2. City-County Growth PolicyTri-City Planning Office
17 Second Street East — Suite 211
Kalispell, Montana 59901
Phone: (406) 751-1850
Fax: (406) 751-1858
tricity@centurytel.net
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kalispell City Council
Board of County Commissioners
Kalispell City -County Planning Board
FROM: Narda A. Wilson, Senior Planner
SUBJECT Kalispell City -County Growth Policy Plan Update
MEETING DATE: August 13, 2001 Work Session
The attached draft is a follow-up from the most recent work session on July 23, 2001 with
the Kalispell City County and their review of the Kalispell City -County Growth Policy Plan.
The changes are underlined. The most substantial change was some additional language
that relates to the Kalispell City Airport near the end of the document under the
Infrastructure and Public Services section.
Since there were no changes to the Resource and Analysis Section, Appendix A, it has not
been included with the plan document this time.
This document is very close to completion and I look forward to working with you all to that
end. Please call me if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Providing Community Planning Assistance To:
City of Kalispell • City of Columbia Falls • City of Whitefish
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ADOPT, REVISE OR REJECT THE REVISIONS
TO THE KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY GROWTH POLICY RECOMMENDED BY THE
KALISPELL CITY -COUNTY PLANNING BOARD AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING.
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City -County Master (Comprehensive)
Plan was originally adopted by the Kalispell City
Council on October 17, 1974 and by the Flathead
Board of County Commissioners on October 14, 1974,
and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive amendment and update to the
Kalispell City -County Master (Comprehensive) Plan
was adopted by the Kalispell City Council on April
7, 1986 and by the Flathead Board of County on
February 6, 1986, and
WHEREAS, Section 5, Chapter 582, Session Laws of 1999 (S 76-
1-106, MCA) required planning boards to prepare a
growth policy for their respective jurisdictional
areas, and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City -County Planning Board caused to
be prepared a Kalispell City -County Growth Policy
Plan for the Kalispell City -County jurisdictional
area, and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City -County Planning Board held a
public hearing on the proposed Growth Policy on
November 9, 1999, considered all recommendations
and suggestions elicited at said public hearing,
and thereafter, on December 14, 1999, adopted
Resolution KMPA-99-1 recommending that the
Kalispell City Council and the Flathead Board of
County Commissioners adopt said Growth Policy as
presented, and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City Council received the Growth
Policy recommended by the Kalispell City -County
Planning Board on or about December 22, 1999, and
WHEREAS, the Kalispell City Council on June 5, 2000 adopted,
pursuant to Section 76-1-604, MCA, Resolution No.
4558, A Resolution of Intention to Adopt, Revise,
or Reject the Recommended Kalispell City -County
Growth Policy, and
WHEREAS, on July 10, 2000, the City Council of the City of
Kalispell held a public hearing and elicited
comments on said Resolution of Intent and adopted
Resolution No. 4567, A Resolution of Intent to
growthintent.wpd 1
Revise the Recommended "Kalispell City -County
Growth Policy", and
WHEREAS, the City Council has held a series of workshops to
complete review and suggest revisions to said
Growth Policy, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Kalispell considers
it advisable to adopt a resolution of intention to
adopt, revise or reject said Kalispell City -County
Growth Policy as revised by the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. That pursuant to Section 76-1-604, MCA the
City Council of the City of Kalispell, hereby
adopts, a resolution of intention to adopt,
revise or reject a revised growth policy for
the Kalispell City -County Planning Board
jurisdictional area.
SECTION II. That the City Council of the City of Kalispell
shall hold a public hearing to consider
whether to pass a final Resolution concerning
said growth policy at a meeting to be held on
the day of September, 2001, at 7:00 P.M.,
in the Council Chambers, City Hall, Kalispell,
Montana, and at the conclusion of said meeting
the City Council will consider Resolutions to
Adopt, Revise, or Reject the Growth Policy as
revised by the City Council.
SECTION III. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to
give notice of said meeting in accordance with
Section 7-1-4128, MCA.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF
THE CITY OF KALISPELL, THIS 20T" DAY OF AUGUST, 2001.
Wm. E. Boharski
Mayor
Attest:
Theresa White
City Clerk
growthintent.wpd
DRAFT
KALISPELL CITY COUNTY
GROWTH POLICY PLAN
August 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction........ ......... ......... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... I
1.
Administration .... ......... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 3
2.
Growth Management ..... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 7
3.
Land Use: Housing ....... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 10
4.
Land Use: Business and Industry .... ......... ........ .........
......... 13
5.
Land Use: Agriculture ... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 18
6.
Economy .... ......... ......... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 20
7.
The Natural Environment ....... ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 22
8.
Historic and Cultural Conservation and Urban Design ...........
26
9.
Parks and Recreation ..... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 28
10.
Transportation ..... ......... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 30
11.
Infrastructure and Public Services .... ......... ........ .........
......... 38
12.
Neighborhood Plans ....... ........ ......... ......... ........ .........
......... 44
Appendix A: Resources and Analysis Section ..... ......... ........ ......... ......... 48
FRDO: Mstrpla /kccmp/Update/2001/kccgpptab.doc
Introduction
The Kalispell City County Growth Policy Plan is an official public document
adopted by the Kalispell City Council and the Flathead County Board of
Commissioners. The plan is not a law or regulation, but rather a set of
advisory guidelines. Although the plan reflects economic, social, and
environmental policy, it is, fundamentally, a guide to the physical development
of the community. The jurisdiction of the master plan, 63.4 square miles in
size, is shown in Figure 1.
A vision statement has been developed for the planning jurisdiction that is
intended to reflect overall ideas about future growth and development in the
planning jurisdiction.
"As the county seat, the Kalispell area will continue to strengthen
its position as the regional commercial and government center for
the Flathead Valley community in creating a diverse economic
base, efficient public services, a variety of housing options and
serving as a center for higher learning. As new development and
redevelopment occurs, it is expected to be in areas where public
services and infrastructure are available. Development in the city
/core should preserve and enhance the historical and cultural
heritage of the community. The integrity of the natural and scenic
resources in the area shall be maintained."
The essential characteristics of a growth policy plan are that it is
comprehensive, general, and long range. Comprehensive means that the plan
applies geographically to the entire community, so as to coordinate its overall
pattern of growth. (Montana law provides that, by mutual agreement of the City
and County, the planning jurisdiction boundary may extend up to 41/2 miles
beyond a city's corporate limits. In this case, the actual boundary extends
between 1'/2 and 4'/2 miles beyond Kalispell's city limits in 2001.
Comprehensive also means that the plan gives consideration to all of the basic
functions that make a community work, such as land use, housing, the
economy, the environment, transportation, and public facilities and services.
General means that the plan is broad in scope, focusing more on the forest
than the trees. Accordingly, the plan's format is of goals and policies, rather
than legally described locations, engineered solutions, or detailed regulations.
Long range means that the plan looks beyond the present situation in attempt
to anticipate future problems and opportunities. The period addressed by this
plan is through the year 2010, with a review every five years on revising the
plan if necessary.
Legal foundations of the growth policy plan _are found in the Montana's Local
Planning 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 plan. These provisions state that the planning board shall prepare and
propose a growth policy plan. The contents of the plan may include
information on land use, demographics, economics, public services,
conservation of natural resources and other related factors; development and
growth plans; and a long-range public works program. These statutes also
state that the city council or county commissioners shall be guided by and give
consideration to the general policy and pattern of development set out in the
growth policy plan.
Past planning efforts: The existing plan is itself an update of previous versions.
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
Flathead 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 in 1986.
Preparation of the plan: The preparation of the current plan has taken several
years. The first phase of the process was information gathering about the
planning jurisdiction. A resources and analysis section was prepared which is
includes as Appendix A of the plan. This document consists of background
information on demographics, the economy, population and housing
projections, the environment, and public facilities and services. Computerized
mapping was prepared of the planning jurisdiction, including the street system,
development pattern, zoning, parks and open space, historic structures,
floodplain, hydrology and wetlands, topography, agricultural soils, and habitat
of various wildlife species. In 1997, a public opinion survey on local growth
issues was conducted from a random sample of households in the planning
jurisdiction, drawing a 42% response rate (over 500 returned questionnaires).
The survey results are shown in Appendix B.
The initial drafting of the plan was done by three committees intended to reflect
a cross-section of the community. A business and development committee,
neighborhoods and environment committee, and public facilities and services
committee each prepared their own version of the plan. Afterwards, a
consensus committee combined the three versions of the plan into onto one
draft. This process of drafting of the plan was done in 24 public meetings over
a nine -month period. There was general circulation of the draft plan, a three-
month public comment period and public meetings were held reviewing the
draft.
Follow-up revisions to the draft were made by the planning board who reviewed
the plan during weekly meetings over eight months between February 1999
and October 1999. A formal public hearing was held and the plan forwarded to
the governing bodies to proceed through the adoption process. The city council
reviewed the document and made some modifications before forwarding it to
the county commissioners.
2
Growth policy plan_ components: The plan is composed of the text, map, and
appendices. Each of these components is equally important and should be
considered together in interpreting the plan.
The text contains chapters on land use, the economy, and public services.
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, general
statements of the community's aims and priorities. The "policies" are
guidelines and strategies that implement the plan's goals. The
"recommendations" are specific actions to be taken by the City or County that
implement the plan's goals.
The growth policy plan map can be found in the back pocket of this document
and is a geographic illustration of the plan's goals and policies applied to the
lands in the planning jurisdiction. The map indicates the types of land uses
recommended at each location, representing the plan's recommendation of an
orderly growth pattern. The map indicates the plan's classification (hierarchy)
of major streets lakes, rivers, streams, floodplain and steep slopes. The text
includes explanations of these map designations within the related chapters.
Like the text, the map is a guideline, and it is intended to indicate generalized
rather than exact locations.
Additional appendices of the plan include neighborhood plans as specialized
plan elements. Neighborhood plans have been adopted as appendices of the
master plan as specialized elements, which should comply with the overall
growth policy plan.
3
1. Administration
Administration of the plan and its implementation would be the responsibility
of either of the governing bodies, i.e. the City of Kalispell or Flathead County
Board of Commissioners. Kalispell has council / manager form of government.
There is an eight member council and the mayor who votes on all matters. A
full-time city manager administers the day to day business of the City.
Flathead County has commissioner form of government with three full-time
county commissioners who employ an administrative assistant to assist in the
day to day operation of the county.
Issues:
1. Cooperation between the City and County is critical to reinforcing an
orderly development pattern in the planning jurisdiction, coordinating
public facilities and services, and addressing the numerous issues that
cross over city -county boundaries. This plan may extend up to 4.5 miles
beyond city limits, as enabled by Montana statutes, to provide for joint
city -county planning efforts.
2. Public involvement plays and important role in the development review
process.
Goals:
1. FOSTER CITY -COUNTY COOPERATION, PARTICULARLY IN MANAGING
GROWTH AND COORDINATING PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES
AND SERVICES. PROMOTING COOPERATION BETWEEN KALISPELL,
EVERGREEN AND FLATHEAD BUSINESSES.
2. ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY TO ZONE PROPERTY WITHIN ONE MILE
THE CITY LIMITS THE POTENTIAL UTILITY SERVE AREA AS SHOWN IN
FIGURE B CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S ZONING AND
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TO PROVIDE GREATER CONSISTENCY
WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONS.
3. THAT A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BE SIGNED BETWEEN
THE CITY AND THE COUNTY THAT WOULD FORM AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO ADHERE TO:
• URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
• SUBDIVISION PLAT REVIEW PROCESSES.
• ANNEXATION POLICIES INCLUDING TRANSFER OF COUNTY ROADS
TO THE CITY.
• EXTENSION OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES INCLUDING SEWER, WATER.
• PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
• COORDINATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS,
BUILDING CODES AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESOURCES.
C!
4. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY IDENTIFY WAYS TO SHARE EQUIPMENT
AND OTHER RESOURCES TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
5. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY MEET PERIODICALLY WITH THE SCHOOL
DISTRICT, PUBLIC UTILITY AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO SHARE AND
COORDINATE LONG-TERM PLANS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES,
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND UTILITY EXTENSIONS.
Policies:
1. Use this plan as a central policy document to guide development and
growth in the planning jurisdiction.
2. Zoning regulations should conform to the provisions of this plan.
3. Initiate city -county agreements or programs which would cooperatively
influence the amount and type of growth within the planning jurisdiction
and address all impacts of development.
4. This plan, jointly adopted by the City and County, should be used when
considering all development decisions.
5. Coordinate development codes in the city and the rural portion of the
planning jurisdiction to promote the orderly expansion of the city-.
6. To remain current, there should be a review every five years and revising
the plan, including neighborhood plans, if necessary. Plan amendments
outside of these comprehensive updates should be viewed cautiously
and based primarily on unanticipated changes in circumstances.
7. Comprehensive updates should be considered when there is a major
change in circumstances within the planning jurisdiction such as a
significant increase or decrease in population, changes in economic
trends and conditions or significant changes in public infrastructure
such as sewage treatment facilities or new roadways.
8. The plan amendment process should provide ample opportunity for
public participation.
9. Notice of public hearinlz shall be given a minimum 15 days prior to the
hearing in a paper of general circulation for plan amendments and
updates and in accordance with state statutes.
10.As city boundaries expand, periodically consider expansion of the
planning jurisdiction boundaries up to the 4.5-mile limit.
l 1. Written plans stating how the public will be informed regarding
development projects can ensure the integrity of the public review
process."
5
Recommendations:
1. New and existing neighborhood plans should be consistent with the
growth policy plan.
2. Neighborhood plans should be reviewed every five years to determine
whether the plan is still relevant and whether or not changes should be
made.
3. The policies of this plan should be implemented through the zoning and
subdivision regulations.
4. Develop a cooperative relationship between the elected officials,
government agencies, service and utility providers that results in
consistent development standards, efficient use of public infrastructure
and resources, and quality development.
11
2. Growth Management
Growth in the planning jurisdiction 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. Affordable housing, delivery of services, location of new development,
redevelopment of the existing urban core and quality of life are all issues that
have increased in significance during this period of growth.
Issues,
1. Kalispell is a growth area. The population of the planning jurisdiction
grew from 1990 to 2000 dramatically. Growth rates have fluctuated
between moderate and high levels making land use and planning
difficult.
2. Growth has had positive and negative effects on the local quality of life.
Along with a good economy and many examples of well designed
development, the impacts of growth have also included disruption of
neighborhoods, strain on public facilities and services, environmental
impacts, increasing housing costs, and changing cultural values.
3. Zoning regulations have been adopted throughout the planning
jurisdiction. Most of the outlying zoning districts were adopted between
1987 and 1993.
4. While periods of rapid growth have increased support for new and
stronger government controls on private property, local public
acceptance of new restrictions has tended to come slowly and has been
mixed with apprehensions and opposition. For example, in 1994 the
year old county building permit program was rescinded by a referendum
vote. In 1996, a substantial effort was put forth to update the county
master plan (which did not address lands in this jurisdiction), proposed
as a basis for countywide zoning, was likewise rescinded by a
referendum vote. The issue of private property rights continues to be a
matter of public discussion.
S. Dispersed development in outlying areas has been the predominant local
growth pattern of recent decades. In 1960, 77% of the planning
jurisdictions residents lived in Kalispell, but by 1995 2000, the
proportion had fallen to 4591e 49%. Factors in this urban to suburban
shift include national trends toward suburban and rural growth, the
appeal of the Flathead Valley's rural setting and a variety of public
policies that have made dispersed suburban development more
attractive than concentrated urban development.
6. Along with the predominant growth pattern of dispersed development,
there has also been a growth trend of reinvestment and land
development in established urban areas, drawn by convenience, variety,
stable neighborhoods, and small-town quality of life. The more
7
traditional development patterns of this trend differ from suburban
design; they include redevelopment, medium densities, grid streets, less
parking, and mixing of different land uses and densities closer together.
Finding ways of making infill growth more attractive and economical is
necessary to equalize the trend toward dispersed development.
7. Using the HUD definition of affordable housing, only 11% of the homes
for sale in Kalispell are affordable for 70% of the households in the area.
Any growth management policy should consider the affordability of
housing.
Goals:
1. ENCOURAGE �'^"o ^ AC EFFICIENT USE OF SPACE, ORDERLY
GROWTH CONSISTENT WITH HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, FISCAL
SOUNDNESS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, AND COMMUNITY
VITALITY.
2. IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE, EFFECTIVE GROWTH
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM THAT UPHOLDS THE GENERAL WELFARE
OF THE COMMUNITY AND INCORPORATES CONSTITUTIONAL
PROTECTIONS OF PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS.
3. ENCOURAGE HOUSING TYPES THAT PROVIDE HOUSING FOR ALL
SECTORS AND INCOME LEVELS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
4. NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD OCCUR IN AREAS
WHERE PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE.
Policies:
1. Encourage resolution of disputes involving land use policy by broad
participation, education, compromise and consideration of private
property rights. Maintain mechanisms to provide for open, well
publicized processes.
2. Encourage flexible government policies for development and
infrastructure within urban areas.
3. Provide for conservation of established single-family housing areas with
significant design integrity, such as Kalispell's historic districts.
4. Affordable housing shall be recognized as a primary consideration within
this jurisdiction when adopting or amending land use regulations. The
ability of the average wage earner to either buy or build a home is an
essential component of the standard of living, quality of life, and general
welfare in our community.
9
5. When enacting land use regulations, individual property rights should
be protected in accordance with the constitutions of the United States
and the State of Montana. Individual property owners have the right to
sell or to manage their own property as they see fit as long as their
actions do not adversely impact the rights of others. Private property
shall not be taken or managed for public use without just compensation
to the owner.
6. Design and locate development to protect public health and safety;
insure adequate provision of services; fit the character of its
surroundings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land
throughout the planning jurisdiction.
7. Development by the public sector should comply with the same rules as
that of private sector development. Encourage, where feasible,
development by the private, rather than public sector.
8. The governing bodies within the planning jurisdiction shall conduct
public hearings on proposed subdivisions in accordance with state and
local provisions,
9. The governing bodies will evaluate subdivision based upon criteria
required under state and local regulations including impacts on services
and infrastructure, effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat, effect on
agriculture and the health, safety and welfare of the public in general.
Recommendations:
1. Adopt a municipal annexation program coordinated with the City of
Kalispell Extension of Services Plan to annex urban fringe developments.
2. Use the Kalispell service area boundary as defined in the Kalispell
Extension of Services 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 simplify the development
review process, and to avoid unnecessary costly delays in processing
applications.
4. Amend zoning regulations to enable implementation of the policies
herein.
5. Encourage infill housing where public services are available.
9
3. Land Use: Housing
Providing adequate affordable housing within the planning jurisdiction has
become an important issue. Inflation of housing prices, increased demands
due to population increases and an expansion of service related jobs have
resulted in a critical need for additional moderate to low income level homes.
There is also a need for more diverse housing types such as townhomes, multi-
family and accessory dwellings to accommodate smaller households.
Issues:
1. As population growth continues over the next two decades, the demand
for housing is projected to grow by approximately 900 new dwelling
units per five-year period in the planning jurisdiction.
2. The combination of rapid inflation of housing prices and an expanding
proportion of service related jobs has produced a significant shortage of
low- and moderate -income housing.
3. Kalispell has a high proportion of seniors. 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.
4. Most residents in the planning jurisdiction object to having single -wide
mobile homes in their neighborhoods, even though manufactured
housing presents an affordable housing alternative and is becoming
more acceptable because of improved quality of construction and
improved financing.
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.
Policies:
1. All residents should have the opportunity to live in neighborhoods that
provide safe and affordable housing.
2. Encourage the development of urban residential neighborhoods as the
primary residential land -use pattern in the planning jurisdiction.
10
3. Urban Residential:
a. Urban residential areas shown on the plan map should be
encouraged to be developed where adequate services and facilities
are available.
b. Typical densities are three to twelve dwellings per gross acre.
c. Single-family houses are the primary housing type. Duplexes,
guest houses, accessory apartments, and small dispersed areas of
multi -family housing are also anticipated.
d. Urban and high density residential areas should be fully served
by urban infrastructure and municipal services, including paved
streets, curbs, sidewalks, boulevards public sewer and water.
e. These areas should have convenient access to neighborhood
business districts, parks, and elementary schools.
4. High Density Residential:
a. Typical densities are eight to twenty dwellings per gross acre,
occasionally reaching up to 40 dwellings per gross acre as may be
appropriate to the site.
b. Small high -density residential districts are encouraged to be
dispersed throughout the urban area. These districts should be
located predominantly near schools, employment and service
centers, and urban arterials.
c. Multi -family housing developments should be designed to fit
compatibly within larger single-family neighborhoods.
d. Townhouses are encouraged to be a primary housing type in
these areas. Additional common housing types include low-rise
apartments, duplexes, manufactured home parks, and upper
floors of mixed -use buildings.
e. High -density residential districts may be mixed with professional
offices and various low -intensity commercial and institutional
uses, particularly where located along urban arterials.
f. In transitional areas zoned for multi -family residential use but
developed primarily as single-family houses, conversion of
existing houses to offices is encouraged, in order to maintain
investment in the existing building stock and ease the land -use
transition.
g. These areas should be within close proximity to small parks or
common open spaces. Encourage the location of buildings to
create engaging, centrally located courtyards.
h. These areas should be fully served by urban infrastructure and
services.
5. Suburban Housing:
a. Densities should be appropriate to the limitations of the
particular site, and should not exceed two dwellings per gross
acre.
b. The suburban residential designation is intended to reduce
density and development impacts in sensitive areas and existing
rural neighborhoods.
11
c. Single-family houses are the primary housing type.
d. These areas should have paved streets, as appropriate to the area,
and access to services. New subdivisions located in or near
Kalispell should generally include sidewalks where appropriate
and installation of low intensity street lighting appropriate to the
area.
6. Provide an adequate supply of affordable housing to meet the needs of
low- and moderate -income residents.
7. Give special consideration to environmental design for seniors, who have
various special needs regarding housing, transportation, handicapped
access, and services.
8. Provide adequate areas and institute appropriate design criteria for
manufactured homes and manufactured home parks.
9. Allow low -impact home occupations which do not undermine a
neighborhood's residential character. Prohibit related outdoor storage
and minimize signage.
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. Review the zoning text and map periodically to correct any
discriminating or exclusionary requirements and remain current with
changing construction technologies.
4. Establish flexible planned unit development standards encouraging
residential or mixed -use development.
5. Develop a comprehensive sidewalk system in Kalispell, Evergreen, and
the surrounding urban area. Install crosswalk improvements where
appropriate.
12
4. Land Use: Business and Industry
The Kalispell planning jurisdiction is the retail, commercial and government
center for the Flathead Valley. Kalispell's commercial core is generally more
pedestrian oriented with an emphasis on the historical character of the area.
Evergreen has developed around the highway corridor with recent commercial
expansion of businesses that require larger undeveloped parcels. The medical
and educational community are also located in the planning jurisdiction and
provide an important contribution to the economic prosperity of the area.
Issues:
1. Spreading out from an historical concentration in downtown Kalispell,
most commercial growth in the Kalispell area during recent years has
occurred along highway commercial strips and centers at highway
intersections. The highway centers are usually anchored by large
discount stores, supermarkets, and/or hotels. The remainder of the
highway strip generally focuses on franchise businesses closer in and
quasi -industrial businesses in outlying areas. Another commercial
center, the hospital area has grown as a major medical and office
complex.
2. The main design advantages of commercial corridor areas are highway
visibility for businesses and concentration of business traffic along
arterial routes. These areas also face design problems: traffic congestion
during peak periods caused by lack of secondary street access; and lack
of bike and pedestrian access and general appeal.
3. Land with commercial or industrial zoning is oversupplied in the
Kalispell area but it is often in undesirable locations that lack adequate
infrastructure.
4. Downtown Kalispell is an evolving economic and community center.
Retail activity, the social foundation of downtown that draws people
along the sidewalks, has been hurt by the loss of department stores and
general commercial dispersion, but has been reinforced by the
downtown shopping mall and expansion of specialty stores. Major
strengths of downtown 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.
5. Industrial areas are dispersed in the planning jurisdiction. The largest
districts are North Evergreen and South Kalispell along Highway 93.
Other industrial areas, primarily timber mills and gravel pits, are located
near the east, west, and north entrances of the city.
13
Goals:
1. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF PROSPEROUS
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS, EACH WITH A VIABLE
MIX OF BUSINESSES, SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND A
COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT PATTERN THAT REDUCES BUSINESS
COSTS AND INCREASES SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
2. NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD OCCUR IN AREAS
WHERE PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE.
3. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT IN THE
"TARGET DEVELOPMENT AREAS."
4. HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS AND E-COMMERCE BASED
BUSINESS ARE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE WITHIN EITHER THE
COMMERCIAL AND / OR INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF THE PLANNING
JURISDICTION CREATING A MIX OF USES.
5. LARGE SCALE AND BIG BOX RETAIL SHOULD BE ENCOURGAED TO
LOCATE IN A MIXED USE FASHION RATHER THAN AS AN ISOLATED
DEVELOPMENT.
Policies:
1. Central business district:
a. Recognize downtown Kalispell as a center of the community.
b. Maintain a prosperous core of retailers, restaurants, and
entertainment uses that keep downtown active.
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 the rehabilitation and reuse of existing downtown
buildings. New development should give adequate consideration to
downtown's historic character.
f. Support the concentration of community events, civic functions, and
activities in the downtown.
14
2. Urban Mixed -Use Areas:
a. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and
employment districts, in order to improve connections between
existing commercial hubs and surrounding residential
neighborhoods.
b. A complete system of pedestrian and bike paths is important in these
areas.
c. Expand the depth of urban highway commercial districts as mixed -
use corridors, in order to provide an alternative to continued linear
commercial sprawl, 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 (750 feet) deep on both sides of urban
highways. As distance from the highway increases, create a gradual
transition into the residential neighborhoods by reduced density,
increased buffering, and increased sensitivity to compatible design.
e. Avoid premature encroachment into established, intact residential
areas.
f. Allow a compatible mix of higher -intensity uses, including general
commercial, light industrial, medium and high -density residential,
and public facilities.
3. Neighborhood Commercial Districts
a. Establish neighborhood commercial areas designed to provide
convenience goods and services addressing the daily needs of the
immediate neighborhood.
b. Neighborhood commercial districts 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, encouraging bike and pedestrian where practicable.
c. Uses should be designed, set back, landscaped and buffered to fit the
surrounding neighborhood.
15
4. Industrial Districts:
a. Designate areas suitable for industrial uses.
b. These areas should have adequate access to rail, highway, and
airport sufficient size to allow for future expansion.
5. 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 general
commercial, light industrial, residential, and public facilities. In
limited industrial areas, allow light industrial uses which do not
create off -site impacts.
c. Encourage the use of innovative land use regulations to achieve a
pleasing community entrance.
d. Encourage highway commercial and industrial development in the
planning jurisdiction to adhere to the following design guidelines:
1. Encourage access by a secondary street or use of shared
driveways and interconnected parking lots where secondary street
access is unfeasible.
2. Landscape highway frontage, parking lots, to enhance
development sites and soften the visual impacts of development.
3. Keep signs simple, to reduce clutter and allow rapid
comprehension of highway motorists without undue distraction.
Encourage variety and creativity in sign design.
4. 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.
5. Outdoor lighting should be low intensity, directed downward, and
shielded to prevent glare.
6. Target Development Areas
a. Target development areas are generally identified as the southwest
part of Kalispell around the City airport, the northeast area ef�R
'36 at West Reserve Drive and Highway 93, the Center Street area
be+wee Highway 93 ,.,a Highway 2 W the area around Highway
35 and LaSalle Road in Evergreen, and as indicated as ellipses on the
plan map.
16
Policies:
1. Encourage and create incentives to conserve agricultural lands
2. Encourage rural growth to areas, which are not environmentally
sensitive or productive agricultural lands.
3. Encourage the use of conservation easements, clustering or other
options to protect productive agricultural lands in rural areas.
4. Develop innovative land use policies, which protect the agricultural land
base in the county.
5. Open space areas in cluster developments that are located in close
proximity to the city limits should be considered as an urban reserve
area so that it can be redeveloped when public services and utilities
become available.
Recommendations:
1. Cooperation between the city and county governmental bodies should be
fostered so that redevelopment of the rural areas close to urban services
can be easily accomplished.
2. Rural areas of the planning jurisdiction that are in close proximity to the
city limits should be developed in such a way that accommodates future
redevelopment such as a minimum lot size requirement of 10 to 20 acres
or through cluster developments.
19
6. The Economy
The Kalispell area is the commercial, government and educational center of the
Flathead Valley with a diversity of economic industries. Retail and general
commercial development is a major component of the economy as well as
tourism, manufacturing and medical. Wood products and agriculture are also
an important economic components although there has been a decline in these
-sectors of the economy over the past decade as a result of complex local,
national and international policies relating to these industries.
Issues:
1. The Kalispell area functions as the population and commercial center of
Flathead County and portions of four surrounding counties. Major
industrial, health care, and government facilities are also located in the
Kalispell area.
_ •-• _ _-ryr�e�-_
- everecr�e�rerrser�_
- - -.. ...
.. _
3. Per capita income in Kalispell —Flathead County during 1990 1998 was
comparable to the county and state averages, but it was only 7% 82%
of the national average.
4. The economic base (export industries) of the Kalispell area and Flathead
County is diverse by Montana standards. During the 1990's, the
county's leading (primary or base) industries of retirement income, wood
products manufacturing, tourism, federal government, microelectronics
manufacturing, metal refining, railroad, and agriculture experienced
significant income growth. Though not conventionally considered an
industry, local retirement income is substantially higher and growing
faster than anv of these other sources of export income.
5. The service sectors of the economy (including retail, services, real estate,
finance, insurance & government) employed 704. 68% of the county
workforce in 1990 1999 and have created most of the new jobs since
that time. The service sectors include most higher paying professional
jobs, as well as low -wage jobs.
6. Business and industry benefit from being able to locate in healthy
business districts and a quality built environment. Sound infrastructure
planning, growth management, and environmental protection offer
opportunities to strengthen the local economy.
20
Goals:
1. PROVIDE FOR AND ENCOURAGE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF JOBS,
HIGHER MEDIAN INCOME FOR THOSE JOBS, AND A STABLE,
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY.
2. ENCOURAGE THE LOCATION OF HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS
AND E-COMMERCE BASED INDUSTRIES IN EITHER THE
COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF THE PLANNING
JURISDICTION.
Policies:
1. The Overall Economic Development Plan is the central document for
guiding economic development efforts in the planning jurisdiction.
2. Encourage a land -use pattern that supports viable business and
industrial districts that integrates a residential component without
negatively impacting well -established residential neighborhoods.
Provide adequate space for growth. Carefully review the type, location,
and design of industrial sites, shopping areas, and tourist facilities.
3. Provide for adequate infrastructure and public services to support viable
business and industrial districts.
4. 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.
5.. Work with business and industrial associations to promote and
coordinate business and industry in accordance with the master plan.
6. Work with economic development organizations to further master plan
goals and policies and to encourage countywide coordination of their
efforts.
7. Support the Kalispell area's position as a regional commercial center and
a location of major health care, government, and industrial facilities.
8. Support activities to ensure that the Central Business District remains
strong and viable. For example, provide for adequate off-street parking;
protect and promote the historic district; make downtown more
aesthetically appealing; cater to the needs of the pedestrian, promote
downtown events and activities; encourage a healthy mix of retail,
restaurants, services, entertainment, and housing.
9. Support amenities and activities that promote the Kalispell area as a
retirement, tourism, convention, and arts destination.
21
IO.Explore development of "spin-off industries."
Recommendations:
1. Support the formation of business improvement districts (BID) to
strengthen area commercial districts.
2. Coordinate with Jobs Now, Job Service and other organizations to
develop jobs with a "living wage."
3. Pursue grants to help with economic development and locating
businesses within the planning iurisdiction.
22
7. The Natural Environment
Important natural resource and environmental factors in the planning
jurisdiction include hydrology, floodplain, air quality, steep slopes, soil
limitations, wildfire hazards, important habitat and important agricultural lands.
The topography and geography of the Kalispell planning jurisdiction presents
certain development constraints due to hydric soils, steep slopes, floodplain and
other soil limitations. Most of the planning jurisdiction consists of nearly level
alluvial lands, bottom lands and low terraces. The Flathead, Whitefish, and
Stillwater Rivers in the eastern half of the planning jurisdiction are part of a large
riparian complex which creates a large floodplain area. Steep slopes in the
southwest portion of the planning jurisdiction pose limitations to development.
The steep slopes in combination with timberlands create wildfire hazards.
Productive farmlands in the southern and northern part of the planning
jurisdiction provide an important element to the cultural, economic and historic
element in the planning jurisdiction.
Issues:
1. The natural environment in the planning jurisdiction is an important
part of what makes the area a nice place to live.
2. Various key sectors of the county's economy depend upon and impact
the natural environment. Protecting the health and integrity of the
natural environment is important for maintaining our competitive
advantage with other regions.
3. The farming, ranching, and forestry industries contribute significantly to
the quality of the natural environment by providing open space that
functions in a practical and productive manner.
4- The confluence of the Flathead, Whitefish, and Stillwater Rivers is part of
a large riparian complex of swales, streams, wetlands, and alluvial
terraces that spans most of the eastern half of the planning jurisdiction.
These sensitive areas pose significant development limitations primarily
due to the presence of the 100 year floodplain.
5. The hillside areas in the southwest corner of the planning jurisdiction
are sensitive areas, posing development limitations due to soil
disturbance and erosion, high risks from wildfire and important wildlife
habitat.
6. Environmental awareness and accountability has been and continues to
be important to the communities in the Kalispell City -County planning
jurisdiction to reduce nutrient loading and other forms of water
contamination to the Flathead River.
23
7. Air quality in most of the planning jurisdiction has surfaced as a
problem primarily due to road dust resulting in particulate matter. Most
of the planning jurisdiction has been designated as a non -attainment
area that does not meet national air quality standards due to small
particulate matter.
8. Water quality is an important issue within the planning jurisdiction
which has the potential to be degraded by dense development due to
erosion, stormwater discharge and on -site sewage treatment systems.
9. Prime farmlands in rural areas are being converted from agricultural to
residential uses due to depressed commodity prices and increased
development pressures.
10.Important wildlife and wildlife habitat is being displaced by residential
development through the construction of driveways, homes and fencing
resulting in the destruction of habitat and interruption of wildlife
corridors. Feeding wildlife and loose dogs are also a threat to wildlife
and wildlife habitat.
11. Visual clutter resulting from poorly designed parking lots that lack
landscaping, obtrusive signage, overhead utilities and automobile
oriented design of commercial areas that lack pedestrian amenities and
reflect franchise architecture.
12.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 property revegetated and maintained
Goals:
1. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH OR
ENHANCES NATURAL RESOURCE VALUES INCLUDING AIR, WATER,
SOIL AND VEGETATION.
2. DEVELOPMENT IN 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 SHALL BE
MAINTAINED THROUGH DESIGN STANDARDS.
4. IMPORTANT WILDLIFE HABITAT AND TRAVEL CORRIDORS SHOULD
BE CONSERVED AND MAINTAINED.
24
Policies:
1. Significant environmental impacts attributable to new development
should be identified and mitigated, where necessary.
2. Encourage infill, clustering, and other compact development patterns to
lesson impacts on sensitive lands.
3. New development should consider the "sensitive lands" shown on the
plan map including 100-year floodplain and terrain exceeding 30%
slope. This "sensitive lands" designation is not intended to prohibit
development, although lands with severe limitations may be found
unsuitable for development. Rather, this designation identifies areas
where development should be limited, designed, and managed to avoid
and mitigate environmental impacts and natural hazards.
4. Implement measures to assist in meeting the water quality and load
reduction targets for Flathead Lake and its tributaries as recommended
by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
5. Development in areas that have known high groundwater should be
restricted until such time as public sewer is available.
6. Filling of wetlands and the 100 year floodplain should be avoided.
7. New commercial and industrial development and residential
subdivisions should be accessible by paved roadways to protect air
quality.
8. Noxious weed controls should be implemented through revegetation of
disturbed areas immediately after development and adequate controls
after development.
9. Diversion, channelization and diking of natural rivers and streams
should be avoided.
10. Protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat should be encouraged through
conscientious actions such as avoiding loose dogs, avoid feeding large
wild animal species and maintaining established important habitat
areas.
l 1. Wildlife travel corridors should be conserved and maintained possibly
through easements or other voluntary restrictions.
12. Visual clutter that compromises the built and natural environment
should be avoided by requiring underground utilities in new
development, avoiding ridgeline or hilltop development, encouraging
simple and unobtrusive signs and avoiding excessive lighting.
25
Recommendations:
1. City county government should coordinate to develop a community -wide
drainage plan encompassing the city and surrounding suburbs, to
reduce water pollution and flooding.
2. Coordinate waterfront regulatory programs involving floodplain, habitat,
and water quality.
3. Limit and mitigate impacts related to outdoor lighting, and noise.
4. Protect the Evergreen Alluvial Aquifer and other shallow aquifers as
sensitive water quality zones and establish performance standards.
5. Develop and implement a non -point source pollution abatement plan for
the planning jurisdiction.
6. Develop and implement a water quality clean-up plan for Ashley Creek.
7. Develop and implement a storm water management plan for northwest
Kalispell and the Spring Creek drainage.
8. Develop and plan for the incremental paving of all roads within the
Kalispell planning jurisdiction to improve air quality.
9. Require defensible space standards be implemented for development in
areas that are at high risk of wildfire.
lO.Develop policies and programs that will help to educate and assist the
public in the eradication and control of noxious weeds.
11. Develop standards that would limit ridgeline and hilltop development in
highly visible areas of the planning jurisdiction.
12.Review and revise sign standards and policies so that existing non-
conforming signs are eliminated through a more aggressive attrition
program.
13.Encourage design standards for commercial projects that contribute to
the character of the community area.
26
8. Historic and Cultural Conservation and Urban Design
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 is defining the rich historical and cultural character of
the community and neighborhoods.
Issues:
1. Kalispell's "National Register" historic districts include more than 1,000
houses, a substantially intact Main Street, and the courthouse circle area —
all built during the city's first fifty years. This heritage gives central
Kalispell much of its charm and character.
2. Historic landmarks outside the City of Kalispell have not been inventoried.
3. The "character" of the built environment, its patterns, landmarks, and
familiar features, add to the community's quality of life and its
attractiveness as a retirement and tourism destination. Rapid local growth
and change, as experienced in recent years, can either enhance or
undermine local character, depending largely on how it is planned and
managed.
4. The degree of social interaction and cohesion in a community is
substantially influenced by the design of the built environment. For
example, Kalispell's traditional townscape of main street and neighborhood
streets is designed for walking, for seeing and meeting people on the street,
for knowing one's neighbors and neighborhood. The building blocks of this
traditional townscape are a consistent pattern of small city blocks and an
abundance of design features that make streets charming places to walk.
Goals:
1. DOCUMENT AND CONSERVE OUR HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL
HERITAGE THROUGHOUT THE PLANNING JURIDICTION FOR THE
BENEFIT OF PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
2. ENCOURAGE HIGH QUALITY DESIGN THAT IS PEDESTRIAN ACCESSIBLE
AND PROMOTES SOCIAL INTERACTION.
27
Policies:
1. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and
downtown should be encouraged to 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. Encourage the design of urban public spaces (such as local streets and
public squares) to be central areas framed by buildings, creating an
intimate visual quality of partial enclosure.
6. Encourage the design of urban streets to be walkable, public spaces, giving
consideration to the following guidelines:
• Block size should be small, for convenient circulation.
• Avoid excess road width that encourages speeding and makes
pedestrian crossing difficult.
7. Encourage the design of new development to relate to significant features of
the surrounding 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.
PI-]
9. Parks and Recreation
Recreational opportunities within the planning jurisdiction are provided
through City, County and State park systems as well as private lands. These
parks provide a diversity of recreational opportunities from small neighborhood
parks and walking trails to larger recreational facilities for organized sports
events along with an increasing network of bike and pedestrian trails. There
are also some small private parks, public golf courses, rivers, lakes and private
timber lands that contribute to recreational opportunities in the area.
Issues:
1. With the popularity of skiing, golfing, biking, jogging, hiking, camping,
hunting and fishing, outdoor recreation is a defining feature of local culture.
Outdoor amenities and park space are highly valued in the Flathead Valley.
2. Park space serve various public purposes: they provide for respite,
recreational opportunities, and organized sports; enhance urban and rural
aesthetics; conserve habitat and the natural landscape; and contribute to the
local economy. The planning jurisdiction's open space system includes
parks, recreational facilities, conservation easements, golf courses, public
land and state waterways.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE A BALANCED DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE PATHS
THROUGHOUT THE PLANNING JURISDICTION PROVIDING ACCESS TO
ALL AGE GROUPS AND INCOME LEVELS.
2. CONSERVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING PARKS AND PARKLANDS.
Policies:
1. Build on the existing parks inventory to provide a unique park system that
benefits residents and the regional economy.
2. Plan for the future conversion of railroad right-of-way to integrate a linear
park running east -west through the city, connecting Woodland Park,
Lawrence Park, downtown, and the west Kalispell bike and pedestrian trails.
3. Provide a balanced mix of parks and recreational facilities to meet local needs,
which would include:
• Mini parks
• Neighborhood parks
• Community parks
• Regional parks
• Linear parks
• Special facilities
29
• Conservation lands or facilities
4. Earmark cash in lieu of parkland funds to expand public waterfront access
and use in close proximity to where funds originated.
5. Insure that habitat qualities of the Flathead/Stillwater River Complex remain
viable while also increasing its availability by the public to enjoy these
amenities.
Recommendations:
I. Develop a public trail system to link the city to surrounding suburbs and
nearby rivers,' streams, and lakes. Use Intramodal Surface Transportation
Enhancement' Act and Community Transportation Enhancement Program
funding to expand the city/county trail system.
2. Expand Kalispell's street tree program citywide.
3. Follow state guidelines for accepting and selling park lands, accepting cash
gifts, and accepting cash -in -lieu of land in subdivisions.
4. Identify and support public purchase of potential future park of lands
within the floodplain in the city county planning.
5. Encourage public use conservation easements and other creative methods
of open space ,conservation.
6. Encourage the establishment of homeowners' parks within residential
subdivisions in the county to be owned and maintained by the Homeowner's
Association. When subdivisions are close to or adjacent to school yards,
coordinate the development of tot lots and neighborhood parks with the
school district, where appropriate.
30
10. Transportation
This section is essentially an Executive Summary of the Kalispell Area
Transportation Plan and includes a brief discussion of existing conditions, a
proposed Major Street Network System, a recommended bypass route and
short and long term recommendations for improving the transportation system
in and around Kalispell. The supporting documents underlying this section are
"The Kalispell Area Transportation Plan" and 'The Kalispell Bypass Feasibility
Study", both dated October, 1993, which have been adopted in their entirety as
elements of this plan.
Issues:
1. Overall traffic volumes in Kalispell have grown considerably over the last 10
years and are forecast to continue to increase over the next 20 years.
2. Idaho Street and Main Street traffic volumes exceed 21,000 vehicles per
day, resulting in congested traffic conditions periodically during the day.
3. Main Street/Idaho Street intersection traffic exceeds its capacity during
summer tourist traffic flows and throughout the year. However, total traffic
at the intersection has increased little over the last ten years. Traffic
continues to increase on adjacent parallel streets as traffic diverts to avoid
the Main/Idaho intersection.
4. Up to 12 percent of traffic on US 93 passes through Kalispell without
making a stop; the majority of traffic on the highway makes at least one
stop in Kalispell.
5. Truck traffic and large recreational vehicles account for as much as 14
percent of total traffic on US 93 north of Reserve, while accounting for only
five percent of total traffic on US 2 west of West Springcreek Road.
6. Traffic and pedestrian safety are issues especially in outlying areas where
narrow rural designed roadways exist with no provision for pedestrians or
bicyclists.
7. The narrow two-lane segment of Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon
Street and the Stillwater Bridge carried 7,518 vehicles per day in 1997, and
the segment of Whitefish Stage Road south of West Reserve Drive carried
6,000 4,284 vehicles per day in 1993 1997. Whitefish Stage Road aPA is
projected to carry approximately 15,000 vehicles per day by 2015.
8. There is no connection between Highway 93 and Whitefish Stage Road, i.e.
an extension of Grandview Drive.
9. No program is currently in place to upgrade substandard streets in the city
limits to City standards.
31
10.Excess traffic along Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East degrades
the residential character of the area.
Il.There is no connection between Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue
East.
Goals:
PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE CIRCULATION SYSTEM, WHICH SERVES
THE COMBINED NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, PLANNING JURISDICTION
AND REGION AND PROVIDES SAFE, CONVENIENT AND ECONOMICAL
ACCESS TO ALL THE FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE AREA.
Policies:
1. The administration of traffic flow shall be implemented to minimize
congestion, encourage commerce and protect the safety and quality of life in
the community.
2. Street improvements that would accommodate significant traffic increases
should be subject to review, by affected neighborhoods and agencies.
3. Coordinate land use and transportation. Locate higher -density development
near arterial and collector streets.
4. Discourage heavy traffic and through -traffic in residential areas
S. Reserve arterial and collector roads to carry through -traffic. Provide lot
access by local streets to the maximum extent feasible. Reserve adequate
right-of-way for designated arterial and collector roads on lands proposed
for new development.
6. Support the expansion of transit services, such as Eagle Transit Services, as
appropriate to meet the mobility needs of seniors, disabled persons, and the
general public.
Develop a pedestrian -bicycle system to supplement the auto -oriented street
system and to meet local transportation and recreation needs.
Proposed Major Street Network
This plan identifies the proposed major street network and classification
system in the planning jurisdiction in Figures 1 and 2 and defines the
characteristics of each functional classification below. The arterial and
collector designations identify how the street system functions; this designation
in itself is not intended to be a plan for road -widening to accommodate more
traffic. Those definitions are presented with recommended traffic volume
thresholds based on the results of travel demand projections for 2015. The
classifications are listed in a hierarchy intended to identify function and the
32
traffic -carrying capacities on all roads, relative to the others. Table 1 lists each
segment of road by its functional classification.
Major Arterials: A major road or highway with moderate to fast speeds and
high traffic volumes. Major arterials provide access to the regional
transportation network. They move traffic across the country, between
cities and communities and/or from one major part of the Planning
Jurisdiction to another. Throughout the Planning Jurisdiction individual
private accesses onto arterials serving adjacent parcels should be
discouraged. Traffic volumes would typically exceed 15,000 vehicles per
day.
2. Minor Arterials: A major road with moderate speeds designed to collect or
move traffic from one major part of the city or planning jurisdiction to
another or to move traffic to or from the major arterial system. Traffic
volumes would generally range from 5,000 to 15,000 vehicles per day.
Collectors: A secondary or intermediate street with moderate speeds and
low to moderate volumes. Such streets would collect local traffic from
neighborhoods and carry it to adjacent neighborhoods or transfer the traffic
to the arterial system. Such streets would typically serve a neighborhood or
area of 150 or more dwellings and carry 1,000 to 5,000 vehicles per day.
4. Local: Minor streets intended to serve individual sites, building or lots.
Local streets feed into collectors or provide destination access off of
collectors.
Table 1. Proposed Major Street Network
Major Arterials:
US 2 (including Idaho Street and LaSalle Road)
US 93 (including Main Street and Sunset Boulevard)
Alternate US 93 (new bypass road west of city)
MT 35
Reserve Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road
Minor Arterials:
Cemetery Road, from Airport Road to US 93
Lower Valley Road, from US 93 to Willow Glen Drive
18th Street West, from 1st Avenue West to Airport Road
Foy's Lake Road, from South Foy's Lake Road to Meridian Road
Whalebone Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Foy's Lake Road
1 lth Street, from 5th Avenue West to 4th Avenue East
7th Street West, from Meridian to 5th Avenue West
Conrad Drive, from Woodland Avenue to LaSalle Road
Center Street, from A'tem93 Meridian Road to Woodland Avenue
Three Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Meridian Road
Four Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to A'�^ale US 93
Evergreen Drive, from Ak—& t US 93 to LaSalle Road
Reserve Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Alternate US 93
33
West Springcreek Road, from Whalebone Drive to Reserve Drive
Meridian Road, from Foy's Lake Road to US 93 (Sunset Boulevard)
Sth Avenue West, from 1lth Street West to Idaho Street
1,4 a ,xiest, , ❑ h S4eet West te , , t, Street West (moved to
collectors)
Airport Road, from Cemetery Road to 18th Street West
1st Avenue East, from Center Street to US 2 (Idaho Street
3rd Avenue East, from llth Street East to US 2 (Idaho Street)
4th Avenue East, from 11th Street East to US 2 (Idaho Street
Woodland Avenue, from Willow Glen Drive to Center Street
(?) 7th Avenue East, from 3rd Avenue East to Oregon Street (?)
Whitefish Stage Road, from Oregon Street to Reserve Drive
Woodland Park Drive, from Conrad Drive to US 2
Willow Glen Drive, from Lower Valley Road to Conrad Drive
LaSalle Road, from Conrad Drive to MT 35
Helena Flats Road, from MT 35 to Reserve Drive
Collectors:
Kelly Road, from US 93 to Willow Glen Drive
18th Street, from Alternate US 93 to 3rd Avenue East
14th Street East, from 3rd Avenue East to 4th Avenue East
1 lth Street West, from 7th Avenue West to 5th Avenue West
1 lth Street East, from 4th Avenue East to Woodland Avenue
6th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 4th Avenue East
4th Street, from Sth Avenue West to 1st Avenue East
2nd Street, from Meridian Road to Woodland Avenue
Conrad Drive, from LaSalle Road to Flathead River
Appleway, from US 2 to Meridian
Montana Street, from 5th Avenue West to 3rd Avenue East
Oregon Street, from Main Street to 7th Avenue East
Wyoming Street, from Meridian Road to US 93 (Sunset Boulevard)
Two Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Meridian Road
Sunnyview Lane, from Sunset Boulevard to Grandview Drive
Northridge Drive, from Sherry Lane Hilltop Avenue to US 93
Evergreen Drive, from LaSalle Road to Helena Flats Road
Reserve Drive, from LaSalle Road to Helena Flats Road
(?) Stillwater Road, from Three Mile Drive to Alternate US 93 (?)
Kinshella Drive, from Two Mile Drive to Northridge Drive
Northern Lights Blvd/Hilltop Avenue, from Three Mile Dr. to Northridge Dr.
7th Avenue West, from Sunnyside Drive to Wyoming Street
Sth Avenue West, from Sunnyside Drive to 1 lth Street West
5th Avenue West, from Idaho Street to Wyoming Street
1st Avenue West, from 11th Street West to Center Street
1st Avenue West. from 18th Street West to llth Street West (moved from
minor arterials)
Airport Road, from 18th Street West to US 93
New Road, from Sunnyview Lane to Reserve Drive
Grandview Drive, from Sunnyview Lane to Evergreen Drive
1st Avenue East, from US 93 to Center Street
3rd Avenue East, from US 93 to 11th Street West East
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3rd Avenue East, from US 2 (Idaho Street) to Oregon Street
4th Avenue East, from 14th Street East to I Ith Street East
4th Avenue East, from US 2 (Idaho Street) to Oregon Street
South Woodland Drive, from Kelly Road to Woodland Avenue
Shady Lane, from Conrad Drive to MT 35
Recommendations:
1. Update the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan by 2003 and thereafter on a
ten-year basis. Within the 2003 update, give emphasis to neighborhood
protection, pedestrian/bicycle circulation, and downgrading minor arterials
through neighborhoods to collector or local status as appropriate.
2. Study and consider alternatives to using Third Avenue East and Fourth
Avenue East as collector streets.
Recommended Improvements:
This section describes the specific improvements necessary to achieve the
proposed Major Street Network as well as the recommended bypass route.
Table 2 provides a summary of the recommended improvements, listed by their
MDT designation as either urban or rural arterials and collectors, and identifies
estimated cost (excluding right-of-way). Groupings of projects by First Priority
and Second Priority have been determined based on existing versus future
needs as described below.
Recommended Bypass Route
A priority and companion document to the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan is
the Kalispell Bypass Feasibility Study. Its primary purpose is to identify a
recommended alignment for a US 93 Bypass around the city of Kalispell. In all,
seven different alignments were analyzed. The recommended bypass alignment
ultimately chosen lies on the near West side of Kalispell. The new four -lane
road would begin north of Snowline Drive (Hwy. 93 S) and generally follow the
Burlington Northern Railroad alignment north to Foy's Lake Road, cross
through the Forest Products property west of the "Y" in the railroad tracks,
cross US 2 at -grade, then proceed north through the Two Mile and Three Mile
area to Stillwater Road, then north and east to Reserve and US 93. The route
would be a limited access roadway, signed as an Alternate Route to US 93, with
speeds ranging from 40 to 55 miles per hour. (See Figure 7.4) The bypass
segments north of US 2 and the segment of Reserve Drive from US 93 to US 2
(LaSalle Road) could also serve as an alternate route for US 2.
Additional System Improvements:
Improvements included in the First Priority grouping would result in the
greatest benefit to existing traffic system performance. Second Priority projects
will primarily serve future development needs as urban development expands
into the adjacent rural areas surrounding Kalispell. Improvements to these
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Second Priority roads will also increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and
bicyclists. Other long-term improvement alternatives were considered but not
recommended. A description of these considerations is also provided below.
First Priority Projects:
The following five projects, listed in order of importance to the Kalispell area
street network, are deemed most critical to meet existing traffic demands:
1. Meridian Road between Idaho Street and US 93 North. This segment of
Meridian Road is currently being improved to include fear three lanes from
Idaho Street north to Three Mile Drive and three two lanes north of Three
Mile Drive to US 93 as an urban minor arterial with curb and gutter and
pedestrian/bicycle accommodations, consistent with city plans to enhance
the quality of the North Meridian neighborhood's residential character.
2. North Meridian, Idaho to Three Mile - This project is planned to go to
contract in the spring of 2003. Purchasing right-of-way is the largest
remaining activity. This project requires a City contribution to address
storm drainage in the area.
3. US-93, Ashley Creek to Courthouse - MDOT has final plans for this project
and are in the process of doing right-of-way appraisals and acquisition. The
current schedule calls for this project to go to contract in the spring of 2001
with construction starting in spring 2002. Right-of-way acquisition could
delay the project and there is a great deal of City utility relocation and
possible extension of water and sewer.
4. Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street and Reserve Drive. The road is
recommended for widening and minor realignment to include eight -foot
paved shoulders, improved vertical and horizontal sight distance through
the curves in the vicinity of the Stillwater River, and a center left -turn lane
at major street and driveway intersections. Federal highway funds have
been obtained to complete this project which is in the design phase and will
go to bid in spring of 2002.
5. The Edgerton Trail is proposed to be approximately 1.6 miles long with an
eight foot wide asphalt bike/pedestrian path to be located along the west
side of Whitefish Stage Road. The project begins at Reserve Drive on the
north and goes south to the area of R.J.'s Northern Park where it will
terminate and was completed in the fall of 2000.
6. Willow Glen Drive from US 93 to Conrad Drive. This two-lane rural arterial
road is recommended to be widened to include paved shoulders, improved
sight distance and left -turn lanes at Kelly Road, Woodland Avenue and
Conrad Drive.
7. LaSalle Road Extension. jConrad Connection) LaSalle Road is recommended
to be extended south of the US 2/MT 35 intersection to Conrad Drive. This
improvement will provide a more direct connection from the Central
36
Business District via 2nd Street/Conrad Drive and from Willow Glen Drive
to US 2 north.
8. 18th Street Extension. 18th Street is recommended to be extended west to
connect with Sunn-vside Drive and Valley View Drive as a two-lane collector
road. This improvement will provide a desirable additional east/west
connection from existing US 93 to the proposed western bypass route along
the BNRR right-of-way.
9. Kelly Road Upgrade - Kelly Road between Hwy. 93 and Willow Glen Drive
needs to be upgraded to a better standard. Currently the road has ponding
and slumps. Increased traffic in the area can be anticipated with increased
growth. Some improvements to the intersection of Highway 93 and Kelly
Road will be undertaken with the upgrade of Highway 93 in the spring of
2002.
Second Priority Projects:
1. Existing US 93. South of the Courthouse to Ball's Crossing is
recommended to be widened to include four through travel lanes plus
center turn lane.
2. Constructing a connector street between Sunnyview Lane and Conway
Drive will be accomplished as a private road as part of Kalispell Regional
Medical Center's master plan for the hospital upgrade. The current street
system requires going back to the highway to make this connection.
3. Construct a connector street between Woodland Avenue across railroad
tracks to Seventh Avenue E.N. to provide access to Idaho Avenue.
4. Reserve Drive between US 93 and US 2. This two-lane major arterial is
recommended to be widened to include four through travel lanes and center
turn lane.
S. Existing Rural Minor Arterials. Table 7-2 outlines existing rural minor
arterial road segments in need of widening to include paved shoulders,
improved recovery zone, and left -turn lanes at major intersecting streets or
drives. These road segments include West Springcreek Road, Stillwater
Road, Four Mile Drive, Whalebone Drive, Foy's Lake Road, Conrad Drive,
Helena Flats, Reserve Drive west of US 93, Three Mile Drive and Evergreen
Drive from Whitefish Stage Road to LaSalle Road.
6. New Rural Minor Arterials. Two new segments of rural minor arterial road
are also recommended to be added to the system to provide increased
accessibility by completion of the mile grid network of roads. These new
road segments are the extension of Four Mile Drive to the proposed bypass
and the extension of Grandview Drive/Evergreen Drive from US 93 east to
Whitefish Stage Road. Both road segments cross difficult terrain and may
require a curved alignment off the section line to negotiate the steep slopes.
WA
The segment of Evergreen extension will also require a new bridge over the
Stillwater River and environmental impact mitigation considerations.
7. Existing Rural Collectors. Seven Several existing rural collector road
segments are recommended for widening to include paved shoulders and
left -turn lanes at major intersecting streets. These roads include Two Mile
Drive, Evergreen and Reserve Drives east of LaSalle Road.
8. Existing Urban Minor Arterials. Three existing urban minor arterial road
segments are recommended for improvements including Grandview Drive,
7th Avenue East north of Idaho and Four Mile Drive west of US 93.
9. At -Grade Railroad Crossings. At -grade railroad crossings may be affected
by improvements or traffic diversions to Meridian Road north of Center
Street, 3rd and 4th Avenue East and Reserve Drive west of LaSalle Road.
Road improvement plans should address rail crossing safety by considering
individual crossing geometries, signalization, signing and pavement
markings and MDT road design standards, policies and procedures.
IO.If the BNRR tracks are abandoned through the city, conversion of the right-
of-way to a new sa-e.__ _s __.._ ' a h_____e the preferred use A
thAt i Iqa i a entinuous commercial area with the integration of a linear
park and bikepath running east -west through the city is encouraged.
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11. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES
Infrastructure and the provision of public services is one of the highest priority
issues for both the City of Kalispell and Flathead County. Adequate provision
of services for new development within the planning jurisdiction in both the
rural and urban areas are important considerations when considering growth
policies and planning for future land uses.
STREETS AND ROADS
Issues:
1. Street maintenance is a major item in the City and County budgets.
2. Flathead County has not accepted any new county roads since the 1980's,
due to the budget constraints. However the City continues to accept new
roads or properties are developed or annexed into the city limits.
3. Most roads within the planning jurisdiction are paved but many county
roads are not paved. The County Road Department has a very limited
budget for paving its existing gravel roads.
4. Transportation, road construction and maintenance continue to be a top
priority for residents in the planning jurisdiction.
Goals:
1. All roads, parking lots and allev be paved.
2. Roads are reconstructed and upgraded to urban standards when needed.
Policies:
1. Require paving of roads, alleys and parking lots for new development.
2. Encourage paving of gravel roads when needed.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and strategy and mechanism for needed road and street upgrades.
SEWER AND WATER
Issues:
1. High groundwater infiltration and storm runoff inflow are having a
significantly negative impact on the City's collection system.
KI:I
2. Most of the Kalispell service area which at this time is not developed will,
upon development, require new sewage lift stations or will impact existing
sewage pumping facilities.
3. Throughout the Kalispell sewer service area there are residential
neighborhoods utilizing septic sewage disposal.
4. Outside the city limits, Kalispell is ringed by areas of residential
development with septic sewage disposal.
5. Provide safe, potable water for the needs of the domestic, institutional,
industrial and commercial consumer and to provide adequate pressure and
flow to meet fire fighting and irrigation within the jurisdiction.
6. The influences of continued property development, failing septic disposal
systems, and the States Water Quality and nondegradation rule will
combine to bring many of these areas onto the City's sewer system.
7. The ultimate capacities of the North Village and Evergreen sewer districts
are constrained by the limits of their allocation under interlocal agreements.
Goals:
1. Areas / lots in areas of the city currently using on -site sewage treatment
will be connected to City sewer and water.
Policies:
1. Dead-end lines should be avoided to provide water for fire fighting purposes.
2. Annexation to the city of Kalispell shall be required when either water or
sewer services are extended to an unincorporated area to provide services
for new development.
3. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell that are receiving either
water or sewer services should be annexed to the city as part of a
comprehensive annexation plan for the area.
Recommendations:
1. Begin a studv and analvsis of expansion of the wastewater treatment
facilities when needed.
2. Develop and adopt a facilities plan that addresses water and sewer services
in the urban area.
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STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Issues:
1. There are no public storm drainage systems in most of the planning
jurisdiction. Storm water retention onsite in small developments is often
overlooked, creating off site drainage problems.
Goals:
1. Develop drainage facilities for all of the urban areas of the planning
jurisdiction.
Policies:
1. As new city streets are constructed, and as existing streets are improved,
storm drainage infrastructure will be installed or improved.
2. The quantity and rate of runoff from a developed piece of property should
not exceed that which would occur had the property remained
undeveloped.
3. As new city streets are constructed, and as existing streets are improved,
storm drainage infrastructure will be installed or improved.
Recommendations:
1. As the city's street reconstruction program continues, storm drainage
should be improved.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Issues:
1. The landfill site, with 220 acres of land available has nearly a 100 year
capacity.
2. Several private firms in the Kalispell area provide recycling services.
3. Solid waste collection and disposal is provided to the majority of residents
by the City of Kalispell and to the majority of businesses by private hauler.
The licensed private hauler in the Kalispell area is Evergreen Disposal.
4. In areas outside the city limits and beyond the Evergreen Disposal service
area, strategically located public dumpsters are provided by the County.
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Goals:
1. Expand recycling efforts to reduce tonnage at the landfill.
Policies:
1. Encourage citizens to recvcling all recyclable items.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a proactive program that substantially expands recycling.
POLICE PROTECTION
Issues:
1. Within city limits, police protection is provided by the Kalispell Police
Department; outside of city limits, the Flathead County Sheriffs Office has
jurisdiction. The city and county also have an interlocal agreement to provide
mutual aid upon request. The Flathead County Jail located in Kalispell
serves both the city and county and is continually overcrowded.
2. The Flathead County Sheriffs Office is also located in Kalispell. The Office
serves all of the unincorporated portion of the planning jurisdiction.
3. A general guideline for adequate police staffing is one officer per 500
population. In 1999, the ratio was approximately one officer to 530 people in
Kalispell and one officer to 1,100 people in unincorporated areas.
4. The existing jail facility, located in Kalispell, which 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.
Goals:
1. Ensure that we have safe and healthy neighborhoods.
Policies:
1. Adequately staff law enforcement agencies.
Recommendations:
1. Coordinate between law enforcement agencies to provide a seamless service
2. Continue to pursue grants to provide funds for staffing and equipment.
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FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE
Issues:
1. Fire protection by the Kalispell Fire Department is currently provided to
areas within the city as far as 2.9 miles from the downtown station with
response times to six to eight minutes. Development on the northern and
southern boundaries of Kalispell strain response times.
2. Kalispell Ambulance Service is owned and operated by the Kalispell Fire
Department and is funded by user fees.
3. Fire protection within the city limits is provided by the Kalispell Fire
Department, and the remainder of the planning jurisdiction is served by
volunteer fire departments. The Kalispell Fire Department and the
surrounding volunteer fire departments also have interlocal agreements to
provide mutual aid upon request.
4. Disputes —Lack of coordination can arise which involve rural fire district
territories which create :....,4m om inefficient use of resources.
Goals:
1. Reduce the city's Insurance Service Offices (ISO) rating.
2. Develop and automatic aid agreement with fire districts adjacent to the city.
Policies:
1. As development and redevelopment occur, construction shall be required to
comply with the Uniform Fire Code.
Recommendations:
1. A fire substation is needed to serve the growing northern portion of the city.
According to the ^ e ^c ^^'^*'^ ISO, a city the size of
Kalispell with its present equipment and personnel should have a maximum
service radius of 1.5 miles or approximately five minutes.
2. In some instances small rural fire districts should be reassessed and
merged when practical.
3. Foster stronger relations between rural fire districts and the Citv of
Kalispell.
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PUBLIC EDUCATION
Issues:
1. There are seven public elementary school districts within the planning
jurisdiction, some of which are overcrowded and require busing to other
schools.
2. Some of the school districts are at or near full enrollment while others are
seeing declining enrollment.
3. Flathead High School in Kalispell had a 1996 enrollment of 2,359 students,
far exceeding optimum school size.
Goals:
1. Provide quality education and a safe environment for all students.
Policies:
1. Support the school resource office program.
Recommendations:
1. Pursue additional grant resources.
2. Consideration should be given to siting second high school.
3. The college's enrollment has grown substantially over the last 30 years and
should acquire additional land for future needs..
KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT
Issues:
1. Kalispell City Airport does not meet the minimum safety requirements
established by the FAA and poses safety problems for its users and
neighbors.
2. The airport has been developed solelv through City funding without any
participation from the Federal Aviation Administration.
3. The current airport has not been included in the National Plan of
Integrated Airports Systems (NPIAS) airports because is does not comply
with B-II airport standards.
44
4. In it current configuration there are penetrations of both approach
services encroachments into the runway obiect free area and non
compatible use of the runway protection zones.
5. The general public has unhindered access to all air operations, including
the runway due to the lack of complete perimeter fencing.
6. Airport storage and parking is inadequate for the current level of use.
7. The airport has inadequate runway lighting.
8. Cost of financing airport improvements exceeds the resources of the
local government.
9. Acquisition of additional acreage will be required for upgrading the
airport to a B-II status.
10. Expansion and upgrade of the airport may require the City to condemn
private property.
Goals:
1. TO UPGRADE THE AIRPORT TO PROVIDE SAFE EFFICIENT AIRPORT
FACILITIES FOR THE USERS AND NEIGHBORS.
2. UPGRADE THE AIRPORT TO A B-II VISUAL STATUS TO CREATE THE
POTENTIAL TO OBTAIN A FEDERAL MATCH OF 90 PERCENT FEDERAL
FUNDING AND TEN PERCENT LOCAL MATCH.
3. DEVELOP AN AIPORT THAT COMPLIES WITH NPIAS STATUS FOR A B-II
VISUAL AIRPORT.
4. COMPLETE THE AIRPORT STUDY WHICH ASSESES THE ALTERNATIVES
FOR UPGRADING THE AIRPORT BY SEPTEMBER 2001.'
5. FORMALLY ADOPT AN AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN AS A RESULT OF THE
AIRPORT STUDY.
6. UTILIZE THE REVENUES GENERATED FROM THE AIRPORT URBAN
RENEWAL DISTRICT TO FUND AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS.
7. HIRE AN AIRPORT MANAGER TO OVERSEE THE DAY TO DAY
OPERATIONS AT THE AIRPORT AND TO MANAGE CITY LEASES.
8. CREATE AND OPERATE AN AIRPORT FACILITY THAT IS SELF-
SUPPORTING AND THAT WILL GENERATE SUFFICIENT REVENUE TO
COVER ALL COSTS ASSOICATED WITH THE AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND
MAINTENANCE.
G11
Policies:
1. Utilize the revenue from the sales of City owned propertv around the
airport in Haven and Dalev fields as part of the funding sources for the
upgrade of the airport facilities.
2. Encourage the development of the additional 10 acres owned by the City
to the southwest of the runway intended to be leased for hangars and
other airport related uses.
3. Retain all existing acreage currently owned by the City that can be
utilized as part of the airport upgrade and expansion.
4. Limit the building height of new structures within runway protection
zone to reduce further intrusions and or penetrations which would
result from the expansion of the airport.
5. Ensure that all leases holders and "through the fence" operators
compensate the Citv at an equitable rate.
6. Refrain from entering into any agreement which grants access to the
public landing area by aircraft normallv stored and serviced on adjacent
property.
Recommendations:
1. Complete the airport study which assesses various alternatives to the
airport upgrade and design.
2. Assess the costs associated with the upgrade and identify funding
sources.
3. Assess the financial, political and social impacts associated with
additional land acquisition.
4. Formally adopt and Airport Layout Plan (ALP).
5. Once the ALP is adopted, coordinate zoning with the Countv to reduce
penetrations into the object free area and the runway protection zone.
6. Hire an airport manager to manage Citv leases and to oversee the day to
day operations of the airport
7. Evaluate the current lease activitv and "through the fence" operations to
ensure that equitable agreements are in place.
8. Seek FAA funding for upgrade of the airport facilities to a B-II status
46
CULTURAL FACILITIES
The Kalispell planning jurisdiction has numerous cultural facilities. The
Conrad Mansion has been restored and designated a National Historical Site.
The Hockaday Center and Flathead Valley Community College also contribute
to the culture by hosting exhibitions and plays. Recently 2.5 MIL of urban
renewal funds was spent to restore Kalispell's Central School to function as a
museum and historic educational center. However, there is need for a civic
center / multi -purpose facility to host cultural activities and sporting events.
47
12. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANS
Within the Kalispell planning jurisdiction several neighborhood plans have
been adopted as an addendum to the Kalispell City County Growth Policy Plan.
Some of the plans exist in a separate plan document while others are attached
in their entirety with this document and are so noted. The following is a list of
the current neighborhood plans and a brief outline of their area and purpose.
Stillwater Destination Resort
In July 1990 the Stillwater Destination Resort Neighborhood Plan was adopted
as an addendum to both the Flathead County Master Plan and the Kalispell
City -County Master Plan. This initially addressed an approximately 300 acre
site lying between U.S. 93 North and Whitefish Stage Road north of the
Stillwater River. The plan was revised in 1992 by adding approximately 40
acres adjoining this property for a total of 340 acres. Approximately 212 acres
of this area is within the Kalispell planning jurisdiction.
The Stillwater Destination Resort plan calls for an 18 hole golf course and other
recreational amenities covering 160 acres or approximately half of the area.
Single family and townhouse residential development would occupy
approximately 100 acres and hotel / convention facilities and associated
commercial development is proposed on approximately 50 acres. Landscaping,
buffering and the creation of an architectural scheme for all commercial and
residential uses is outlined in the plan. The commercial element of the project
would be developed to serve the golf course community and has been zoned B-
6, Resort Business. The residential element is intended to utilize a cluster
design and has been zone RA-1, Low Density Residential Apartment. No
development has taken place on this property since the plan adoption and
subsequent rezoning. This development project would require the extension of
City services.
Highway es South (Rescinded)
M
North Meridian (rescinded in part)
This plan was adopted in December of 1994 and has an area of approximately
314 acres along Meridian Road between Highway 2 and Highway 93 in the city
of Kalispell. The purpose of the plan is to address facility needs and to provide
a more predictable pattern of development. Refer to the overall Kalispell City -
County Growth Policy land use map for specific use designations in this plan
area. Mest ef the inferina-tion regardingreadway networks and publie faeil;tie
71 eans'.1 g the impaet that the upgrades te N th
M - 1J d. 411 ha-ve en the pfegEimity of this busy r ...7.. ay to -esi enee..
-(Rescinded)
The Kalispell City Airport plan was drafted in 1993 to assess the needs
associated with the operation, maintenance and potential upgrades to the
airport and to improve the operations and safety conditions. The review
process moved slowly and the plan was not adopted until January of 1995.
The plan area covers approximately 332 acres in and around the City airport.
Essentially the plan reviews the current standards of the airport facility with
FAA standards which are rated by the speeds and lengths of the aircraft using
the facility. Currently the airport does not meet the FAA standards for either
design group A or B, associated with the speeds of the planes or design group 1
or 2 standards, associated with wingspans. The basis of the report was to
assess the feasibility of designing and upgrading the airport to a 13-1 standard.
Subsequent to the adoption of the airport plan, an urban renewal district was
created to fund upgrades to the airport. Sales of City owned property around
the airport in Haven and Daley fields, the leasing of property for a youth
athletic complex from the state at the northwest corner of Highway 93 and
Four Miles Drive and the relocation of ball fields has taken place since the
adoption of this plan.
A further feasibility study has been done by Morrison and Marierele, Inc. dated
May 1999 has been prepared and several alternatives have been outlined, one
being the upgrade to a B2 airport status with potential federal funding.
49
Alternatives regarding the airport are still being explored and this
neighborhood plan may warrant updating.
South M.Fa dlana i Greenacre _ )Rescinded)
West Valley
A portion of the West Valley Neighborhood Plan boundary overlaps into the
Kalispell planning jurisdiction to the west. Basically, the West Valley School
District boundaries were used as a plan area. This plan was developed in
response to long term development patterns which had occurred over the past
30 years under the previous West Valley zoning district and the proposal to
establish a convenience store in the primarily rural and agricultural area. This
plan was adopted in April of 1997 and was the result of nearly one and a half
years of public meetings and committee consideration. Basic goals for the plan
are to maintain the rural character of the area and to provide some flexibility
for subdivision. An amendment to the plan has been made on approximately
112 acres directly adjoining Country Estates subdivision to the west, changing
the land use designation from agricultural to suburban residential and
removing it from West Valley plan area and wholly within the Kalispell planning
jurisdiction.
2 Rivers RV Resort
This plan was adopted in early 1999 with a plan area containing approximately
135 acres intended for development into a "Resort Commercial' project, the 2
Rivers RV Resort. The site is located on both sides of Conrad Dr. in the area of
the Flathead and Stillwater Rivers. The plan includes four districts that would
have a mix of commercial, recreational, residential and commercial a golf
course. A great deal of land proposed for this development is in the 100 year
floodplain and the floodway necessitating the connection to public sewer.
Because this development is outside of the city of Kalispell and the Evergreen
Water and Sewer District boundaries, issues relating to connection to these
6181
t
facilities are unresolved. This development project also assumes the
construction of a roadway between Conrad Drive and Highway 2. No design
plans have been developed nor have funds been allocated for its design and /
or construction.
Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) Section 36
This plan was adopted in April of 1999 to assist the State Department of
Natural Resources with decisions on the future development of school trust
land located in the northwest part of the planning jurisdiction. The State trust
is responsible for managing the 640 acres that comprise "Section 36." DNRC
offices are located on the property. In 1997 the City leased approximately 134
acres to be developed as a youth athletic complex in the southeast corner of
the section. Subsequently the neighborhood plan was developed that
designates development "pods" within the section. Along the highway the
development pod is designated as Commercial / Retail, the northwest corner of
the section is designed as a Mixed Professional Office area, the southwest
corner is designated as Mixed Use Residential. The plan includes the extension
of City water and sewer to the site to serve the development(s). The State
intends to the lease the sites for development rather than to sell the property
so that the State School Trust will continue to receive revenue from the
property. Build out is anticipated to take between 20 to 50 years.
H: / revdraft2001. DOC
51