11-01-16 Growth Policy Work Session Agenda and MaterialsCITY COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE
GROWTH POLICY
WORK SESSION AGENDA
Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.
City Hall First Floor Conference Room, 201 First Ave. East
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Kalispell Growth Policy pdate — Kalispell Plan -it 2035
Chapter 14: Public Infrastructure & Services
Chapter 15: Annexation Policy
Chapter 16: Implementation Strategies
The City Council held a work session on November 23, 2015 to discuss the
Growth Policy 2035. At the work session it was determined that a small working
group of the Council members would be formed that could review the document.
The work sessions will occur until the Council working group feels the necessary
modifications have been made and the Growth Policy is ready for Council action.
C. PUBLIC COMMENT
Persons wishing to address the council are asked to do so at this time. Those addressing
the council are requested to give their name and address for the record. Please limit
comments to three minutes.
D. MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
E. ADJOURNMENT
UPCOMING SCHEDULE / FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Regular Council Meeting —November 7, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Council Work Session —November 14, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. — Council Chambers
Page 1 of 1
Chapter 14: Public Infrastructure & Services
One of the main benefits of living in or operating a business within the City of Kalispell is access
to public infrastructure, such as water, sewer, and storm drainage, and the municipal services
of police and fire protection, along with solid waste management. The provision and reliability
of these public services is of paramount concern for current residents and for the orderly
growth of the City's population and boundary.
Individual facility plans for each of the components of public infrastructure were developed in
2008, as an update to a 2002 combined Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Plan.
This chapter reinforces the findings and recommendations in those updated plans and provides
the basis for their implementation and periodic update. The first three sections of this chapter
address each public infrastructure component listed above.
This chapter's last three sections address the municipal services of police protection, fire and
ambulance services, and solid waste management.
WATER: Clean, safe drinking water is arguably the most precious resource the City offers its
residents. It is also one of the most vital services it provides. The City of Kalispell and the
Evergreen Water District are the primary providers of drinking water in the Growth Policy
Planning Area, but there are a number of private, community water systems owned and
operated by homeowners associations within residential subdivisions. The demand on the
current and future water system is based on land use, population density, the magnitude and
type of commercial and industrial activity in the area, visiting population and employment
impact, the condition of the existing system, and regulatory requirements.
Issues:
1. Historic population growth has been cyclic with alternating periods of rapid expansion
and years of slower growth, making forecasting difficult and inexact.
2. Aging water mains and fittings, many installed over 75 years ago, have outlived their
design life, leading to an increase in water main breaks and needed pipe replacements.
3. The City of Kalispell possesses significant water rights with respect to priority dates,
volumes, and flow rates for both groundwater and surface water sources.
4. The threat of bioterrorism and associated federal mandates requires system
vulnerabilities identified and mitigated.
1IPage Public Infrastructure & Services
5. Based on population forecasts and the demand on existing system facilities, the overall
water system supply is anticipated to reach capacity by the year 2018.
6. The timing and need for water main extensions or expansions, wells, and tanks to serve
growth is dependent on how fast and where growth occurs. The City water system has
two separately managed pressure zones. The growth in a particular pressure zone
dictates the types of expansion for the zone. Proactive expansion of infrastructure can
facilitate growth in certain areas.
7. Limited fire flow capacity in some areas of the City hinders redevelopment and
reinvestment.
8. There are areas adjacent to the City of Kalispell on private water systems that would not
be easily upgraded to meet fire flow requirements and are currently without hydrants.
9. Some areas outside of the City limits use water lines for their domestic water supply
which do not meet minimum City standards.
10. Some areas have water mains which are not looped, limiting fire protection potential
and water service redundancy.
11. There are some areas in the City whose residents use individual wells.
GOALS:
1. UPDATE THE WATER FACILITY PLAN IN 2015 TO REFLECT THE CURRENT POPULATION
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PROVISION.
2. CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE LOCATIONS WITH MAINS THAT ARE AT THE
HIGHEST RISK OF FAILURE.
3. MAINTAIN AND UPDATE WATER RIGHTS TO ENSURE CURRENT AND FUTURE WATER
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AND PROLONGING THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE.
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6. LOOP ALL WATER LINES TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FIRE FLOWS FOR HYDRANTS.
7. CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SAFE, POTABLE WATER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL USERS.
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9. PROVIDE ADEQUATE PRESSURE AND FLOWS TO MEET FIRE FIGHTING AND FIRE
SPRINKLER NEEDS.
Policies:
1. Water lines and utility easements should be extended to the farthest extent of new
developments to facilitate orderly growth to adjacent lands in the future.
2. Dead-end lines should be avoided.
3. Water mains should be looped when practical and feasible.
4. Annexation to the City of Kalispell should be required when water is extended to
provide service to an unincorporated area.
5. New water mains should be sized to accommodate current and potential future user in
the area.
6. The use of individual wells within the City is discouraged.
7. When individual wells are abandoned, they shall be properly decommissioned in order
to protect groundwater resources from contamination.
Recommendations:
1. Update and adopt a capital improvements plan addressing City water system demands.
2. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell receiving water services should be
annexed to the city as part of a comprehensive annexation plan.
3. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan every five years, at a minimum.
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SEWER: The City's sanitary sewer system includes over 100 miles of sanitary sewer main, 41
sanitary sewer lift stations, and an advanced wastewater treatment facility. All infrastructure is
managed and maintained for overall system health. Much of the original infrastructure installed
in the original townsite is still in place and functioning today. The newest infrastructure in the
system is primarily in the growth areas on the north and south side of the City.
Issues:
1. High groundwater infiltration and storm water runoff inflow are having a significant
negative impact on the City's waste water treatment plant.
2. New development may require upgrades to the existing collection systems including
possible upsize, upgrade or replacement of existing sewage pumping facilities.
3. Throughout Kalispell some neighborhoods still use on -site sewage treatment for sewage
disposal.
4. Outside the city limits, Kalispell is surrounded by areas of residential and commercial
development using on -site sewage treatment systems.
5. By contract, the City of Kalispell is required to allocate a portion of wastewater
treatment capacity to the Evergreen Sewer District.
6. Suburban residential subdivisions developed using on -site sewage treatment systems
are difficult to convert to public sewer.
7. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is expected to tighten Total
Maximum Daily Limits (TMDLs) for Ashley Creek and Flathead Lake. These changes are
expected to include nutrient and temperature limits unreachable by current
technologies. Any new MDEQ requirements may require costly upgrades to the
treatment plant.
GOALS:
1. CONNECT AREAS OF THE CITY CURRENTLY USING ON -SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT
SYSTEMS TO PUBLIC CITY SEWER WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
2. MAKE PUBLIC SEWER AVAILABLE TO AREAS THAT ARE INCLOSE PROXIMITY TO SERVICES
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3. WORK TO INCORPORATE ALL USERS OF CITY SEWER INTO THE CITY.
4. ENSURE THE CITY HAS THE ABILITY TO COLLECT IMPACT FEES FROM DEVELOPMENTS
USING CITY SEWER SERVICES THROUGH THE EVERGREEN SEWER DISTRICT.
5. ELIMINATE INFILTRATION OF HIGH GROUND WATER INTO THE CITY'S SEWER
COLLECTION SYSTEM.
6. ENSURE THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND THE SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM
HAS ADEQUEATE CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
Policies:
1. New sewer mains should be designed and constructed to accommodate the future
extension and expansion of the sewer system.
2. Annexation to the City of Kalispell should be required when sewer is extended to
provide services to an unincorporated area.
3. Impacts from new development requiring upgrades to the sewer collection system, such
as the upsizing of mains and lift stations should primarily be the responsibility of the
developer or builder rather than existing users.
4. Sewer service to new developments should follow the Extension of Services plan.
Recommendations:
1. Continue the study and analysis of the wastewater treatment and collection facilities
2. Update the Sanitary Sewer Capital Facilities Plan in 2016.
3. Identify and correct instances of groundwater and storm water inflow and infiltration.
4. Continue to update the capital improvements plan.
5. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan every five years, at a minimum.
6. Unincorporated areas of Kalispell receiving either sewer services should be annexed to
the city as part of a comprehensive annexation plan for the area.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: Stormwater is rainwater and melted snow that runs off streets,
lawns, and other sites. When stormwater is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and
ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. In developed areas, however,
impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking
into the ground. The runoff from these impervious surfaces is often contaminated with various
pollutants, which can negatively affect receiving waters, and the concentrated flows can cause
downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, habitat degradation and numerous other problems.
There are several stormwater systems in the City of Kalispell, but few in the unincorporated
urban areas of the community.
Issues:
1. There are no public storm drainage systems inmost of the planning jurisdiction.
2. Storm water management and treatment can be problematic for new development
where no public facilities exist.
3. Some areas of the community are especially prone to flooding and ponding because of
inadequate storm water management facilities.
GOALS:
1. ENSURE ADEQUATE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES FOR ALL INCORPORATED
URBAN AREAS.
2. IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE AND STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE IN PROBLEM AREAS OF
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3. REQUIRE ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT TO HAVE ADEQUATE STORM -
WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITIES FOR STORM EVENT ATTENUATION AND WATER
QUALITY TREATMENT.
4. ENSURE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING STORM WATER
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PROPERTIES TO MAXIMIZE THEIR USE.
Policies:
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1. As new city streets are constructed, and as existing streets are improved, storm
drainage infrastructure will be installed or improved.
2. The rate of runoff from a developed piece of property should not exceed that which
would occur had the property remained undeveloped.
3. Best management practices should be implemented on new and redevelopment to
reduce the discharge of pollutants.
4. Encourage the use of low impact development techniques as part of an overall storm
water management plan for new development rather than the use of traditional,
engineered storm water management practices.
Recommendations:
1. As the City's street reconstruction program continues, storm drainage should be
improved.
2. Develop a storm water management system for the northwest areas of Kalispell, the
Spring Creek drainage and operators to develop successional plans.
3. Explore the expansion of existing storm water management facilities to accommodate
new development.
4. Seek greater cooperation between public entities such as the City, County, and State to
recognize and address storm water management issues in the community.
POLICE PROTECTION: Within city limits, police protection is provided by the Kalispell Police
Department; outside of city limits, the Flathead County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction. The city
and county provide mutual aid upon request.
Issues:
1. The Flathead County Jail located in Kalispell serves both the city and county and is
continually overcrowded.
7 1 P a g e Public Infrastructure & Services
2. The existing jail facility, located in Kalispell, was opened in 1987, was built to house up to
64 beds, and it currently has 85 beds and it is anticipated that up to 125 —130 beds will be
needed within the next five years.
3. Increasing problems with methamphetamine production in the community poses a threat
to residents and public at large.
4. Limited space with the police department office creates problems with attempting to bring
on additional staff.
5. There have been difficulties in negotiations between the police bargaining units and the
City of Kalispell.
GOALS:
1. ENSURE THAT WE HAVE SAFE AND HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS.
2. ELIMINATE THE ABILITY OF MANUFACTURERS AND USERS OF METHAMPHETAMINE TO
EXIST OR OPERATE IN THE COMMUNITY.
3. BUILD ON ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENGIES TO
ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DRUG TASK FORCE.
4. ENSURE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE PROTECTING THE RIGHTS AND
DIGNITY OF THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY.
5. INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS REGARDING THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF
DRUGS.
6. STRIVE TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE THE SKILLS, EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES OF THE
LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY.
7. COLLABORATE WITH THE PUBLIC TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF CRIME AND TO REDUCE CRIME.
8. CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY POLICING MODES AND INCREASE THE
NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS.
Policies:
1. Adequately staff law enforcement agencies
8 1 P a g e 11blic Infrastructure & Services
2. Officers and staff conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, professional competence,
compassion and respect for the public.
3. Apply unbiased enforcement of the laws.
4. Conduct all negotiations between the City of Kalispell and bargaining units in good faith
and fairness.
Recommendations:
1. Coordinate between law enforcement agencies to provide a seamless service of law
enforcement in the community.
2. Continue to pursue grants to provide funds for staffing and equipment.
3. As the community grows, ensure that the law enforcement agencies have adequate
staffing and resources.
4. Complete the transition to an enhanced 911 protocol.
FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE: The Kalispell Fire Department with automatic aid from
surrounding fire districts provides fire response to the community. The City of Kalispell
operates an Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport ambulance service that is staffed by cross -
trained firefighter/paramedics and responds for emergency medical calls for service to the City
of Kalispell and portions of the county EMS districts upon request. Other duties provided for
the community are confined space rescue, hazardous materials technician level response team,
community fire safety education, residential fire safety inspections and fire code compliancy in
the commercial occupancy setting.
Issues:
1. Fire protection provided by the Kalispell Fire Department is currently limited to the area
of the city limits of Kalispell. Geographical, population, protection class types and other
variables continue to challenge the department in providing an effective and timely
response to incidents located on the outer perimeter of the city limits of Kalispell.
2. Continued Development on the northern, southern and western boundaries of the city
limits of Kalispell add to the constraints of effective fire protection and EMS response.
9 1 P a g e Public Infrastructure & Services
3. Call demand, frequency, and call type quickly exceed current fire department
capabilities, relying on outside agencies other than Kalispell Fire to provide response
and care.
4. To achieve full Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating points the department needs a
training facility that has live fire capabilities with a smoke room, drill tower at -least 3
stories in height, and a training area of at least 2 acres in size.
GOALS:
1. ADEQUATELY STAFF AND OPERATE FIRE COMPANIES TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE CALL
DEMAND AND PROVIDE EFFECTIVE FIRE AND EMS RESPONSE AND MITIGATION.
2. MAINTAIN THE CITY'S ISO RATING AT A CLASS 3.
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RESPONDING AGENCIES.
4. ASSIST THE COMMUNITY IN REDUCING AND PREVENTING EMERGENCIES THROUGH
PUBLIC EDUCATION, FIRE CODE AND SAFETY ENFORCEMENT, AND COMPLYING WITH
CURRENT ENGINEERING STANDARDS BY ADOPTING CURRENT FIRE, BUILDING, AND
ELECTRICAL CODES.
Policies:
1. All new construction, occupancy remodeling and/or change of documented occupancy
use shall be required to comply with adopted fire, electrical and building codes.
2. All fire department actions will be implemented to provide the greatest need for the
greatest number to the community.
3. The fire department will attempt to provide the safest working environment available
for fire department staff and assisting agencies.
4. The Kalispell Fire Department will protect our community with the highest level of
professionalism.
5. Provide adequate training and resources to all fire department personnel.
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Recommendations:
1. The City of Kalispell should strive to achieve an appropriate response model to facilitate
the needs of ISO. According to ISO deployment analysis "The built -upon area of the fire
protection area should have a first -due engine company within 1.5 road miles and a
ladder -service company within 2.5 miles. As an alternative to determining the number
of needed engine and ladder/service companies through the road -mile analysis, a fire
protection area may use the results of a systematic performance evaluation. This type
of evaluation analyzes computer -aided dispatch (CAD) history to demonstrate that, with
its current deployment of companies the fire department meets the time constraints for
initial arriving engine and initial full -alarm assignment in accordance with the general
criteria of in NFPA 1710, standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire
suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the
public by career fire departments."
2. Continue providing appropriate training needed to fire department personnel and
maintain training records as needed per National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and ISO.
3. Continue necessary multi -company, multi -jurisdictional involvement in training and
response.
4. Continue fostering better working relationships with other responding agencies and
provide the necessary means to support mutual and automatic aid.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: The City of Kalispell provides residential and commercial solid
waste transport service. All of the solid waste in the area is taken to the Flathead County
Landfill. All recycling is done through the private sector.
Issues:
1. There are limited opportunities for recycling for the general public through community -
wide recycling programs.
2. Out of city residents often bring their garbage to be placed in City dumpsters
overburdening their capacity.
3. Residents place large pieces of furniture, construction materials and other debris for
solid waste pick-up rather than taking them directly to the landfill.
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GOALS:
1. EXPAND RECYCLING EFFORTS IN A COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO REDUCE TONNAGE AT THE
LANDFILL.
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4. REDUCE WASTE AT THE LANDFILL BY SEPARATING COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS FROM
HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE.
5. MAINTAIN REASONABLE AND COMPETITIVE RATES FOR SOLID WASTE REMOVAL.
Policies:
1. Encourage citizens to recycle items that can be taken by the local recycling facilities.
2. Encourage citizens to remove large objects such as furniture and construction material
from the alleys rather than pick-up and disposal by the City.
3. Encourage and work with the County landfill to develop a composting program.
Recommendations:
1. Expand residential and commercial services to new areas in the City.
2. Develop a proactive program that substantially expands recycling.
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Figure 8: Public Infrastructure & Services Map
Chapter 15: Annexation Policy
The Kalispell Annexation Policy is crafted to address and balance the competing demands of
developments proposed in those areas adjacent to the City with the timing and provision of
municipal services that accompany any development that occurs in the greater Kalispell Growth
Policy area. The Annexation policy consists of a map and text. The map graphically portrays
those areas adjacent to the City where requests for annexation would be routinely embraced
and conversely those areas further out where requests for annexation or municipal service may
be provided using alternative measures. The associated policy text provides further guidance in
interpreting the map and providing suggested procedures to follow. The focus of the
annexation policy is threefold:
1. To provide for the most efficient pattern of growth in and adjacent to the City.
2. To provide for the most efficient extension of municipal services to lands proposed for
annexation either now or in the future.
3. To provide for the viable future growth of the City of Kalispell unhindered by the
encroachment of substandard rural development.
I. ANNEXATION POLICY MAP
The Annexation Policy Map (attachment 1) provides a graphic policy statement showing a
boundary around the City where direct annexation upon request by a property owner would
likely be supported. Those areas beyond the annexation boundary would require additional
scrutiny and possibly be subject to various alternative methods both in terms of the method of
annexation as well as the timing and provision of municipal services.
The annexation boundary map is a general policy statement not a fixed regulatory document.
The boundary addresses the impacts of logical development patterns and growth within the
City that would occur over the next 5 —10 years. It was noted that the City has experienced an
historical boom during the first decade of the 21s' century in which the City's population grew
by 40% and its area grew by 110%. At the same time the end of this decade brought one of the
greatest recessionary periods experienced by our residents that literally brought development
in the City to a standstill. While neither should be used to predict the future of our community,
the ramifications of both must be factored into our planning considerations.
In developing the annexation boundary map, a series of factors were melded together to create
a unified policy. The boundary was intended to reflect growth that would occur in the next 10
years. Many factors were considered in developing this map. First, obvious topographic
boundaries were used: Flathead and Stillwater Rivers and Ashley Creek and Lone Pine Sate
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Park. Where geographic boundaries were not evident, a boundary that generally extended
mile beyond the current City limits was incorporated to allow for efficient annexation adjacent
to the City without a hard and fast policy that new growth had to touch the City. In addition,
the availability of City services including the 5-minute fire response service area and presence
of municipal water and sewer lines were factored into the process.
The annexation policy map needs to be reviewed at least every 5 years to keep it relevant as
the City grows.
II. ANNEXATION POLICY FRAMEWORK:
The policy statements below must be used to interpret the annexation policy map. This policy
is intended to apply to all annexations of land as well as requests for municipal services for
lands outside the City. This would include both obvious annexations as shown within the
annexation policy boundary map, lands outside the annexation boundary area and wholly
surrounded lands inside the City limits proposed for annexation. This framework describes two
options for annexation, direct annexation and the use of waiver of protest to annexation, and
when it is appropriate to consider each.
A. Annexation Options
1. Properties inside the Kalispell Annexation Boundary Area when an owner petitions for
annexation:
a. The property owner submits a written petition for annexation to the Planning
Department.
b. City would follow the "Direct Annexation" process.
2. Properties outside of the Kalispell Annexation Boundary Area when an owner petitions
for annexation:
a. The property owner submits a written petition for annexation to the Planning
Department.
b. The Planning Board would review the merits of the annexation and make one of
the following recommendations based on promoting a logical and efficient
development pattern for the City:
2) Direct annexation:
i. Available if the property meets two or more of the following criteria:
1. The property lies in the immediate path of additional annexations
which will form a logical extension of the City.
2. The property lies within the existing service area of the Fire
Department.
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3.
The annexation achieves one or more key goals of the growth
policy or provides a necessary community connection, facility or
infrastructure component.
3) Petition to Waive Right to Protest Annexation:
i. Available if the property meets a majority of the following criteria:
1.
The property is outside of the City's annexation boundary.
2.
The property lies in the immediate path of additional annexations.
3.
The property is in an area that may possibly be adjacent to
existing City infrastructure (sewer, water, fire service area) in the
next 10 — 20 years.
4.
The property is within the service area of the Kalispell fire
department and is serviceable by existing or proposed extensions
to municipal water or sewer services.
5.
Services within the property can be provided in the near term by
other than municipal means (private road user's agreements,
private homeowner's association maintenance of parks and open
space, contracting with rural fire districts, etc.) until the time that
the City actually annexes the property.
6.
Development of the property achieves one or more key goals of
the growth policy or provides a necessary community connection,
facility, infrastructure component or community benefit.
4) Recommend not to proceed:
i. If the planning board determines that the property does not address an
adequate number of criteria and is not suitable for annexation or a
waiver of right to protest, the planning board would notify the property
owner and forward a recommendation to the City Council.
B. Annexation Processes
1. Direct Annexation Process (Property owner petitions):
a. The property owner submits a petition for annexation to the Planning
Department.
b. Staff would prepare a cost of services plan.
c. The Planning Board determines that direct annexation is appropriate.
d. The Planning Board holds a hearing for the purpose of recommending the most
appropriate zoning.
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e. Planning Board recommendations on annexation and zoning are forwarded to
the City Council.
f. The City Council would act on the annexation request and if appropriate approve
the appropriate zoning.
2. Petition of Waiver of Right to Protest Annexation: (Property Owner Petitions)
a. The property owner submits a petition for annexation to the Planning
Department.
b. Staff would prepare a cost of services plan.
C. The Planning Board makes a recommendation on the most appropriate process
to follow — in this case waiver of protest to annexation - to the City Council.
d. The City Council acts on the Planning Board recommendation. If the Council
concurs that a waiver of annexation is most appropriate the following
procedures occur:
1) The property owner enters into an inter -local agreement with the City
and the County stating that the City will provide specified services
(typically water and/or sewer) extended at the property owner's expense
and that in exchange:
i. The property owner will agree to submit a waiver of protest of
annexation to the City.
ii. The property owner ensures that the development will be built to
Kalispell Urban Standards and allow City inspection of the
improvements as they are installed to ensure that all future
public infrastructure is built to proper standards.
iii. Finally, the property owner agrees to require that all structures
will be built in accordance to the building codes adopted by the
City of Kalispell at the time of construction and that they will
provide for proper inspections.
iv. At such time as the property owner requests connection to the
municipal water or sewer utility, all applicable connection fees,
including impact fees, shall be paid in full to the City of Kalispell.
Upon such payment, and within a reasonable time, the necessary
taps shall be made only by authorized personnel of the City or
utility into which the tap is to be made.
2) Kalispell Site Review Committee will review the development proposal to
ensure that the development is built to Kalispell Urban Standards.
3) Kalispell Site Review Committee passes these recommendations on to the
Flathead County Planning Board to incorporate into their staff review.
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4) If infrastructure is not built to Kalispell Urban Standards, the requested
municipal public services will be withheld.
5) Under this policy, the City will annex this property at its own discretion,
without protest from the property owners, after giving due notice to the
property owners of the intent to annex.
e. The City staff would then monitor the development over time and make a
recommendation to the City Council when actual annexation would appear to be
appropriate. As a justification for annexation, an updated "Cost of Services Plan"
would be prepared by staff.
3. Annexation Of Wholly Surrounded Areas (City Council directed annexation)
Part 7-2-45 MCA provides a process for the City to annex wholly surrounded land. The
law provides that the City shall pass a resolution of intent, give notice to the affected
property owners and precede with annexation without a petition or request from the
affected surrounded property owners. The basis of this law is that properties, because
of their location within the boundaries of a City are in effect already receiving some
municipal services without paying their fair share in support. The residents drive City
streets, have access to City parks, have City police patrolling in and around their
neighborhoods, have access to fire protection in case of a major incident, etc. In
addition such annexations simplify the provision of emergency services creating a clear
line of agency primary responsibility when an emergency does arise.
a. The City Council directs the Planning Board to proceed with the annexation of
properties wholly surrounded per 7-2-(4501-4511) MCA.
b. The planning staff notifies the affected property owners within the wholly
surrounded area to be annexed.
C. Staff would prepare an extension of services plan showing how all municipal
services can be provided to the properties, either immediately in the case of fire,
police, road maintenance, park maintenance or where major utilities or facilities
are missing such as water mains, fire hydrants or sewer mains, financing options
that would be available to extend such facilities.
d. Informational materials are made available to the property owners explaining
the process, the type of zoning proposed and the impacts this annexation would
have on their property.
e. The Planning Board holds a public hearing for the purpose of recommending the
most appropriate zoning.
f. Planning Board recommendation is forwarded to the City Council.
191Page Annexation Policy
g. The City Council would act on the Planning Board recommendation for
annexation and approve the appropriate zoning classification or classifications.
201Page Annexation Policy
Figure 9: Annexation Policy Map
Chapter 16: Implementation Strategies
Implementation of this Growth Policy is primarily the City of Kalispell's responsibility, but to be
completely effective a significant amount of coordination with other public agencies, the
business community, and Kalispell's citizens will be required.
There are three primary tools used to implement the Growth Policy. They include: the
adoption and enforcement of appropriate land use zoning classifications, subdivision
regulations, and the adoption and application of development standards. Along with, and in
support of, these three primary tools there are a number of additional, secondary tools and
programs the City should use as needed in order to realize the vision, goals, and policies
contained in the Growth Policy. The following sections describe these tools and programs and
provide a framework for their implementation.
1. Zoning Regulations:
The Growth Policy serves as a basis for assigning appropriate zoning when land uses change or
development occurs. The policy document anticipates future development patterns, i.e.
residential, commercial, and industrial. However, this is a policy document, not a regulatory
document. The zoning ordinance functions as an important tool in implementing the Growth
Policy and is generally used to develop the long range development goals. Appropriate zoning
is generally based upon the Growth Policy recommendations and policies. Zoning is intended
to regulate the types of uses that may occur on a particular piece of property by establishing
different types of zoning districts. In addition to the types of uses, zoning also regulates
building height to avoid shadowing or blocking views. Zoning also sets standards regarding the
density or minimum lot size requirements as well as where a structure is located on a piece of
property by establishing setbacks and lot coverage limits.
Montana's Planning Statutes, Title 76, outlines the requirements for establishing zoning, zone
amendments, and public hearing requirements.
The City of Kalispell has zoning authority over land within the City through the Kalispell Zoning
Ordinance. Flathead County, has adopted the Flathead County Zoning Regulations that are applied
in all areas outside the city limits and enforced by the County. All of the property inside the
growth policy area has been zoned, either by the City or the County.
Zoning Regulations Implementation Strategy:
a. Development of the suburban and rural lands in the growth policy area should be
coordinated with Flathead County and the appropriate assignment of zoning. The zoning
should be substantially in compliance with the land use designations of the growth policy.
b. There should be coordination and consistency between the Kalispell and County zoning
regulations in areas just outside the city limits.
c. Enforce the City's subdivision design standards and standards for design and
construction development to address impacts related to conditionally permitted uses
and incorporate them into the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance.
d. Use the Planned Unit Development zoning overlay process for mixed -use development
and other large or complex land projects where appropriate.
e. Inside the City of Kalispell, zoning should be based upon the land use designation of the
growth policy map.
f. Develop highway entrance corridor development standards to address development in the
entryways to the community.
2. Subdivision Regulations:
The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act was adopted in 1973 and authorizes local governments
to adopt subdivision regulations and outlines the public hearing and review process. Cities and
counties must adopt subdivision regulations in accordance with state statutes. The City of Kalispell
administers subdivision regulations for lands within the city limits and for all lands proposed to be
annexed. Flathead County has jurisdiction for lands outside the city limits. The subdivision
regulations govern the division of land into lots that can be individually conveyed. Standards are
outlined in the subdivision regulations for road design, access, water and sewer extensions, storm
water management, parkland dedications, fire access, and more.
The state statutes governing subdivision review also outline a notification and public hearing
process for major subdivisions, subdivisions with six or more lots. Minor subdivisions, or
subdivisions with five or fewer lots, fall under an expedited review process or a "summary review'
process that does not require notification of property owners or a public hearing.
The City of Kalispell subdivision regulations include a section devoted to design standards, that
when followed should result in an overall development pattern that is consistent with the goals
and policies of the Growth Policy. In situations where there may be ambiguity or a need for
interpretation of the standards, the Growth Policy should be consulted to help guide staff and the
public.
Subdivision Implementation Strategy
a. Enforce design standards for roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure for new
development.
b. Encourage public interest and participation in the review process when major subdivisions
are scheduled for public hearing by notifying property owners within 150 feet from the
property, excluding any public right of way or waterways, to be subdivided via certified
mail at least 14 days prior to the meeting.
c. When subdivisions are anticipated to have high impacts to an area, a traffic analysis may
be required to identify mitigation.
d. Property that is anticipating receiving City services should be annexed prior to or
concurrent with preliminary plat review.
e. Subdivision road designs should be based primarily on a gridded and/or interconnected
street system with a provision for anticipated future roadway extension that should be
indicated as a future roadway on the final plat.
f. Subdivision design should maintain the quality and integrity of the natural environment
particularly in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, riparian corridors, and
floodplain which should be integrated rather than eliminated.
g. Subdivision regulations should provide greater encouragement for locating new parks
within reasonable distances of each other particularly areas with higher density
development.
h. Major subdivisions shall be reviewed in accordance with the public interest criteria
outlined in the statutes and will be required to have an environmental assessment and
public hearing before the planning board.
i. Minor subdivisions shall be eligible for summary review provided they meet the criteria
outlined in the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations and state statutes.
j. Some minor subdivisions may be eligible for an exemption from review provided they
meet the criteria outlined in the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations and state statutes.
I Growth Policy Update Amendment:
Kalispell's Growth Policy should be periodically examined for relevance under the current
economic, social, cultural, and market conditions of the community. The state statutes require
that a growth policy be reviewed every five years. An update, whether it is general or based on
one or several issues, should be initiated by the Kalispell City Council and based on a
recommendation from the Kalispell City Planning Board from their annual review.
Growth Policy Update Implementation Strategy
a. Whenever there is a major change in the socio-economic conditions of the community
such as a large increase or decrease in population, a new industry entering or exiting the
market; consideration should be given to updating the Growth Policy.
b. The Planning Board should schedule a formal work session in the fall of each year to
conduct a review of the Growth Policy and evaluate it for relevancy. The planning board
should prepare a report to the City Council as to whether or not it should be amended
with consideration being given to changes in the legal framework, factual errors or
contradictions, significant changes in the community or new and relevant information
that would affect specific policies and goals.
c. Based on the Planning Board's review, the Council may conclude that an update or
amendment to the Growth Policy is warranted. A report from the Planning Board
should include a description of proposed changes and rationale, impacts of changes,
necessary revisions to growth policy implementation strategies, and resulting revisions
to regulations if needed.
d. Amendments should include a public hearing before the Planning Board with the level of
public involvement depending on the scope of the proposed changes or amendments.
e. Evaluation criteria should include:
1. Consistency with the goals and policies of the growth policy, state law, and other
established policies adopted by the city council;
2. Demonstration of the public need and support for the change;
3. The proposed change is the most effective means of meeting the need; and
4. The public, as a whole, benefits, rather than one or a few property owners at the
expense of others.
f. Additional plans should be initiated as recommended by the Planning Board to address
specific areas or needs in the community, such as: a bike and pedestrian plan or
redevelopment plan for certain areas or neighborhoods.
4. Neighborhood and Area Plan Amendments:
Neighborhood Plans and Area Plans are tools to provide greater clarity for future development
within a specific neighborhood or area of the City. The land area for this type of plan generally
covers approximately 20 acres or more. These plans should be evaluated within the framework of
the Growth Policy and follow the same review and approval process. They should be adopted as
an addendum to the Kalispell Growth Policy in Appendix A. A neighborhood or area plan should
expand on the goals and policies of Growth Policy and provide guidance at the neighborhood or
project -level. Typically a group of property owners would initiate a neighborhood plan in order
to address unique situations or specific neighborhood concerns. The state growth policy
statutes require that they be in compliance with the goals and policies of the municipality's
growth policy.
Neighborhood Plan Amendment Implementation Strategy
a. The governing bodies within the Growth Policy area shall coordinate public hearings
when neighborhood or area plans cross jurisdictional boundaries.
b. New and existing neighborhood plans and area plans should be consistent with the
Growth Policy document.
C. Neighborhood plans and area plans should be reviewed every three years to determine
whether they are still relevant and whether or not changes should be made or the plan
should sunset. The plans are area found to be irrelevant they would be rescinded by a
resolution passed by the City Council.
d. A neighborhood or area plan will become the policy for the geographic area it addresses
and any land use ordinances or regulations, such as zoning or subdivision review, should be
based on this plan. The plan is conceptual in nature and not an engineering or
construction document.
e. An application for a neighborhood or area plan amendment should be developed to
include required information and public hearing process. The information should
include a plan identifying significant issues, goals, and, policies associated with the area
f. If there is a zone change that can be anticipated or recommended as part of a
neighborhood or plan, the plan amendment shall be acted on by the City Council to
accept, revise, or reject it prior to the initiation of the zone change.
S. General Growth Policy Amendment:
An application to amend the Growth Policy can be made to provide a basis for evaluating a
development proposal including large or complex development projects or projects that have not
been anticipated under the Growth Policy. The amendment proposal should provide clear and
detailed information regarding a project for the purposes of evaluation and basis for future
development. The proposal should be evaluated within the framework of the Growth Policy and
should be adopted as an addendum to the Kalispell Growth Policy in Appendix A. The amendment
proposal should serve to expand on the goals and policies of the Growth Policy and provide
guidance at project level. The amendment proposal should be required to further the goals and
policies of the Growth Policy document as a whole and would not preclude the changing of the
anticipated uses on the future land use map.
General Growth Policy Amendment Implementation Strategy
a. The governing bodies within the Growth Policy area shall coordinate public hearings
when amendments cross -jurisdictional boundaries.
b. Amendments should be consistent with the Growth Policy document.
C. Amendment proposals involving a specific development should be reviewed every three
years to determine whether the document is still relevant and whether or not changes
should be made or the plan should sunset.
d. The amendment to the Growth Policy will become the policy for the area it addresses and
any land use ordinances or regulations, such as zoning or subdivision review, should be
based on this plan. The amendment proposal would be conceptual in nature and not an
engineering or construction document.
e. An application for an amendment should be developed to include required information
and public hearing process. The information should include:
1. A plan identifying significant issues, goals, and policies associated with
proposed development;
2. The feasibility of the development;
3. A phasing plan, if appropriate;
4. Conformance with the growth policy overall;
5. A convincing showing of need;
6. Neighborhood compatibility;
7. Transportation impacts;
8. Environmental impacts;
9. Site hazards;
10. Adequate provision of local services; and
11. The appropriateness of the proposed location of the project.
f. If the amendment is associated with a specific development and the proposed project is
abandoned, the land use designation shall revert back to its prior land use designation
and the development proposal would sunset. Abandonment shall be deemed to have
occurred when no substantial improvements or substantial progress has been made on
the development for a period of three years and the Planning Board has made a
recommendation to the City Council for rescission. The plan would be rescinded by a
resolution passed by the City Council.
g. If there is a zone change that can be anticipated as part of the development proposal,
the amendment shall be acted on by the City Council to accept, revise, or reject prior to
the initiation of change in zoning.
6. Building and Fire Codes:
Building codes apply to all construction (e.g., new construction, additions, alterations,
conversions, improvements, remodels, and repairs), except that which is specifically exempted
by the code or state law. Building codes set minimum standards for plumbing, electrical, and
mechanical installations; construction techniques; and materials, etc. Building codes are not
developed at the local level. Instead, the State adopts nationally recognized codes, which are
developed and updated by national code committees. Cities and counties administer the state
adopted codes.
Kalispell's building jurisdiction extends to the city limits. Within that building jurisdiction the
Kalispell Building Department administers the Uniform Building Code, the Code of American
Building Officials (CABO), One and Two Family Dwelling Code, the Uniform Mechanical Code
and the Uniform Plumbing Code. Beyond the City's building jurisdiction, the Montana
Department of Commerce has responsibility.
Within its resource capabilities the State permits and inspects five-plex or larger residential
construction and all commercial construction; however, single-family through four-plex
residential construction, which is the bulk of rural construction, is exempt. All electrical wiring
requires an electrical permit from the State whether inside or outside of the Kalispell Building
Jurisdiction.
Building and Fire Code Implementation
a. Building codes administered by the City of Kalispell and the State of Montana should
strive to be consistent.
b. Coordination and cooperation between the City, County and rural fire districts should be
sought to share resources and building on individual strengths.
c. Access and fire code requirements should be part of a preliminary development review
process.
d. Paving driveways, alleys, and parking lots should be required to be completed prior to
an occupancy permit being issued. If weather or other conditions do not permit
completion of parking or driveway paving, a temporary certificate of occupancy may be
issued by the Building Official.
e. A building code enforcement program should be coordinated between the City and the
County.
7. Extension of Services Plan:
The City of Kalispell is required by Montana annexation statutes, to maintain and keep current
its Extension of Services Plan for the extension of City services to areas of the City not currently
served and to lands to be annexed. The Extension of Services Plan addresses policies regarding
the extension and construction of new City infrastructure including streets, water, sewer, and
storm drainage. It also addresses the provision of fire, police, and other emergency services.
The plan establishes a potential utility service area beyond the city limits, which is mapped. The
plan establishes various policy requirements for extension of services within that boundary
including an important policy statement that developers shall be responsible for constructing all
infrastructure to serve proposed development in accordance with City design standards.
Extension of Services Plan Implementation Strategy:
a. Developers should be responsible for the installation and cost of utilities needed to
serve their development. Any upsizing or extra extensions should be reimbursed by
the City.
b. The City's extension of services plan should be based on information from the various
Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Plans.
C. Use the Kalispell Extension of Services Plan to clearly articulate annexation policies
and the extension of new City utilities.
d. Provide adequate information to Flathead County regarding the extension of service
plan so that they can assist in facilitating policies.
e. Review the extension of services plan periodically for specific updates that might be
needed as a result of changes.
f. Explore the use of development agreements for the reimbursement of utility
extension costs to encourage the extension of utilities to areas without services.
8. Capital Improvement Plan.
A capital improvement plan prioritizes needed improvements to existing infrastructure and
identifies priorities for upgrades, new construction and location of utilities.
Capital Improvement Plan Implementation Strategy
a. Utilize the information from the specific facility plans to identify needed
improvements to existing infrastructure.
b. Maintain a capital improvement fund to pay for replacement and extension of
utilities.
C. Maintain an equitable user rate and fee program to adequately fund and maintain
existing infrastructure.
9. Urban Renewal Districts:
As of the adoption of this plan in May of 2014, the City of Kalispell has three urban renewal
districts in the city limits aimed at eliminating blight and assisting in upgrades to infrastructure
in order to encourage new development and redevelopment. Also sometimes referred to as
"tax increment finance districts," TIFs, or urban renewal districts allow local governments to
capture additional tax revenue from new development to be reinvested into the district. The
state statutes clearly outline the purposes for which the funding may be used as well as the
specific activities that must be identified in a redevelopment plan. The City of Kalispell has
several programs that have been used to assist in development in the urban renewal districts,
including: a 3%-interest commercial loan program for renovation work on existing structures
and off -site infrastructure improvements, which benefit the majority of residents and
compliment or assist new development projects. Developers may also, in some instances, seek
a low interest loan for certain on -site infrastructure activities.
The first of the three is the Westside Urban Renewal District adopted in 1997. This District was
significantly expanded in 2012 to include Kalispell's Core Area. The "Core Area Plan" details the
specific goals and strategies for the Westside Urban Renewal District, which is focused on the
revitalization and rehabilitation of area located north of Downtown spanning the width of the
city limits. The main strategies in the Core Area Plan are the relocation of the railroad
dependent users to a "rail -industrial park" on the east side of the City, the removal of the
railroad tracks, the development of a non -motorized promenade running east -west across the
City. The Westside Tax Increment Finance District, which is a key financing tool for the district
has been extended for 25 years with a sunset date of 2037.
The second is the Airport/Athletic Complex Urban Renewal District that was established in
1996. The district generally encompasses an area surrounding Kalispell's City Airport. It was
developed for the purpose of providing a financial mechanism to provide the necessary
infrastructure support to encourage the growth of secondary, value -adding businesses in the
City and the development of an expanded and updated airport complex. The Airport/Athletic
Complex Tax Increment Finance District is set to expire on July 1, 2020.
The third and final urban renewal district is the Old School Station District that was established
in 2005. The district is focused on high-technology and light -industry growth in an area located
at the far southern limits of the city. The industrial park has been developed and public utilities
extended to the park. The Old School Station Tax Increment finance district is set to expire on
January 1, 2020.
Urban Renewal District Implementation Strategy
a. Continue to support and operate the Community Development Department and the
various economic development programs it either administers or has access to.
b. Explore the creation of additional urban renewal district in other areas of the city to
encourage redevelopment.
C. Continue to develop specific improvement plans for the districts and promote the
plans to encourage coordinated and desirable development within the districts.
10. Intergovernmental Cooperation:
A spirit of cooperation and understanding between the City of Kalispell and Flathead County
is critical to reinforcing an orderly development pattern, including coordinating public
facilities and services, and addressing the numerous issues that cross over city -county
boundaries. Relations between the City and County have been strained and there has been
a lack of joint planning between these government entities.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Implementation Strategy
a. 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.
b. Coordination between the City and the County is needed to create consistency in
development standards for both zoning and subdivision design standards at the
urban / rural interface.
C. Encourage the County to recognize the land use designations for property within the
potential utility service area and adopt zoning consistent with the land use
designation.
d. Coordinate a public review process that involves both the city and the county
residents when there are major projects that have impacts in both jurisdictions.
e. The city council and the county commissioners should meet periodically to discuss
issues of joint concern.
f. Schedule meetings or work sessions between the city and county planning boards to
facilitate understanding and consistency in goals and polices.
11. Interlocal Agreement:
Interlocal agreements have been used by cities and county and also between cities, counties,
and rural fire districts. These agreements are recognized under the Montana Planning Statutes
as a tool for the creation of joint planning boards, mutual aid agreements and agreements
between the sewer districts and the City of Kalispell. These agreements spell out the
responsibilities and expectations as well as limits of the parties.
Interlocal Agreement Implementation Strategy
a. An interlocal agreement should be sought between the City of Kalispell and the rural
fire districts for automatic aid agreement to further reinforce the commitment
between the parties to provide life and safety assistance to all citizens of the
community regardless of boundaries.
b. Explore a renegotiated interlocal agreement with the Evergreen Sewer District to
expand their service area.
C. An interlocal agreement be signed between the City and the County that agrees on a
joint planning jurisdiction and the reestablishment of a city -county planning board
for Kalispell.
12. Memorandum of Understanding:
A memorandum of understanding can be used as a tool to spell out specific obligations,
agreements and cooperative efforts between parties, either public or private. They have been
used between government and private entities to clearly articulate responsibilities and
expectations of the parties involved.
Memorandum of Understanding Implementation Strategy
a. In lieu of or as an interim measure, a memorandum of understanding should be
sought between the City of Kalispell and Flathead County to recognize certain goals
and policies outlined in the Kalispell Growth Policy for land use decisions on the
urban fringes.
b. In order to better coordinate and address the fringe area impacts associated with
development, a memorandum of understanding between Kalispell and Flathead
County should be entered into that describes the relationships and responsibilities
for each party relative to development on the fringes of the City.
C. The following policies should be incorporated in such an agreement:
• 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.
13. Floodplain Development Permits:
The City of Kalispell and Flathead County participate in the national flood insurance program
developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and administered by the local
governing bodies in accordance with federal laws. The 100 year and 500 year floodplain has
been mapped in all of the growth policy area which has significant floodplain. The Flathead
River to the east along with the Whitefish River and Stillwater River create a significant amount
of area that is restricted to development because it lies in the 100 year floodplain. Whenever
any type of fill is proposed in the 100 year floodplain, a floodplain development permit is
required to be obtained in accordance with the federal program. Both the City and the County
have personnel designated as the floodplain administrator for the respective jurisdictions.
Floodplain Development Permit Implementation Strategy
a. Continue to participate in the national flood insurance program to keep flood
insurance rates low for all the residents of the community.
b. Discourage fill in the 100 year floodplain when other viable options are available for
development.
C. Do not allow the creation of new subdivision lots in the 100 year floodplain when fill
would be required to establish a building site.
14. Conservation Easements:
Conservation easements are a voluntary tool for conserving and setting certain development
standards on a piece of private property for the benefit of the public, environment and future
use of the property. The Montana statutes have specific criteria for conservation easements
and the entity for which an easement may be given. There are several non-profit organizations
in the community that manage conservation easements such as the Flathead Land Trust, the
Montana Land Reliance, the Nature Conservancy as well as public agencies.
Conservation Easement Implementation Strategy
a. Encourage the use of conservation easements to protect environmentally sensitive
areas or areas that have unique characteristics or qualities that are worthy of
conservation and / or preservation.
b. Provide broader education of the public and private sectors of the community
regarding the use and value of conservation easements as a land management tool.
15. City, Federal and State Grant Programs:
The City of Kalispell's Community Development Department currently administers and monitors
numerous state and federal grant programs as well as City program income funds. These have
been used for affordable housing activities such as rehabilitation and/or new construction and
down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers as well as housing for
groups or individuals with special needs. Additionally these funding sources provide low -
interest commercial loans for rehabilitation or renovation of commercial/retail structures
within our urban renewal districts as well as support economic development through business
retention and/or expansion. The City also provides funding for surveys and studies identifying
growth and planning needs.
Grant Program Implementation Strategy
a. Continue to support the programs and staffing of the Community Development
Department to ensure the City's high rating and ranking in the grant arena is
maintained and enhanced.
b. Continue to utilize program income from previous grant funded projects as well as
urban renewal projects as matching funds as various grants require.
C. Continue to promote public/private partnerships wherever possible.
16. Public Participation and Public Hearing Process:
A process for notice and scheduling of public hearings for land development proposals such as
zone changes and subdivisions is outlined in the Montana Annexation and Planning Statutes.
The City of Kalispell is required, at a minimum, to meet those notice requirements, but has
actually adopted additional notice requirements that are part of the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance
and the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations. The extent and degree of public involvement should
depend on the scale of the project or proposed changes. A general growth policy amendment,
neighborhood plan amendment, or update of the growth policy involving a large area, major
policy changes or major changes to land use designations may include collecting opinions,
assessing community needs, an inventory of services and resources and providing the
opportunity for meaningful public involvement.
Public Participation and Public Hearing Process Implementation Strategy
a. Notice requirements for items that are subject to public hearings before the planning
board or board of adjustment should be consistent for all types of project
applications such as major subdivisions, conditional use permits, zone changes and
fTIMU .&I
b. Adequate facilities need to be available to accommodate public seating and
participation when specific issues or projects draw a large audience.
C. Public notification requirements for annexations and initial zoning should be handles
the same as a zone change when there is substantial acreage, a significant increase in
density or significant increases in traffic anticipated.
d. When a public hearing is required for subdivision, zone changes, conditional use
permits or variances; property owners within 150 feet of the subject site will be
notified by mail 15 days prior to the scheduled hearing.
e. When there is a proposed change in land use, the property should be posted for 30
days prior to consideration of the proposed land use change.
f. Information regarding public hearings, development proposals and staff
recommendations should be available with adequate time for review and
consideration according to state law.
g. Information regarding development proposals, zone changes or other projects should
be available on the internet for easy access by the public.
h. Develop information systems that allow easier access to planning, zoning and
subdivision information.
i. Major subdivisions shall be reviewed in accordance with the public interest criteria
outlined in the statutes and will be required to have an environmental assessment
and a public hearing before the planning board.
j. Minor subdivisions shall be eligible for summary review provided they meet the
criteria outlined in the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations and state statutes.
k. Some minor subdivisions may be eligible for an exemption from review provided they
meet the criteria outlined in the Kalispell Subdivision Regulations and state statutes.
I. Work with homeowners associations and neighborhoods with areas are intended to
be annexed by the City to identify issues and explain the process.
m. Meet with water and sewer boards, school districts or other agencies to facilitate a
better understanding of mutual concerns and needs.
n. Conduct public opinion surveys to solicit a better understanding of the community's
desires and concerns.
o. Work with the medial to provide accurate information for the public and to provide
additional exposure to land use issues.
17. Other Plans, Studies and Reports:
Additional plans, studies or reports can be performed to provide additional information,
guidance or support for the growth policies. These plans would typically be designed, funded
and performed by the City of Kalispell or other government entity to provide additional
guidance or information regarding a particular issue. These additional plans, studies or reports
would not typically be considered if they are in conjunction with a development project or
performed by or on behalf of a developer or special interest group. For example additional
drainage studies, bike and pedestrian plan, capital improvements plan, transportation plan
updates and urban renewal plans can all be used as an implementation tool for the growth
policy. Appendix B, the Resource and Analysis Section, of the growth policy should be updated
as new information becomes available on the economy, population, housing trends or other
information from the State, US Census Bureau or other reliable sources.
Plans Studies and Reports Implementation Strategy
a. Rely on unbiased reports, studies and information as an additional tool in the decision
making process.
b. Plans, studies and reports used for decision -making purposes should provide unbiased,
objective, quantifiable information rather than being sponsored in connection with a
specific development project or by a special interest group or organization.
c. Update Appendix B, the Resources and Analysis Section; as additional information
becomes available.
Chapter 9: Historic Downtown and Core Area
Kalispell's downtown and core area both developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's, and
have played a prominent role in the City's history and development. The downtown and core
area,
sseve.ral. Meek,-r t^ the east ^^rd . ^,.t FeFnaiRs the heart of the ^ ^it., and serves as afr
important economic contributors in the City as a tourism destination and as a home to a
number of local businesses, banks and local government offices. In addition to the economic
benefits of the downtown and core area, they serve as the epicenter of Arts, Culture and
Historic conservation. The downtown and core area are the historic and cultural identity of the
community with a history museum, an arts museum, and numerous historic buildings. These
buildings -play an important role in defining the rich historical and cultural character of the
community. The eeFe aFea, situatpd lapty,PPR Ci.;t ctFppt and WashiRgt^., ctFeet and the City
Issues:
1. Excessive through traffic in the downtown and core area detracts from the preservation
and maintenance of the historical and cultural character and undermines pedestrian
and bicycle safety and access.
Z The ^ .,t..,l �,, i^ di,.tria 1-ae Rd a StFeRg Gult-ral Rt^r While the
downtown hosts a variety of healthy cultural institutions including the Central School
Museum, Imagine iF Library and the Hockaday Museum of Art that draw residents and
visitors, there could be a stronger cultural presence in the district, i.e. - new larger
library, performing arts center, etc.
3. Water mains are absent on the west side of Main Street making it challenging to install
fire suppression systems to meet current fire safety codes.
4_Retrofitting existing buildings in the Downtown to meet City building code requirements
can be cost prohibitive.^)(^^«i.,^ ^,-t,- and "^ ,l^t.i^..^^tal t^ ^tai^i^^ the hist^.i,-
..tegFity of the buildir^
¢— Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", No bullets or numbering
Parking within the downtown and Core Area is perceived as inconvenient.
1IPage Downtown and Core Area
4-5. Development and other changes in the downtown can be incompatible with the
scale, patterns, landmarks, and architecture of its surroundings.
+... PRt @Rd .. dP,,.,I......- eRt Commented []Nl]: In core Area Plan
GOALS:
1. ENG9I RAGE -DESIGN THAT IS C;9�Ig I�TEWITW AND �NT_RIRl IT -ES TQ T-HET
rWARACTER QP rlllWP1T-QWI1I 41114l TWAT PRQ04QT_;C CAC; D;f);C-RIAAI APQ RIQ4Q;
n r Commented []N2]: same as s
-2-1. DIVERT HEAVY TRUCK TRAFFIC FROM THE DOWNTOWN AND SURROUNDING
NEIGHBORHOODS.
-3-.2. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT IN THE DOWNTOWN AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CORE AREA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN.
4.3. NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY QUALITY OF
LIFE AND ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AS A RETIREMENT AND TOURISM DESTINATION.
STRENGTHEN THE DOWNTOWN AS A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CENTER OF THE
COMMUNITY AND A VIABLE COMMERCIAL CENTER FOR RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
5. PROVIDE YEAR AROUND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES BY MAINTAINING OUTDOOR
VENUES AND GOOD ACCESS TO EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY, MUSEUMS AND OTHER CIVIC
coerFc
PRESERVE AND ENHANCE KALISPELL TRADITIONAL TOWNSCAPE OF MAIN STREET AND
NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS DESIGNED FOR SLOWER VEHICLE TRAFFIC, WALKING,
BICYCLING AND HISTORIC TOWN ATMOSPHERE.
7. FOSTER PUBLIC/PRIVATE RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
GRANTS, LOANS, ETC.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
8. DOCUMENT AND CONSERVE OUR HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE FOR THE
BENEFIT OF PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
4-9.
2 1 P a g e Downtown and Core Area
7 E114;91 IQAGe 1 IrIE A
MIX n Commented [JN3]: In policies
4 ! REATE A VIBRANT AA WED USE N E-lGHQQ-.RW l/lD II I THEm CARE ADEA QI III T 4RQ1 IN ID THr
QAn TQA11 CORRIDOR. COmmented[JN4]:InCoreAreaPlan
Policies:
a-1.ILork to create and support a prosperous core of retailers, restaurants and Formatted
^entertainment uses that keeps the downtown and core area active and vibrant.
2. 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.
3. Recognize that there are special Darking 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.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
4. Encourage rehabilitation and reuse of existing downtown buildings.
5. Redevelopment in the downtown should consider the downtown's historic character
and be compatible with the existing built environment.
6. Discourage the demolition of historically or culturallv significant structures and sites.
-5-7.
&8. Support redevelopment by improving infrastructure to assist the development
community.
7-.-9. Encourage development and redevelopment by creating incentives for
developers to off -set infrastructure and other site costs.
9-10. Redevelopment is encouraged to integrate a variety of residential housing types
to accommodate Deoole of different age groups and income levels.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
9-11. Support and encourage the concentration of community events, civic functions,
and activities in the downtown. Commented [INS]: 1-9 taken out of the Business chapter
3 1 P a g e Downtown and Core Area
Commented [.7N6]: Duplicate
34-.12. Promote a mix of uses in downtown buildings emphasizing retail uses on the
main floor and offices or residential uses on upper floors.
Commented [JN7]: Duplicate
Encourage the design of urban streets to provide for convenient circulation, safe
pedestrian and bicycle access and avoid excess road width that encourages speeding
and makes roadway crossings difficult.
34-14. Support the preservation, expansion and creation of cultural institutions.
^ li^ Commented [JNS]: Duplicate
liRe'S + in�i.,i� ^I h il�i Commented [3N9]: Duplicate
tc 11FRiJ.,...eRtth., ,. r.,, ,, n.^ WaR L„Ji,. i+� rt als tFategies Rd peli-ies Commented[JN10]: Recommendation
Recommendations:
Commented [JNll]: Done
4 1 P a g e Downtown and Core Area
G 6 t t
1. Continue to implement the Core Area Plan, including its goals, strategies and policies.
2. Undertake a study and develop a Downtown Plan that identifies concerns associated
with parking, utilities, traffic flow, pedestrian access, building reuse and economic
vitality.
Formatted. Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
3. 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.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
4. Review and update as necessary the City of Kalispell Architectural Design Standards in
relation to reflect the best management practices for historic and cultural preservation.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering
5 1 P a g e Downtown and Core Area
IssaeR.
^ r ^^ ^ Rd w ...J.,...-.iRes ... destFinaR safety. Commented [JN12]: 1n Downtown chapter
n The Rt.^1 h 41;464 1@610h ^nGl ^ St.GRg 11414 RteF Commented [JN13]: 1n Downtown chapter
7 CnI ('!ll IDArC TLJ DlII Ir LJ TD ACCI(' T9I ICC TLJC WIGWL A/AV 07 AI TCDnI AT-C RQJ ITC InICTCAfI
Qp nnnlnl CTDCCT Commented[JN14]: Downtown chapter
7 1 P a g e Historical and Cultural Conservation
/1 IAIC\A/ f1C\/CI 11DAACAIT swg' II fl !'l1 AITDI QI ITC T-9 TLJC rnnnl\nl II\IITV Q IAI ITV 9; I ICC AND
ITS ATTQA('TI\/C AICCC AS A QCTIQCAACAIT AAlfl T(ll IQICAA fICCTIAIATI(1 AI CTQCAI (_T LJCAI Tw;
Commented [JN15]: Downtown chapter
C DDCCCD\/Q IlAI ICDCI I BC NATIlII\I AI REGISTER wlI T- 1D1(' DISTRICT TWAT 11\ Q I Ir1CC 1\49DC
TTWAINJ 1�n un9IP1€€€, MAIN �T-R€€T AND CIRCLE, ALL C-QN COED
n11D1n1r_ TUC EARLY YEARS.I Commented [JN16]: Moved to housing
8 1 P a g e Historical and Cultural Conservation
Commented []N 17]: Integrated chapter into the Downtown
and Core Area chapter
9 1 P a g e Historical and Cultural Conservation
Chapter 11: Parks and Recreation
The Kalispell park system consists of both active and passive recreational areas, including a
variety of park types, pathways, and facilities. The City of Kalispell manages approximately 406
acres of parkland, including 138 acres under permanent easement from the State of Montana
for the Kalispell Youth Athletic Complex (Kidsports). The parkland inventory includes 321 acres
of active parkland and 73 acres of natural open space. Kalispell also owns 12 acres of
undeveloped land.
In 2006, the City of Kalispell published the "Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan"
in response to the rapid growth occurring in Kalispell and the Flathead Valley in the first five
years of the new millennium. The Master Plan addresses the Kalispell's anticipated parks and
recreation needs until the year 2020. Much of the content for the Growth Policy was taken
from the master plan.
Issues:
1. Park system renovations have been historically under -funded and the deferred
maintenance is leading to an overall decline in recreation assets.
^d fiR@RGi^ice Commented [JN1S]:Similar tolabove
4.2. Trails consistently rank high in community surveys, yet the City lacks a
comprehensive network of trails, sidewalks and bike lanes.
-5-3. Although wetlands, creeks and, river corridors create barriers to development,
they can provide ideal locations for regional greenways and trail systems.
&.4. The City lacks public indoor recreation spaces, a performing arts center, and
public meeting spaces.
111Page
Parks and Recreation
9-5. As of 2013, more than 15 percent of the City's population is over the age of 65,
and this age group has increased by over 70 percent since 1980. This trend is expected
to continue.
-9-.6. Based on National Recreation and Parks Association standards, the City is
currently under -serving the needs of its citizens relative to parklands and recreation
facilities. The deficit becomes more pronounced as the City boundary and population
expand.
GOALS:
1. COMPLETE PARK RENOVATIONS INATIMELY MANNER.
2. ENSURE THE PARK SYSTEM IS SAFE, USABLE, AND ATTRACTIVE IN ALL SEASONS.
3. CREATE A PARK VOLUNTEER PROGRAM THAT LEVERAGES DEPARTMENT RESOURCES
AND ACCOMPLISHES NEEDED PARK IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE SYSTEM.
4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A MULTI -FUNCTION COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
EITHER THROUGH PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
5. PLAN FOR AND INVEST IN THE CONNECTIVITY OF PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE
ROUTES.9€%_/EL_3PNAE�1T ^�--QP .4 CIT-14kAA1_)F_ PEDR_ rT- 0.111 AND DIC4C6€ SYSTRM WIT-1-1
DA RKl APIP 41 ATI IDAI ADCAC AC _WR PQJ 141 ATIQPI
6. ESTABLISH A PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT THAT CREATES A STABLE AND
SUSTAINABLE FUNDING MECHANISM FOR PARK MAINTENANCE AND FUTURE
ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT.
7. PROVIDE CONVENIENT AND SAFE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR
RESIDENTS OF ALLAGES AND INCOME LEVELS.
8. IMPROVE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA) ACCESS AT PARK SITES AND
FACILITIES, AS WELLAS THROUGH RECREATION PROGRAMS.
Policies:
1. Enhance and develop public/private partnerships with non -profits, private organization
and other governmental agencies to provide necessary park and recreation services to
the community.
12Parks and Recreation
2. Demographic and economic information should inform and support the development of
current and future park facility plans.
3. Commercial and residential developments should provide parks and recreation
amenities as a condition of approval. Planned unit developments (PUDs) should provide
both land and park improvements to mitigate the impacts of increased density. Cash in -
lieu is an acceptable substitute for direct improvements when a neighborhood's park
needs are already met.
4. Greenways and trails should be supported for their social, economic, environmental,
and public health benefits.
5. Parks, recreation, and, dedicated open spaces are essential to the quality of life in
Kalispell and should be professionally administered and managed.
6. The City should keep pace with industry trends in Parks and Recreation programs;
exploring and adapting to the changing culture of active adults, using social media, and
other technical opportunities to enhance our community.
Recommendations:
1. Establish a park renovation fund that ensures park renovations are conducted so as to
prevent major deterioration of park assets that would necessitate complete
replacement.
13 1
2. Enhance and develop a park and recreation volunteer program that leverages
community assets and improves residents' understanding and appreciation for the park
system and its programs.
3. Plan for and invest in the current and future park needs in the community.
4. Update the Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan. in the yeaF 2015.
Parks and Recreation
Chapter 12: Transportation
This chapter is based on the findings and recommendations contained within the 2006 Kalispell
Area Transportation Plan, updated in 2008. The;IQQG Kalispell Area Transportation Plan was a
major update to the City's 1993 Transportation Plan. The Plan was written in direct
response to the rapid growth Kalispell experienced in the years from 2000 to 2006, and includes
the US Highway 93 Bypass in the modeling of future traffic impacts for the growth policy area.
The Plan contains a comprehensive inventory of the transportation system, along with a
discussion of travel demand, traffic calming, system management, and recommended street
network improvements. The issues, goals, policies, and recommendations below are
summarized from the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan.
Issues:
1. Overall traffic volumes in Kalispell have grown considerably over the last 10 years and
are forecasted to continue to increase over the next 20 years.
2. A number of local, collector, and, arterial streets lack pedestrian and bicycle facilities
and pose significant safety problems.
3. Some areas both inside and outside of the City lack a gridded, interconnected street
system, which limits route options for local residents and business, and concentrates
traffic onto one or two access roads.
4. A significant amount of traffic, including truck traffic and seasonal tourist traffic, passes
through the City on US Hwy 93 without making a stop and contributes to traffic
congestion in key areas.
5. At times, traffic volumes overwhelm the capacity of the transportation system and
associated traffic control devices to adequately maintain system performance.
6. The local climate and snow and ice removal operations cause lane markings to rapidly
degrade.
151 Page Transportation
9-7. Pedestrian safety issues are especially problematic the further one travels from
the core of the community, especially in the older and middle-aged neighborhoods, due
to the almost total lack of sidewalks, bike lanes and multi -use trails.
4.8. The community lacks an overall pedestrian and bicycle travel plan connecting
schools, parks, shopping areas, and community facilities with neighborhoods.
4�9-9. The narrow two-lane segment of Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street
and West Reserve Drive is substandard with volumes of traffic expected to nearly
double in the next 15 years.
1_1_10. There is no east / west connection between Highway 93 and Whitefish Stage
Road north of Oregon Street and south of West Reserve Drive, which inhibits free
flowing access between Kidsports, Flathead Valley Community College, the Highway 93
North retail area, and Fire Station #62 with the Edgerton School neighborhood and
Evergreen.
1i11. No funding program is in place to upgrade substandard existing or newly
annexed streets to urban standards.
1-�-12. Excess traffic along Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East degrades the
residential character of the East Side Neighborhood.
14,13. Congestion from commuter traffic and on -street parking in and around the
Flathead High School degrades the residential character of the West Side Neighborhood.
114. Public transportation is limited.
14-15. Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East do not connect.
1-7-16. Funding and construction of roadway improvement projects is time consuming,
expensive, and subject to delays.
1.9-17. The railroad tracks running east -west through core area significantly restricts
north -south vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and emergency responder access.
1-9-.18. There are approximately 12018 miles of roadway withinr m;'^ ^c r;t.,
#r^^hr and alleys 1 77 5 R;il^r Af nnnnT .- RdaF , and WFba^ r „tes) iR the City. Of the
161 Page Transportation
120 miles approximately 6.7 miles is rated poor RRd thPiF SARditi^^S FaRge
Pxc;PIIPRt to ^^^F based on the City's Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER)
System.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE A SAFE, EFFICIENT, ACCESSIBLE, AND COST EFFECTIVE TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM THAT OFFERS VIABLE CHOICES FOR MOVING PEOPLE AND GOODS
THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.
2. ADOPT A COMPLETE STREETS APPROACH TO RIGHT-OF-WAY DEVELOPMENT THAT
BALANCES VEHICLE USAGE WITH TRANSIT AND NON -MOTORIZED MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION, SO THEY MAYBE SEEN AS VIABLE ALTERNATIVES TO AUTOMOBILE
TRAVEL IN AND AROUND THE COMMUNITY.
3. PROVIDE AN OPEN PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM AND IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSPORTATION
IMPROVEMENTS WHERE COMMUNITY STANDARDS AND VALUES, SUCH AS AESTHETICS
AND NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION, ARE INCORPORATED.
4. PROVIDE A FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN THAT IS ACTIVELY USED
TO GUIDE TRANSPORTATION DECISION -MAKING THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE
NEXT 20 YEARS.
5. IDENTIFY AND PROTECT FUTURE ROAD CORRIDORS THAT WILL SERVE FUTURE
DEVELOPMENTS AND PUBLIC LANDS.
6. PROVIDE AN ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION CONNECTION BETWEEN KIDSPORTS AND
WHITEFISH STAGE ROAD.
Policies:
1. Use a complete streets approach to the planning and development of capital
improvements in the public right-of-way and in the review of development proposals
that include dedication of transportation improvements.
2. Coordinate land use and transportation so higher -intensity development is located in
well -established areas near arterial and collector streets.
17Transportation
181
3. Discourage routing heavy traffic and through -traffic in residential areas by creating a
more thorough grid system when possible.
4. Utilize and reserve principal and minor arterials for through -traffic.
5. Provide access to individual lots by way of local streets to the maximum extent feasible
and avoid granting individual access onto collectors and arterials.
6. Reserve adequate right-of-way for designated arterial and collector roads on lands
proposed for new development.
7. Support the expansion of public transit services to meet the mobility needs of seniors,
disabled persons, and the general public.
8. Develop a pedestrian -bicycle system to supplement the auto -oriented street system and
to meet local transportation and recreation needs.
9. Recognize the need to maintain and protect the residential and pedestrian character
and integrity of the Woodland Avenue area by avoiding the construction of a roadway
connection to 7th Ave East and developing a bike and pedestrian trail instead.
10. Support the development of either a motorized or non -motorized bridge over the
Stillwater River to connect the Flathead Valley Community College to the neighborhood
surrounding Edgerton School.
11. Coordinate major capital improvement projects on the transportation system and other
public infrastructure to minimize "throw -away" costs and make the most efficient use of
public resources.
12. Support the acquisition of grants to study and improve traffic system performance.
13. The 2006 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan identifies a major street network
classification system. Each functional classification is defined below. The classifications
are listed in a hierarchy intended to describe the function and traffic -carrying capacities
of each road, relative to other roads in the system.
a. Principal Arterials: The purpose of principle arterials is to serve the major
activity centers, the highest traffic volume corridors, and the longest trip
Transportation
distances in an urbanized area. Significant intra-area travel, such as between
central business districts and outlying residential areas. Principal arterials
generally connect to other principal arterials, minor arterials and some collector
streets. Speeds can vary between 25 and 65 miles per hour (MPH), depending
on the setting. Traffic volumes would carry between 10,000 and 35,000 vehicles
per day (VPD). Principal arterials in the planning area include:
i. US Highway 2 (including Idaho Street and LaSalle Road)
ii. US Highway 93 (including Main Street and Sunset Boulevard)
iii. Alternate US Highway 93 (new bypass road west of City)
iv. MT Highway 35
v. Reserve Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road (US 2)
b. Minor Arterials: Minor arterials interconnect with and augment the principal
arterials. They accommodate moderate length trips and distribute traffic to
smaller geographic areas. Speeds typically range from 25 to 55 MPH. Traffic
volumes carry between 5,000 to 15,000 VPD.
c. Collector streets: Collectors serve a joint purpose of traffic movement and
access to residential, commercial and industrial areas. These roads may traverse
residential neighborhoods and distribute trips from arterials to ultimate
destinations or local streets. Traffic is slower, with speeds of 25 to 45 MPH.
Collector streets typically serve a defined neighborhood and carry 2,000 to
10,000 VPD.
d. Local: The local street system includes all other roadways not included in the
higher levels. They provide direct access to abutting lots and buildings and
higher level roads. Speeds are usually 25 MPH. Volumes are expected to be less
than 2,000 VPD.
Recommendations:
1. Review and update the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan in 2016 with an emphasis on
identifying and updating important components, rather than a comprehensive update.
2. Study and consider alternatives to using Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East as
minor arterials north of 141h Street East to Second Street East in order to protect the
integrity of the residential areas.
191 Transportation
3. Explore alternative funding sources and methods for developing alternative modes of
transportation.
4. Develop alternative funding sources and expanded programs for transportation
upgrades.
5. Develop a comprehensive pedestrian / bike plan for the community.
6. Develop and support a comprehensive pavement management system that ensures
roadway conditions are inventoried periodically, and repairs and maintenance of the
pavement surface and lane markings are performed in a timely manner to avoid costly
replacement projects.
7. Connect Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East with a bike and pedestrian trail.
8. Develop a capital improvement program that provides a plan for implementing the
Transportation System Management and Major Street Network improvements
presented in the 2006 Kalispell Area Transportation Plan with 2008 update.
--------------------
3.1--10. Apply for and obtain grants to study and improve the traffic control system
performance
201 Page Transportation
211 Page
Transportation