ADEQUATE AREAS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY FOR COMMERCIAL EXPANSION
AND DEVELOPMENT.
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ENCROACHMENT OF INCOMPATIBLE USES AND PROVIDING SIGNIFICANT BUFFER AREAS
BETWEEN INCOMPATIBLE USES.
241Page Business
6. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT STANDARDS THAT ENSURE NEW DEVELOPMENTS ARE SAFE,
ATTRACTIVE, AND FUNCTIONAL.
Policies:
1. Central business district (Downtown and Core Area neighborhoods):
a. Recognize the downtown and core area neighborhoods as the center of the
community.
b. Work to create and support a prosperous core of retailers, restaurants and
entertainment uses that keeps the central business district active and vibrant.
c. Reinforce and take advantage of downtown's strengths including its higher
concentration of people, investment in buildings and infrastructure, intricate mix of
land uses, historic and architectural character, pedestrian orientation, and visitor
attraction.
d. Recognize that there are special parking considerations downtown which differ from
other areas. Encourage innovative parking management, effective regulation of on -
street parking, shared parking provisions, parking standards that encourage reuse of
upper floors, and provision of public parking lots and structures.
e. Encourage rehabilitation and reuse of existing downtown buildings.
f. Redevelopment in the downtown should consider the downtown's historic character
and be compatible with the existing built environment.
g. Support redevelopment by improving infrastructure to assist the development
community.
h. Encourage development and redevelopment by creating incentives for developers to
off -set infrastructure and other site costs.
i. Redevelopment is encouraged to integrate a variety of residential housing types to
accommodate people of different age groups and income levels.
j. Support and encourage the concentration of community events, civic functions, and
activities in the downtown.
2. Neighborhood Commercial Areas:
a. Establish neighborhood commercial areas designed to provide convenient goods and
services that address the daily needs of the immediate neighborhood.
b. Neighborhood commercial areas should generally be three to five acres in size and
be spaced one-half to one mile apart. Sites should be configured to enable
clustering of neighborhood commercial businesses, emphasizing bike and pedestrian
access.
c. Uses should be architecturally designed, landscaped and buffered to fit the
surrounding neighborhood.
251Page Business
3. General Commercial
a. Established commercial districts 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.
b. 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
district and leapfrog development.
c. 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.
d. 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.
4. Highway Community Entrance:
a. Emphasize the objective of a pleasing entrance to the City that encourages highway
landscaping.
b. In designated mixed use areas, allow for a compatible mix of office, commercial,
light industrial, residential, and public facilities.
c. Encourage the use of innovative land use regulations to achieve a pleasing
community entrance.
d. Encourage highway commercial development to adhere to the following design
guidelines:
i. Encourage access by a secondary street or use of shared driveways and
interconnected parking lots where secondary street access is not feasible.
ii. Increase building and parking lot setbacks.
iii. Incorporate pedestrian and bicycle facilities into landscaped frontages.
iv. Landscape highway frontage and parking lots to enhance development sites and
reduce visual impacts of development.
V. Keep signs simple to reduce clutter and allow rapid comprehension by highway
motorists without undue distraction. Encourage variety and creativity in sign
design.
vi. Outdoor storage, machinery, utilities, trash dumpsters, service bays, antennas,
rooftop equipment, and similar accessory facilities should be hidden or screened
from public view to protect aesthetic qualities.
261Page Business
vii. Outdoor lighting should be low intensity, directed downward and shielded to
prevent glare.
viii. Allow for storm water facilities in landscaped areas when consistent and
complementary with the overall design.
5. Urban Mixed -Use Areas:
a. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and employment
areas that provide easy connections between existing commercial and residential
neighborhoods.
b. A complete system of pedestrian and bike paths is important in mixed -use areas.
c. Expand the depth of urban highway commercial areas as mixed -use corridors, in
order to provide an alternative to linear commercial development, concentrate
more intensive uses along traffic arterials, improve business district circulation and
transportation efficiency areas, by secondary street access, provide flexibility for
larger development sites, and expand small business opportunities.
d. Within these corridor areas, provide for higher -intensity, mixed -use areas roughly
two blocks on both sides of urban highways. As distance from the highway
increases, create a gradual transition into the residential neighborhoods by
encouraging multi -family, offices and other compatible uses as a transition tool with
sensitivity to compatible design.
e. Avoid encroachment into established, intact residential areas.
f. Allow a compatible mix of higher -intensity uses including office as well as some
commercial and light industrial; medium and high -density residential and public
facilities.
Recommendations:
1. Historical character of the downtown area should be enhanced with compatible
architectural design of buildings.
2. Adequate consideration should be given to parcel boundaries to avoid splitting lots into
different zoning districts when reasonable.
3. Develop design standards for highway community entrance areas that incorporate
design guidelines outlined in this section.
4. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and employment
areas in order to provide easy access to existing commercial and residential
neighborhoods.
271Page Business
5. When large-scale development may have significant impacts on the community, studies
should be provided to assist in assessing impacts including analysis related to traffic,
infrastructure and the cost of providing services.
6. Establish development standards that encourage residential mixed -use development in
established commercial and light industrial areas.
7. Reinforce the major strengths of downtown which are its central location; its density
and intricate mix of land uses, its historic districts and appealing pedestrian
environment, its civic functions as the seat of City and County government, and its
symbolic importance as the center of community.
8. Explore ways the City of Kalispell can create financial and other incentives to encourage
improvements that lead to the redevelopment of unused existing commercial and
downtown housing space.
9. Continue to monitor and enforce sign standards and policies so non -conforming signs
are removed and replaced with conforming, attractive signage.
10. Encourage design standards for commercial projects that contribute to community
character.
281Page Business
Chapter 5: Industry
Kalispell's downtown and core area was once the hub of industrial activity for the City. Over
the last 50 years this industrial hub has changed to a mix of commercial, retail and service -
based businesses. The City is now encouraging industrial development at a planned "rail park"
on the east side of the City, north of U.S. Highway 2, and near the south boundary of the City
away from the historic downtown and residential neighborhoods, where industrial land uses
are less likely to impact residential and retail areas.
Issues:
1. As technology and the economy have evolved the demand for traditional
industrial/manufacturing sites with rail access have declined, and the need for areas
with full urban services in high-tech industrial park settings have increased.
2. Traditional higher paying construction and manufacturing jobs have declined steeply
since 2008, while lower -paying retail, service and tourist oriented jobs have held steady
or increased somewhat.
3. The health care and social assistance employment sector has improved steadily over the
past decade.
4. There is a need for light industrial property as part of the future growth of Kalispell, but
no quantifiable information is available that assesses market conditions, absorption
GOALS:
potential and vacancy rates.
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DISTRICTS, EACH WITH A VIABLE MIX OF BUSINESSES, SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND
A COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT PATTERN THAT REDUCES BUSINESS COSTS AND
INCREASES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
2. HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE WITHIN INDUSTRIAL
AREAS.
3. PROVIDE ADEQUATE AREAS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY FOR INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION
AND DEVELOPMENT.
291 Page Industry
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OF INCOMPATIBLE USES.
5. IMPLEMENT STANDARDS THAT ENSURE A HIGH QUALITY FUNCTION AND DESIGN IN
NEW DEVELOPMENT.
6. DEVELOP A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF FUTURE INDUSTRIAL NEEDS IN ORDER TO BE
RESPONSIVE TO POTENTIAL GROWTH.
Policies:
1. Designate adequate and suitable areas for industrial uses.
2. Consider the addition of some high-tech industrial uses within commercially zoned
areas.
3. These areas should have adequate access to rail, highway, and airport facilities and be
of sufficient size to allow for future expansion.
4. Continue to work with the Flathead County Economic Development Authority on the
development of the former McElroy and Wilkins gravel pit site into now a rail served
industrial park.
5. Encourage non -rail served industrial businesses to locate in the appropriately -zoned
areas along the Highway 93 South corridor.
Recommendations:
1. When large-scale development may have significant impacts on the community, studies
should be provided to assist in assessing impacts including analysis related to traffic,
infrastructure and the cost of providing services.
2. Explore ways the City of Kalispell can create financial and other incentives to encourage
improvements that lead to the redevelopment of underutilized lots with zoned for
industrial uses.
301 Page Industry
Chapter 6: Agriculture
The preservation of agricultural lands within the Growth Policy Planning Area is important for
maintaining the rural character of the Flathead Valley and for the fulfillment of a logical,
efficient pattern of planned growth. When land is developed at low densities, just outside the
City limits, but within the Growth Policy Planning Area, without the benefit of City services and
other required subdivision improvements, these areas become a hindrance for future urban
scale development within the City and take viable agricultural lands out of production. When
new urban scale developments are proposed that require Kalispell's services, the City must
often "leap frog" past these subdivisions, compounding infrastructure development costs and
straining public services. The western and northern portions of the planning area have a
significant amount of agricultural land. However, since the year 2000, it is estimated that 1,200
acres (just under 2 square miles) of agricultural land was converted to mainly medium -density
residential subdivisions.
The last several decades have seen the emergence of "urban agriculture" as a concept that
seeks to foster and maintain local food systems where all aspects of food production and
processing are carried out in relatively close proximity to the consumers. The belief is that
when local food systems are supported it enhances the health, economy, society and
environment of that area. Maintaining agricultural areas adjacent to the City of Kalispell is a
community value.
Issues:
1. Development of agricultural lands that provide a source of food and wood products,
export income, scenic open space, wildlife habitat are at risk because of economic and
development pressures.
2. Agriculture in the urban / rural fringe areas although a traditional component of the
regional economy, is in transition resulting in the conversion of agricultural land to
residential subdivisions that can create conflicts between existing agriculture and
expanding City urban and suburban scale densities.
3. Rural lands close to the City are an important part of the City's future urban expansion
area and can be vulnerable to untimely low density development that is not supported
by urban services and facilities.
311 Page Agriculture
4. Conservation easements and similar voluntary mechanisms have become successful
methods of conserving agricultural land, but no local government programs currently
exist to purchase development rights.
5. High land costs are a major impediment to maintaining and expanding the farming
business.
GOALS:
1. MAINTAIN A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY BASED PRIMARILY ON SMALL
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CLOSE TO THE CITY LIMITS.
4. DISCOURAGE SUBURBAN AND EXURBAN PATTERNS OF GROWTH ON AGRICULTURAL
LANDS SURROUNDING THE CITY.
5. WORK CLOSELY WITH THE COUNTY ON PRESERVING AGRICULTURAL LANDS WITHIN THE
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Policies:
1. Encourage and create incentives to conserve agricultural lands.
2. Encourage urban growth only on agricultural lands entirely within the City's annexation
policy boundary.
3. Encourage the use of conservation easements to protect productive agricultural lands
outside of the City's annexation policy boundary.
4. Encourage infill development within the existing City limits to maintain the important
agricultural lands on the City's fringe.
5. Agricultural lands classified as prime farmland, prime farmland if irrigated or farmlands
of statewide importance should only be developed to urban scale densities at such time
municipal services are available to the area and they are within the City's annexation
policy boundary.
321 Page Agriculture
6. Support right to farm language in developments adjacent to or in close proximity of
farmland.
Recommendations:
1. Cooperation between the City and county governmental bodies should be fostered so
that development or redevelopment of the agricultural and rural areas close to urban
services can be easily accomplished.
2. Suburban and rural areas that are in close proximity to the City limits and public services
should be developed in such a way that accommodates future redevelopment to a
higher density.
331 Page Agriculture
Chapter 7: The Economy
The Kalispell area has a diverse economy with health care, retail trade, tourism, manufacturing,
and construction being the largest contributors to the local economy, followed closely by
professional and administrative services and wholesale trade. Farming and forestry are still
important in the overall economic picture in the Flathead Valley, although there has been a
decline in these sectors over the past several decades. In recent years, the largest gains in the
local economy have been in the health care and financial services fields.
Issues:
1. Although Kalispell functions as the commercial, retail, health care, educational and
government center of Flathead County, it comprises only 22% of the area's population.
2. In 2012, the population in Kalispell over 16 years of age was estimated at 15,271 people
with an estimated 10,213 (67%) of those people in the labor force. By comparison,
Flathead County has 72,254 people over 16 years of age, with 46,661 (65%) in the labor
force.
3. The unemployment rate for Flathead County in 2013 was the lowest it has been since
2008, with a low of 5.9% in September.
4. Median household income for Kalispell was estimated to be $39,371 in 2012.
5. The traditional economic base of the Kalispell area industries including wood products
manufacturing, metal refining, railroad, and agriculture was replaced during the 1990's
with more service and tourism based, lower paying jobs and this continues today.
6. The retail (5,504 jobs), health care (5,125 jobs), government (4,998 local, state & federal
jobs) and accommodations/food services (4,830 jobs) sectors of the economy provide
55% of the employment base for the Kalispell and are responsible for creating most of
the new jobs in the area.
7. The average health care position ($42,000 per year) and government position ($40,000
per year) pays above Flathead County's average annual per capita wage of $34,458, but
the retail and food service sectors are below the average at $25,000 and $14,700 per
capita, respectively.
351Page The Economy
8. The lack of a joint planning policy between the City and County for the area around
Kalispell presents challenges in providing sound infrastructure, growth management,
and environmental protection, but also offers an opportunity to strengthen the local
economy if a joint policy can be agreed upon.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE FOR AND ENCOURAGE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF JOBS, HIGHER MEDIAN
INCOME FOR THOSE JOBS, AND A STABLE, DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY.
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INDUSTRIES IN THE COMMUNITY.
3. STRENGTHEN KALISPELL AS A REGIONAL RETAIL CENTER THAT STRIVES TO CAPTURE
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4. STRENGTHEN KALISPELL AS A REGIONAL HEALTH CARE CENTER THAT PROVIDES A
BROAD SPECTRUM OF HEALTH CARE RELATED SERVICES WITH DIAGNOSTIC,
THERAPEUTIC, AND VARIED MEDICAL SERVICES AVAILABLE.
5. NEW BUSINESS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE IN THE DOWNTOWN AND CORE
AREA.
Policies:
1. The growth policy should be a key element in guiding economic development efforts.
2. Encourage a land -use pattern that supports viable business and industrial districts that
integrate a residential component but does not negatively impact or encroach into well -
established residential neighborhoods.
3. Provide adequate space for growth that carefully considers the type, location, and
design of industrial sites, shopping areas, and tourist facilities.
4. Provide for adequate infrastructure and public services to support viable business and
industrial districts.
5. Work with educational institutions such as the Flathead Valley Community College to
provide technical education and training programs that meet the needs of new or
expanding job markets.
361Page The Economy
6. Work with business and industrial associations to promote and coordinate business and
industry in accordance with the growth policy.
7. Work with economic development organizations to further growth policy goals and
policies and to encourage countywide coordination of their efforts.
8. Support the Kalispell area's position as a regional commercial center and a location of
major health care, government, industrial facilities and retail services.
9. Support activities to ensure that the Central Business District remains strong and viable
by protecting and promoting the historic district; make downtown more aesthetically
appealing; cater to the needs of the pedestrian; promote downtown events and
activities; encourage a compatible mix of retail, restaurants, services, entertainment,
and housing.
10. Support amenities and activities that promote the Kalispell area as a retirement,
tourism, convention, and arts destination.
Recommendations:
1. Support the business improvement districts (BID) to strengthen commercial districts
within the City.
2. Coordinate with Flathead Job Service and other organizations to develop jobs within the
City.
3. Pursue grants to help with economic development and locating businesses within the
City.
4. Develop incentives for business and industry that offer higher paying wages to
encourage them to locate within the City.
5. Focus efforts on the downtown and core area neighborhood for grants to assist in
business retention, expansion and attraction.
371Page The Economy
Chapter 8: Natural Environment
Important natural resource and environmental factors in the growth policy area include hydrology,
floodplains, air quality, steep slopes, soil limitations, wildfire hazards, trees, forest cover, wildlife
habitat, and agricultural lands. The topography and geography of the Kalispell growth policy area
presents certain development constraints due to wetlands, steep slopes, floodplains, and hydric
soils. Most of the growth policy area consists of nearly level alluvial lands, bottom lands, and low
terraces. The Flathead, Whitefish, and Stillwater Rivers in the eastern half of the growth policy
area are part of a large riparian complex which creates a large floodplain area. Steep slopes in the
southwest portion of the growth policy area pose limitations to development. The steep slopes in
combination with timberlands create wildfire hazards. Productive farmlands in the southern and
northern part of the growth policy area contribute to the cultural, economic, and historic character
of the growth policy area.
Issues:
1. The natural environment is an important part of what makes the area an appealing
place to live which may be jeopardized as unplanned growth occurs.
2. Various key sectors of the area's economy depend upon and impact the natural
environment.
3. Development of the farming, ranching and woodland areas reduce open space that
functions in a practical and productive manner.
4. The 100-year floodplain is prevalent in many areas and poses significant development
limitations due to federal permitting requirements, fill limitations, and subdivision
restrictions.
5. Soil stability and erosion pose limitations on development on or near sloping sites,
particularly along the high banks of the Whitefish and Stillwater Rivers.
6. Water quality continues to be an important issue to the community and ways to avoid
nutrient loading and other forms of water contamination to the Flathead River Basin
become critical.
7. Water quality has the potential to be degraded by development due to erosion, storm
water discharge and on -site sewage treatment systems.
391Page Natural Environment
8. Wildlife and wildlife habitat is being displaced by residential development resulting in
the loss of important habitat.
9. Areas disturbed during development of subdivision roads, building sites and other
construction activity can contribute to erosion and the spread of noxious weeds if not
properly restored and maintained.
10. There is a high degree of exchange between the surface and groundwater in the
Flathead River system. The shallow aquifer is connected to the Flathead River and helps
to maintain high water quality in the river and is particularly vulnerable to
contamination by human activities.
11. The City's street tree inventory is largely split between very mature trees and young
trees installed as part of new subdivisions in the past ten years.
12. The City's street tree population was heavily impacted by Dutch Elm Disease, and the
removal of the dead trees has exceeded the Parks Department's financial and personnel
resource capacities creating a backlog of deferred maintenance
GOALS:
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RESOURCE VALUES INCLUDING AIR, WATER, SOIL, AND VEGETATION.
2. DEVELOPMENT NEAR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS SHOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED
SO THAT THESE FEATURES ARE LEFT IN A RELATIVELY UNDISTURBED STATE.
3. HIGH LEVELS OF AIR QUALITY AND WATER QUALITY SHOULD BE MAINTAINED THROUGH
DESIGN STANDARDS.
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CORRIDORS.
5. PROTECT THE HEALTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE OF
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6. PROTECT WETLAND AND RIPARIAN AREAS SINCE THEY ARE IMPORTANT IN FLOOD
PROTECTION, MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY, AND PROVIDING HABITAT.
401Page Natural Environment
Policies:
1. Encourage infill, clustering, and other compact development patterns to lessen impacts
on sensitive lands.
2. Implement measures to assist in maintaining high water quality and load reduction for
the Flathead Basin.
3. Development in areas that have known high groundwater in close proximity to public
utilities should be discouraged until such time as public sewer is available.
4. Filling of wetlands and the 100 year floodplain should be avoided.
5. Noxious weed controls should be implemented through revegetation of disturbed areas
immediately after development along with adequate controls after development.
6. Diversion, channelization, and diking of natural rivers and streams are generally
prohibited by federal and state regulations and should be prohibited.
7. Protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat should be encouraged through conscientious
actions such as not feeding large wild animal species, maintaining important habitat
areas, and limiting loose dogs.
8. Wildlife travel corridors should be conserved and maintained possibly through
easements or other voluntary restrictions.
9. To prevent compromises to the built and natural environment, utilities shall be placed
underground in new developments, hilltop or ridgetop development should be avoided,
signage should be simple and unobtrusive, and lighting shall be dark -sky compliant.
10. Development should be designed to avoid and minimize impacts to the environmentally
sensitive areas including:
a. The 100-year flood plain
b. Wetlands, riparian areas and shallow aquifers
c. Streams and rivers
d. Steep slopes
e. High bank areas adjacent to the Whitefish and Stillwater Rivers and their
tributaries.
411Page Natural Environment
11. A healthy, sustainable urban forest along city streets, in parks and open space lands, and
on private property is vital to the quality of life in the community, the value of property,
and mitigating other environmental impacts.
Recommendations:
1. The City should coordinate with the County in developing a community -wide drainage
plan encompassing the City and surrounding suburbs, to reduce water pollution and
flooding.
2. Coordinate regulatory programs involving floodplains, wetlands, and riparian areas,
including unstable river banks, steep slopes, wildlife habitat, and water quality.
3. Limit and mitigate impacts related to outdoor lighting by enforcing dark sky compliant
lighting regulations.
4. Protect the shallow aquifers as sensitive water quality zones and establish performance
standards.
5. Develop and implement a non -point source pollution abatement plan for the growth
policy area.
6. Develop an Urban Forestry Management Plan for the City that describes the tree
inventory of the City, identifies short and long range management prescriptions, lays out
the resources needed to manage the resource, and proposes strategies for maintaining
and managing the City's tree and forest cover.
7. Work with developers early in the process to maintain and protect existing trees when
development is proposed and consider providing parkland credits when significant trees
or stands of trees are protected in long-term conservation easements.
421Page Natural Environment
Figure 3
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Chapter 9: Downtown and Core Area
Kalispell's downtown and core area both developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's, and
have played a prominent role in the City's history and development. The downtown, located
along Main Street south of Center Street to the Flathead County Courthouse and several blocks
to the east and west, remains the heart of the community and serves as an important economic
contributor in the City as a tourism destination and as a home to a number of local businesses.
The core area, situated between First Street and Washington Street and the City -limits on east
and west, was once the vibrant industrial center of Kalispell. In recent years, with the general
exodus of industry and decline of rail accessibility, the core area has begun to show signs of
blight and neglect and is ripe for redevelopment. The downtown and core area are the historic
and cultural identity of the community with a history museum, an arts museum, and numerous
historic buildings constructed during the City's early years.
Issues:
1. Excessive through traffic in the downtown and core area detracts from the preservation
and maintenance of the historical and cultural character and undermines pedestrian
and bicycle safety and access.
2. The central business district lacks cohesiveness and a strong cultural center.
3. Water mains are absent on the west side of Main Street making it challenging to install
fire suppression systems to meet current fire safety codes.
4. Retrofitting existing buildings in the Downtown to meet City building code requirements
can be excessive in costs and be detrimental to maintaining the historic integrity of the
building.
5. Development and other changes in the downtown can be incompatible with the scale,
patterns, landmarks, and architecture of its surroundings.
6. The railroad corridor in the core area was once a major economic contributor to the
City, but is now a barrier to vehicle and pedestrian movement that is deterring
reinvestment and redevelopment.
GOALS:
1. ENCOURAGE DESIGN THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE
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ACCESS.
451Page Downtown and Core Area
2. DIVERT HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC FROM THE DOWNTOWN AND SURROUNDING
NEIGHBORHOODS.
3. NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE AND
ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AS A RETIREMENT AND TOURISM DESTINATION.
4. STRENGTHEN THE DOWNTOWN AS A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CENTER OF THE
COMMUNITY AND A VIABLE COMMERCIAL CENTER FOR RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.
5. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE KALISPELL TRADITIONAL TOWNSCAPE OF MAIN STREET AND
NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS DESIGNED FOR SLOWER VEHICLE TRAFFIC, WALKING,
BICYCLING AND HISTORIC TOWN ATMOSPHERE.
6. ENCOURAGE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF BUILDINGS IN THE DOWNTOWN TO INCLUDE A
MIX OF USES.
7. CREATE A VIBRANT MIXED -USE NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE CORE AREA BUILT AROUND THE
RAIL -TRAIL CORRIDOR.
Policies:
1. Development and other changes in downtown should be compatible with the scale,
patterns, landmarks, and architecture of its surroundings.
2. Promote a mix of uses in downtown buildings emphasizing retail uses on the main floor
and offices or residential uses on upper floors.
3. Encourage residential density in the downtown and particularly in the core area as it
redevelops.
4. Encourage the design of urban streets to provide for convenient circulation, safe
pedestrian and bicycle access and avoid excess road width that encourages speeding
and makes roadway crossings difficult.
5. Encourage the design of new development to relate to significant features of the
surrounding area.
6. Promote street reconstruction that includes upgrading water mains and fire suppression
lines to individual buildings.
461Page Downtown and Core Area
7. Implement the Core Area Plan, including its goals, strategies, and policies.
Recommendations:
1. Encourage completion of the Highway 93 Alternate Route that will divert through traffic
from the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
2. Upon completion of the Highway 93 Alternate Route, work with the Montana
Department of Transportation to turn control of Main Street back to the City.
3. Enhance safe pedestrian and bicycle access through the downtown and surrounding
neighborhoods by reconstructing streets to include wider sidewalks, on -street parking,
bulb -outs at designated intersections and bike lanes.
4. Provide for the redevelopment of existing and historic buildings in the downtown
through the use of historic building codes in addition to the International Building
Codes.
5. Establish a capital improvement fund for Main Street in the downtown to enhance its
character as a traditional "Main Street" versus its function as a federal highway.
6. Undertake a study and develop a plan for the downtown area to identify and address
concerns associated with parking, utilities, traffic flow, pedestrian and bicycle safety,
building maintenance, and economic vitality.
7. Seek funding opportunities to spur redevelopment and reinvestment in the core area.
8. Develop specific design standards for the downtown and core area in order to give
better guidance to the development community and the Kalispell Architectural Review
Committee.
471Page Downtown and Core Area
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Chapter 10: Historic and Cultural Conservation
The Flathead Valley is rich in cultural and natural history. The Kalispell townsite was initially
developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of the historical buildings that were
constructed during that time still remain and play an important role in defining the rich
historical and cultural character of the community and neighborhoods.
Issues:
1. Excessive traffic detracts from the historical and cultural character of the downtown and
surrounding areas, and undermines pedestrian safety.
2. Historic landmarks have been identified inside the City of Kalispell but have not been
identified outside of the City.
3. Rapid local growth and change, as experienced in recent years, can undermine local
character of the built environment as well as its patterns, landmarks, and familiar
features and can detract from the community's quality of life.
4. The central business district lacks cohesiveness and a strong cultural center.
5. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and downtown can
be incompatible with the scale, patterns, landmarks, and architecture of its
surroundings.
6. The downtown and surrounding neighborhoods have aged infrastructure that limits or
prohibits the redevelopment of certain blocks in this area of the City.
GOALS:
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BENEFIT OF PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
2. ENCOURAGE DESIGN THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE
CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND THAT PROMOTES SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN
ACCESS AND MOVEMENT.
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OF MAIN STREET.
511Page Historical and Cultural Conservation
4. NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE AND
ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AS A RETIREMENT AND TOURISM DESTINATION.STRENGTHEN THE
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S. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE KALISPELL'S TRADITIONAL TOWNSCAPE OF MAIN STREET AND
NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS DESIGNED FOR SLOWER VEHICLE TRAFFIC, WALKING AND
HISTORIC TOWN ATMOSPHERE.
6. PRESERVE KALISPELL'S NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT THAT INCLUDES MORE
THAN 1,000 HOUSES, MAIN STREET AND COURTHOUSE CIRCLE, ALL CONSTRUCTED
DURING THE EARLY YEARS.
Policies:
1. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and downtown
should be compatible with the scale, patterns, landmarks, and architecture of its
surroundings.
2. Identify historic and cultural resources, and encourage the upkeep and rehabilitation of
historically and culturally significant structures and sites, consistent with national
rehabilitation guidelines.
3. Discourage the demolition of historically or culturally significant structures and sites.
4. Support the efforts of private owners and conservation groups to identify, protect,
rehabilitate, and reuse historic and cultural resources.
5. Support the Hockaday Museum, Conrad Mansion, the Museum at Central School, and
the Library as cultural centers in the downtown and historic districts, and maintain their
presence in the downtown and core area.
Recommendations:
1. Establish a local heritage commission to identify local landmarks, review alterations of
these landmarks, expand public outreach and education and further historical and
cultural conservation goals.
2. Encourage development of alternative arterials that will divert through traffic from the
downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
521Page Historical and Cultural Conservation
3. Enhance safe pedestrian access through the downtown and surrounding
neighborhoods.
4. Review and update as necessary the City of Kalispell Architectural Design Standards in
relation to reflect the best management practices for historic and cultural preservation.
5. Develop and implement way -finding strategies for the downtown and historic districts.
531Page Historical and Cultural Conservation
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Chapter 11: 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 406
acres of parkland, including 138 acres under permanent easement from the State of Montana
for the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex (Kidsports). The parkland inventory includes 321 acres
of active parkland and 73 acres of natural open space. Kalispell also owns 12 acres of
undeveloped land.
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.
Issues:
1. Park system renovations have been historically under -funded and the deferred
maintenance is leading to an overall decline in recreation assets.
2. Minor improvements and repairs are sometimes deferred due to insufficient staffing
and financial resources.
3. Quality park land is being lost to development and land values are increasing, making it
more difficult and costly to acquire on the open market.
4. Trails consistently rank high in community surveys, yet the City lacks a comprehensive
network of trails, sidewalks and bike lanes.
5. Although wetlands, creeks and, river corridors create barriers to development, they can
provide ideal locations for regional greenways and trail systems.
6. The City lacks public indoor recreation spaces, a performing arts center, and public
meeting spaces.
7. As of 2013, nearly 25 percent of Kalispell's population is under the age of 18,
highlighting the need for youth recreation activities.
571Page Parks and Recreation
8. As of 2013, more than 15 percent of the City's population is over the age of 65, and this
age group has increased by over 70 percent since 1980. This trend is expected to
continue.
9. 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. The
deficit becomes more pronounced as the City boundary and population expand.
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 DEVELOPMENT OF A CITY-WIDE PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE SYSTEM WITH PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS AS THE FOUNDATION.
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.
581Page Parks and Recreation
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.
7. Encourage the use of conservation easements that include public recreation access in
order to provide open spaces that complement the park and open space system.
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. Update the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan in the year 2015.
591Page Parks and Recreation
Figure 6
Kalispell Growth Policy Planning Area Parks and Recreation Facilities Map
LABEL
A
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Legend
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City of Kalispell
- Alternate Hwy 93 Complete
Alternate Hwy 93 Planned 2016-2018
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- County Park or Open Space
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Other Open Space
0 0.5 1
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Map created by
City of Kalispell
Planning Department
(406) 758-7940
Map Date: May 5, 2014
Chapter 12: Transportation
This chapter is based on the findings and recommendations contained within the 2006 Kalispell
Area Transportation Plan, updated in 2008. The 2006 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan was a
major update to the City's 1993 Transportation Plan. The 2006 Plan was written in direct
response to the rapid growth Kalispell experienced in the years from 2000 to 2006, and includes
the US Highway 93 Bypass in the modeling of future traffic impacts for the growth policy area.
The 2006 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 2006 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
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. As of 2014, only the south four miles and the north half -mile of the Alternate Highway
93 route have been constructed. A gap of three miles still exists from Highway 2 at the
south to Reserve Loop on the north, which is expected to be constructed by 2017.
631 Page Transportation
8. 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.
9. The community lacks an overall pedestrian and bicycle travel plan connecting schools,
parks, shopping areas, and community facilities with neighborhoods.
10. The narrow two-lane segment of Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street and
West Reserve Drive is substandard with volumes of traffic expected to nearly double in
the next 15 years.
11. 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.
12. No funding program is in place to upgrade substandard existing or newly annexed
streets to urban standards.
13. Excess traffic along Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East degrades the residential
character of the East Side Neighborhood.
14. Congestion from commuter traffic and on -street parking in and around the Flathead
High School degrades the residential character of the West Side Neighborhood.
15. Public transportation is limited.
16. Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East do not connect.
17. Funding and construction of roadway improvement projects is time consuming,
expensive, and subject to delays.
18. The railroad tracks running east -west through core area significantly restricts north -
south vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and emergency responder access.
19. There are approximately 150 miles of roadway (125.5 miles of city streets and alleys +
23.5 miles of MDOT secondary and urban routes) in the City and their conditions range
641 Page Transportation
from excellent to poor, based on the City's Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating
(PASER) System.
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 STREETS APPROACH TO RIGHT-OF-WAY DEVELOPMENT THAT
BALANCES VEHICLE USAGE WITH TRANSIT AND NON -MOTORIZED MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION, SO THEY MAYBE 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 AN ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION BETWEEN KIDSPORTS AND
WHITEFISH STAGE ROAD.
Policies:
1. Use a complete streets 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.
65 1 Page Transportation
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. Recognize the need to maintain and protect the residential and pedestrian character
and integrity of the Woodland Avenue area by avoiding the construction of a roadway
connection to 7th Ave East and developing a bike and pedestrian trail instead.
10. Support the development of either a motorized or non -motorized bridge over the
Stillwater River to connect 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 2006 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: The purpose of principle arterials is to serve the major
activity centers, the highest traffic volume corridors, and the longest trip
distances in an urbanized area. Significant intra-area travel, such as between
central business districts and outlying residential areas. Principal arterials
661 Page Transportation
generally connect to other principal arterials, minor arterials and some collector
streets. Speeds can vary between 25 and 65 miles per hour (MPH), depending
on the setting. Traffic volumes would carry between 10,000 and 35,000 vehicles
per day (VPD). Principal arterials in the planning area include:
i. US Highway 2 (including Idaho Street and LaSalle Road)
ii. US Highway 93 (including Main Street and Sunset Boulevard)
iii. Alternate US Highway 93 (new bypass road west of City)
iv. MT Highway 35
v. Reserve Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road (US 2)
b. Minor Arterials: Minor arterials interconnect with and augment the principal
arterials. They accommodate moderate length trips and distribute traffic to
smaller geographic areas. Speeds typically range from 25 to 55 MPH. Traffic
volumes carry between 5,000 to 15,000 VPD.
c. Collector streets: Collectors serve a joint purpose of traffic movement and
access to residential, commercial and industrial areas. These roads may traverse
residential neighborhoods and distribute trips from arterials to ultimate
destinations or local streets. Traffic is slower, with speeds of 25 to 45 MPH.
Collector streets typically serve a defined neighborhood and carry 2,000 to
10,000 VPD.
d. Local: The local street system includes all other roadways not included in the
higher levels. They provide direct access to abutting lots and buildings and
higher level roads. Speeds are usually 25 MPH. Volumes are expected to be less
than 2,000 VPD.
Recommendations:
1. Review and update the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan in 2016 with an emphasis on
identifying and updating important components, rather than a comprehensive update.
2. Study and consider alternatives to using Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East as
minor arterials north of 141" Street East to Second Street East in order to protect the
integrity of the residential areas.
3. Explore alternative funding sources and methods for developing alternative modes of
transportation.
671 Page Transportation
4. Develop alternative funding sources and expanded programs for transportation
upgrades.
5. Develop a comprehensive pedestrian / bike plan for the community.
6. Develop and 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 avoid costly
replacement projects.
7. Connect Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East with a bike and pedestrian trail.
8. Develop a capital improvement program that provides a plan for implementing the
Transportation System Management and Major Street Network improvements
presented in the 2006 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan with 2008 update.
9. Complete the Alternate US Highway 93 route from US Highway 2 to Reserve Loop as
four lane principal arterial, complete with interchanges at US 2, Three Mile Drive, Four
Mile Drive, and Reserve Loop.
10. Develop Four Mile Drive from Stillwater Road to Kidsports as the number one priority of
"urban funding" from the Montana Department of Transportation.
11. Apply for and obtain grants to study and improve the traffic control system
performance.
681 Page Transportation
Figure 7
City of Kalispell Growth Policy Planning Area
Transportation System Map
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PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL
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Map created by
City of Kalispell
Planning Department
(40s) 759-7940
Map Date: May 5, 2014
Chapter 13: Sand and Gravel Resources
Sand and gravel are important natural resources found throughout Flathead County. While
large amounts of gravel are located throughout the Flathead valley, sand is a resource that is
more limited. Sand and gravel provide the foundation upon which our infrastructure is built.
While there is currently no active gravel extraction in the City limits of Kalispell, there are
several active gravel resources on the outskirts of the City limits. With a continued high level of
construction activity and with major projects such as Hwy 93 reconstruction looming on the
horizon, the pressure to provide nearby sources of sand and gravel will only intensify.
Issues:
1. Sand and gravel extraction operations within the planning area generally conflict with
residential land uses.
2. Sand and gravel resources are essential for infrastructure development and having them
conveniently located is financially beneficial for the community.
GOALS:
1. SAND AND GRAVEL RESOURCES WITHIN THE GROWTH POLICY PLANNING AREA ARE
MANAGED TO ENSURE THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
AND REDEVELOPMENT AND IMPACTS ARE MITIGATED.
Policies:
1. Sand and gravel resources should be granted generous buffers while the resource is
being actively managed.
2. Reclamation of expended resource extraction areas should be encouraged so that the
land can be converted to a beneficial second use.
3. Create performance standards for the existing and future gravel extraction operations
that mitigate impacts from incompatible land uses. Standards should include, but not
be limited to road maintenance, dust abatement, noise control, and vegetative buffers.
4. Designate areas on Kalispell's Future Land Use Map where mineral resource extraction
is most appropriate and will have the least impact on other resources and land uses.
711Page Sand and Gravel Resources
Recommendations:
1. Encourage and cooperate with sand and gravel extraction operators to develop plans for
operation, eventual decommissioning, and reclamation of extraction sites.
721Page Sand and Gravel Resources
Chapter 14: Public Infrastructure & Services
One of the main benefits of living in or operating a business within the City of Kalispell is access
to public infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and storm drainage, and the municipal services
of police and fire protection, along with solid waste management. The provision and reliability
of these public services is of paramount concern for current residents and for the orderly
growth of the City's population and boundary.
Individual facility plans for each of the components of public infrastructure were developed in
2008, as an update to a 2002 combined Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Plan.
This chapter reinforces the findings and recommendations in those updated plans and provides
the basis for their implementation and periodic update. The first three sections of this chapter
address each public infrastructure component listed above.
This chapter's last three sections address the municipal services of police protection, fire and
ambulance services, and solid waste management.
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 homeowners 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, 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 75 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 priority dates,
volumes, and flow rates for both groundwater and surface water sources.
731Page Public Infrastructure & Services
4. The threat of bioterrorism and associated federal mandates requires system
vulnerabilities identified and mitigated.
5. Based on population forecasts and the demand on existing system facilities, the overall
water system supply is anticipated to reach capacity by the year 2018.
6. 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 has
two separately managed pressure zones. 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.
7. Limited fire flow capacity in some areas of the City hinders redevelopment and
reinvestment.
8. 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.
9. Some areas outside of the City limits use water lines for their domestic water supply
which do not meet minimum City standards.
10. Some areas have water mains which are not looped, limiting fire protection potential
and water service redundancy.
11. There are some areas in the City whose residents use individual wells.
GOALS:
1. UPDATE THE WATER FACILITY PLAN IN 2015 TO REFLECT THE CURRENT POPULATION
TRENDS AND ANY TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN WATER FACILITIES OR
PROVISION.
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.
741Page Public Infrastructure & Services
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.
7. CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SAFE, POTABLE WATER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL USERS.
E:�K�I�[.91�7�:�1�jr�1:\��I���Li�i�l��:r�a�:��»_[y�► I����il:�l�[.��_\��_��[�l�[�7�► I_\I�[.�
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 user in
the area.
6. The use of individual wells within the City is discouraged.
7. When individual wells are abandoned, they shall be properly decommissioned in order
to protect groundwater resources from contamination.
Recommendations:
1. Update and adopt a capital improvements plan addressing City water system demands.
2. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell receiving water services should be
annexed to the city as part of a comprehensive annexation plan.
751Page lublic Infrastructure & Services
3. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan every five years, at a minimum.
SEWER: The City's sanitary sewer system includes over 100 miles of sanitary sewer main, 41
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 south side of the City.
Issues:
1. High groundwater infiltration and storm water runoff inflow are having a significant
negative impact on the City's waste water 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. By contract, the City of Kalispell is required to allocate a portion of wastewater
treatment capacity to the Evergreen Sewer District.
6. Suburban residential subdivisions developed using on -site sewage treatment systems
are difficult to convert to public sewer.
7. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is expected to tighten Total
Maximum Daily Limits (TMDLs) for Ashley Creek and Flathead Lake. These changes are
expected to include nutrient and temperature limits unreachable by current
technologies. Any new MDEQ requirements may require costly upgrades to the
treatment plant.
GOALS:
1. CONNECT AREAS OF THE CITY CURRENTLY USING ON -SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT
SYSTEMS TO PUBLIC CITY SEWER WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
761Page Public Infrastructure & Services
2. MAKE PUBLIC SEWER AVAILABLE TO AREAS THAT ARE INCLOSE PROXIMITY TO SERVICES
AS DIRECTED BY THE EXTENSION OF SERVICES PLAN.
3. WORK TO INCORPORATE ALL USERS OF CITY SEWER INTO THE CITY.
4. ENSURE THE CITY HAS THE ABILITY TO COLLECT IMPACT FEES FROM DEVELOPMENTS
USING CITY SEWER SERVICES THROUGH THE EVERGREEN SEWER DISTRICT.
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
HAS 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. 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.
4. 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. Update the Sanitary Sewer Capital Facilities Plan in 2016.
3. Identify and correct instances of groundwater and storm water inflow and infiltration.
4. Continue to update the capital improvements plan.
5. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan every five years, at a minimum.
771Page is Infrastructure & Services
6. Unincorporated areas of Kalispell receiving either sewer services should be annexed to
the city as part of a comprehensive annexation plan for the area.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: Stormwater is rainwater and melted snow that runs off streets,
lawns, and other sites. When stormwater 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 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 stormwater 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 inmost 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.
GOALS:
1. ENSURE ADEQUATE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES FOR ALL INCORPORATED
URBAN AREAS.
2. IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN PROBLEM AREAS OF
I�.I�K�7► 1► l�l�l��'�
3. REQUIRE ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT TO HAVE ADEQUATE STORM -
WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES FOR STORM EVENT ATTENUATION AND WATER
QUALITY TREATM ENT.
4. ENSURE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT FACILITIES IS BEING PERFORMED ON BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PROPERTIES TO MAXIMIZE THEIR USE.
781Page Public Infrastructure & Services
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 and redevelopment to
reduce the discharge of pollutants.
4. Encourage the use of low impact development techniques as part of an overall storm
water management plan for new development rather than the use of traditional,
engineered storm water management practices.
Recommendations:
1. As the City's street reconstruction program continues, storm drainage should be
improved.
2. Develop a storm water management system for the northwest areas of Kalispell, the
Spring Creek drainage and operators to develop successional plans.
3. Explore the expansion of existing storm water management facilities to accommodate
new development.
4. Seek greater cooperation between public entities such as the City, County, and State to
recognize and address storm water management issues in the community.
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.
791Page Public Infrastructure & Services
2. The existing jail facility, located in Kalispell, was opened in 1987, was built to house up to
64 beds, and it currently has 85 beds and it is anticipated that up to 125 —130 beds will be
needed within the next five years.
3. Increasing problems with methamphetamine production in the community poses a threat
to residents and public at large.
4. Limited space with the police department office creates problems with attempting to bring
on additional staff.
5. There have been difficulties in negotiations between the police bargaining units and the
City of Kalispell.
GOALS:
1. ENSURE THAT WE HAVE SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS.
2. ELIMINATE THE ABILITY OF MANUFACTURERS AND USERS OF METHAMPHETAMINE TO
EXIST OR OPERATE IN THE COMMUNITY.
3. BUILD ON ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENGIES TO
ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DRUG TASK FORCE.
4. ENSURE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE PROTECTING THE RIGHTS AND
DIGNITY OF THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY.
5. INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS REGARDING THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF
DRUGS.
6. STRIVE TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THE SKILLS, EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES OF THE
LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY.
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8. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY POLICING MODES AND INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
Policies:
1. Adequately staff law enforcement agencies.
801Page lublic Infrastructure & Services
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