Neighborhood District Draft Design Guidelines 4IV. Article IV. Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
The Single -Family Residential areas within the development are intended to be a unified
community of homes expressing individuality. The architectural character of these homes
should reflect the western agricultural vernacular indicative of the Montana landscape.
The intent with the Single -Family Residential areas is also to provide a diverse housing
market for local and second homebuyer market. These Single -Family Residential areas are
located within walking distance of commercial amenities and plentiful open space.
The Design Guidelines in this subsection will govern the review and approval by the DRC.
Any drawings accompanying guidelines are illustrative only, and are intended to provide
direction and interpretation of the related guideline.
In addition to the guidelines described here, the following documents apply to all
developments in the Single -Family Residential areas:
1. City of Kalispell Zoning Ordinance
2. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for the Glacier Town Center
Neighborhood District
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
A. Section 1. Single -Family Residential Site Design
1. Building Setbacks
a. The setbacks for all single-family residential developments shall be as follows:
1) Front Yard: Twenty (20) feet
2) Side Yard: Ten (10) feet
3) Side Corner yard: Twenty (20) feet
4) Rear Yard: Ten (10) feet
b. Setbacks shall be measured from the property line to the furthest projecting outside
face of the exterior wall.
c. Hot tubs and other areas of active use and noise may be located outside of the
above side and rear yard setbacks, as long as adequate screening is provided.
d. All buildings or structures shall be placed within the required setbacks as outlined
above.
e. Equipment and RV's are not permitted to be parked on roads, nor shall any
equipment be parked such that it is visible from the streets or adjacent lots for a
period exceeding three (3) days in any 30-day period. Storage or location of such
equipment and vehicles, in excess of the requirements of this section, shall occur in
an enclosed garage or other screened area with such garage or screen having been
pre -approved in writing by the DRC.
f. The principal structure on the site shall be the dominant element. All accessory
structures shall be subordinate in size, features and form to the principal structure.
g. Building massing and scale should be responsive to the site, including views,
visibility of site and existing vegetation.
h. Dog kennels must be screened from view of adjacent lots.
i. Buildings should be sited and landscaped so as to minimize the impact on
neighboring lots, especially visual impacts.
j. The DRC will enforce additional setbacks, where applicable, including but not limited
to the following:
1) Tree masses
2) Native vegetation transition zones
3) Topography
4) Drainage
5) View corridors
6) Roads and paths
7) Utility easements
2. Signs
Signs provide a strong visual connection with the community, and provide information
about the development. Signs should complement the design of the neighborhood. The
signage guidelines allow for signs that reflect the quality of the subdivision and that
complement the rural Kalispell farmland surrounding it. Signs in the residential areas
are intended to be limited in extent and size, so as not to detract from the overall
agrarian ambience. The Master Developer shall provide Subdivision Entry and Street
Identification signs, to be maintained by the P.O.A..
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Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
There shall be no official review of designs for signs to be located within single-family
lots. The DRC reserves the right to enter onto a property or lot to inspect for compliance
with the Signage Guidelines. The P.O.A. shall monitor sign usage, however, and require
removal of non -complying signs.
a. Since the signs associated with single-family residences are limited in scope and
application, the material and design options are limited to the following:
1) Signs shall be constructed of high quality, durable materials such as stone,
metal, and wood.
2) Painted surfaces shall be minimal and well maintained for the duration of the
sign.
3) Colors shall be muted and complement the building design. Bright colors may be
used only for accent features.
4) Sign illumination: Reference lighting guidelines.
b. Allowable Signs: Only the signs identified below are allowable on individual lots.
These provisions are exclusive of street identification signs as described in the
General Design Guidelines.
c. Address signs are required for all residential property within Glacier Town Center
Neighborhood District, and shall comply with the following:
1) Address signs shall have four -inch tall numbers in a legible typeface, designed to
be visible at night.
2) Such signs shall be no larger than two square feet in area, and shall not be
mounted on a base.
3) Address signs shall include the street number, and may include the street name
as well.
4) An address identification sign may be incorporated into the street facade of the
residence.
5) Such signs may not incorporate identification of a home business.
6) Campaign and election signs, with the following provisions:
7) Campaign and election signs shall be located on private property.
8) Such signs shall not be larger than six square feet.
9) Such signs shall not be installed prior to 15 calendar days before an election.
10) Such signs shall be removed within 15 calendar days of an election.
11) Portable yard signs, with the following provisions:
12) Portable yard signs can be used for events such as open houses and garage
sales.
13) Portable yard signs can be no more than six square feet in area.
14) Yard signs may not be in place for more than three calendar days.
15) The yard sign must be located within the property boundary where the event is
occurring.
3. Driveways and Parking
a. All required parking shall be within the lot boundary, and shall not encroach on public
or private right of ways.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
b. The length of a driveway is 25 feet minimum between the building face and the
building side of the sidewalk.
c. Driveways shall not exceed 12 feet in width.
d. Access drives, driveways, and parking surfaces may be constructed of modular
pavers, asphalt or concrete.
4. Grading and Drainage
a. All lots within the subdivision shall discharge excessive stormwater into the streets.
b. Surface drainage shall not be directed onto adjacent properties.
5. Utilities
a. All utilities shall be located underground or behind screened areas.
b. All electrical conduits for right-of-way landscaping, lighting and signage shall be
provided and installed by the project developer.
c. Each lot owner shall assume the burden and expense of supplying electricity,
telephone, cable facilities, water service, sewers, or other utilities for the lot's use.
d. The developer will install the main electrical and telephone lines, underground, along
the existing easements near each lot.
e. The developer will install the water and sewer lines up to the building.
f. The lot owner shall pay the cost of placing the utilities underground to connect to the
main line.
6. Fences
a. Visible fencing is prohibited in the Neighborhood District of the Glacier Town Center.
7. Trash Containers
a. All single-family residences shall provide individual trash containers that meet local
collection standards.
b. Portable or individual trash containers should be stored in a shed or in the garage.
8. Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Tennis Courts
a. Tennis courts are not permitted in single-family areas.
b. Swimming pools are permitted in single-family areas with the consent of the DRC.
All swimming pools must be fully enclosed by adequate fencing approved by the
DRC. Above ground pools are not allowed.
c. Single-family lots may have one hot tub per lot, located at the rear of the building.
d. Hot tubs shall be constructed according to industry or manufacturer standards as
well as International Building Code.
e. Hot tubs may be in -ground or above ground. If hot tubs are above ground, all
necessary mechanical equipment and support structures shall be screened from
view of adjacent properties.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
9. Recreational Equipment
a. Recreational equipment shall be setback from the rear and side property lines at
least ten (10) feet.
b. Any lots with play or recreational equipment in the rear yard shall screen this use
from adjacent properties by means of landscape plantings that are at least six (6)
feet in height.
c. Individual homeowners within the single-family development may install or construct
freestanding or anchored play equipment in the rear yards on their property.
10. Firewood
a. Residences in single-family areas shall store firewood on the individual lots.
b. Firewood storage areas shall be constructed or situated taking into consideration
local governing fire code or restrictions.
c. Brightly colored tarps shall not be used to cover firewood.
d. The Kalispell Fire Department may be contacted regarding local fire codes or
restrictions.
e. All firewood storage areas shall be concealed from adjacent properties or land uses
by means of an enclosure or landscape plantings.
11. Dog Kennels
a. Dog kennels shall not be located in the front yard of any residential lot.
b. All dog kennels or dog runs are subject to the review and approval of DRC.
c. Dog kennels should be constructed of durable materials, such as heavy gage steel
with wire grid.
d. Chainlink dog kennels shall not be permitted.
e. Kennels should be placed in an inconspicuous area away from the direct view of
adjacent lots and primary roads.
f. Screening is required for all dog kennels.
B. Section 2. Single -Family Residential Landscape Design
1. Lot Landscaping
a. All single-family lots shall install and maintain at least 20% of the lot as landscaped
(either native or ornamental) area.
b. All single-family lots shall have at least two large deciduous trees planted on the
property.
c. All single-family lots shall have at least two large coniferous trees planted on the
property.
d. (Definitions of plant material sizes are located in Chapter IV, section on "Plant
Sizes.")
e. Use foundation plantings to conceal foundations, mechanical equipment, play
equipment, firewood storage or other undesirable views onto the property.
f. Respect views from neighboring lots.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
g. Be aware that fruit -bearing trees may attract wildlife in the fall and that these animals
may damage these trees. Fruit -bearing trees should not be planted near walkways
or trail corridors due to dropping debris.
h. Street tree spacing may be adjusted by the P.O.A. at the time of installation to
respond to driveway locations. Individual lot owners may plant trees after
construction is finished.
i. Fences and privacy berms are strongly discouraged. Vegetative hedges are
preferred.
j. If used, berms should be contoured to look as natural as possible and they should be
planted.
2. Lawn Areas
a. Lawn areas shall be mowed to maintain attractive leaf blade lengths throughout the
growing season.
b. Lawns should be watered adequately to prevent sun scorching or dying off of large
expanses of grass.
c. Irrigation of lawns should be adjusted to maintain a healthy lawn and conserve water.
3. Irrigation
a. All residential lots within the subdivision shall be irrigated with an automatic irrigation
system.
b. Landscape designs shall take into consideration conservation of water during
irrigation and design systems to use water as efficiently as possible.
4. Maintenance of Landscaping
a. Landscaped areas shall be maintained in a good condition throughout the year.
b. If fencing or netting is required in the fall to protect against animal damage, it should
be installed on October 1 st and removed on May 1 st of every year.
5. Foundation Plantings
a. Foundation plantings are required in order to conceal foundations, mechanical
equipment, play equipment, firewood storage or other undesirable views onto the
property.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
C. Section 3. Single -Family Residential Building Design
The guidelines which follow are in addition to the General Building Guidelines discussed
above. The guidelines are intended to facilitate design which adapts well to the overall vision
of the subdivision while encouraging designs which uniquely reflect the user and designer.
1. Maximum Building Footprints & Minimum Floor Areas
a. Each single-family residence in Glacier Town Center Neighborhood District shall
comply with the following:
1) Single -Family Residences — One -Story
a) Maximum building footprint: 3,400 square feet (excluding exterior parking
spaces, garages, carports, porches, and decks) or 35% of lot square footage
(whichever is greater).
b) This maximum shall be governed by a maximum lot coverage of 35%
impervious surface coverage.
c) Minimum floor area (excluding exterior parking spaces, garages, carports,
porches, and decks):
(i) 1,800 square feet on main level
(ii) Ground level, walk -out portions of basements shall be included in
minimum floor area calculations.
d) Maximum building area of any residence and its associated auxiliary
buildings: 7,000 square feet
e) Maximum Lot Coverage — The maximum allowable coverage of any lot by
any built surface (driveway, garage, primary residence, auxiliary structure,
decking, etc.) shall be no greater than 35% of the lot including said setbacks.
2) Single -Family Residences — Two -Story
a) Maximum building footprint: 3,400 square feet (excluding exterior parking
spaces, garages, carports, porches, and decks) or 35% of lot square footage
(whichever is greater).
b) Minimum floor area (excluding exterior parking spaces, garages, carports,
porches, and decks):
(i) 1,600 square feet on main level
(ii) 2,400 square feet all levels combined
(iii) Ground level, walk -out portions of basements shall be included in
minimum floor area calculations.
c) Maximum building area of any residence and its associated auxiliary
buildings: 6,000 square feet
d) Maximum Lot Coverage — The maximum allowable coverage of any lot by
any built surface (driveway, garage, primary residence, auxiliary structure,
decking, etc.) shall be no greater than 35% of the lot including said setbacks.
b. Maximum Building Height:
1) The maximum allowable building height is 35 feet, measured from the lowest
adjacent grade level to the highest point of the roof or parapet wall.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
2) Where the building is complex and has multiple heights, the grade level shall be
determined to be the average of the highest and lowest finished grade (the final
elevation of the surface material, such as soil or paving, adjacent to the building).
3) Chimneys and other roof penetrations may exceed the given height limits by no
more than four feet.
4) The maximum height of accessory buildings shall be 18 feet.
2. Pre -Fabricated Architectural Components
Manufactured homes, as defined by the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance are not permitted at
the subdivision. Pre -fabricated architectural components are permitted, provided that
they are of high -quality materials, detailing, and finishes. They must comply with the
Kalispell Zoning Ordinance and all the Design Guidelines stated herein.
3. Porches/Decks/Terraces
Front porches are encouraged, as they stimulate neighborhood interaction while
providing a safe transition zone between the private residence and the outside world.
Porches also contribute to variation in the building mass and provide a welcoming entry
to the home.
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
Front porches shall be sufficiently sized to accommodate seating. In most cases,
porches should be at least seven feet in depth to allow adequate room for furniture.
Front porches shall have full roof coverage, to provide protection from the elements
and for more direct incorporation / association with the house.
Front porches shall have railings.
Front porches should be open (i.e. not enclosed with wood, glass, or other
materials).
Porches may be screened if the
support is visually minimized and the
screening is placed behind the
columns or railings.
4. Rear porches, decks, and terraces are
permitted. They can provide a natural
transition from the home to the site.
These are typically considered to belong
more to the private zone of the dwelling
and are often less formal and more
utilitarian than front porches.
a.
Rear decks are not required to have
I oof coverage.
Rear decks and porches shall have railings as required by code.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
5. Balconies
a. Balconies create an extension of the living space and a comfortable connection to
the outdoors. Balconies shall have the following attributes
b. Balconies shall be integrated into the overall building design.
c. Balconies shall have a solid floor material and internal drain or direct run-off away
from the building. If the latter, balcony shall not be located over an occupied area.
d. Balconies shall have railings as required by code.
e. Balconies shall be open (i.e. no solid enclosures shall be permitted).
6. Entries
A home's entry is a major component of the overall design and conveys much about the
owner. Careful, integrated design is essential in the expression of the individual within
this complex community. See Openings — Windows and Doors for further elaboration on
entry doors.
a. Entries shall be treated as a transition from exterior to interior space.
b. Entries shall be celebrated as a design element through the incorporation of
overhead elements, porches, and lighting.
7. Exterior Materials
The exterior materials of a building represent more than a skin applied to a shell. They
represent the building construction method, the nature of the material itself, and
contribute to the overall design and energy efficiency of the building. These exposed
materials should be used in a manner that is in accord with their natural properties; while
concealed improvements in energy efficiency are encouraged. Integrity of each material
should be emphasized in its application, and convey the true construction process;
materials applied as an "applique" shall be avoided.
a. The following general practices apply:
1) Energy efficiency and sustainable
practices shall be considered during
the design process.
2) Synthetic materials that attempt to
simulate the appearance of natural
materials shall not be permitted
unless detailed to emulate the natural
material.
3) Where there are changes in material,
they shall occur at changes in plane
or at inside corners. This practice
contributes to a more substantial and
integral appearance. The detail
shown in the image to the left is not
permitted.
4) Masonry shall only be installed in
ate■
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
A
bond patterns that imply non -veneer, solid masonry construction.
5) Contrast in material textures shall be integrated into the design.
6) Colors of primary components shall be muted and of low gloss.
7) Colors of accent components can be more dynamic and of higher gloss.
Walls -The materials noted below apply to cladding and trim components
1) The following wall surface materials shall be permitted:
a)
Poured concrete.
b)
Stone and cast stone.
�
c)
Split -face and ground -face
concrete block.-
d)
Brick of standard modular
units.
e)
Wood, including siding,
— -
panels, shingles, and
431
r
clapboards.
f)
Cementitious siding.
g)
Stucco.
-
h)
Steel used as an honest
- - - -
expression of support, such
as for support braces and for
trellises.
2) The following wall surface materials shall not be permitted:
a) Vinyl, steel, and aluminum siding.
b) EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems like Dryvit Systems, Inc.).
c) T-111 wood siding.
d) Jumbo brick (brick that is larger than standard modular brick, such as brick
that is four inches high, four to eight inches thick, and twelve inches long).
e) Utilitarian, unfinished concrete block.
c. Chimneys: Exposed chimneys shall be clad with brick, stone, stucco, or concrete.
d. Roofs:
1)
2)
Roof shapes and materials have a primary visual impact on the appearance of a
building. Their design should be treated as an integral component (essentially
the fifth elevation) of a building.
The following design parameters
shall be followed:
a) A variety of roof forms, and
interaction between (such as
cross -gable roofs and. _
dormers) them, is encouraged
as a means of breaking up the
roof expanse and relating to
the building forms below.
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Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
b) Roofs should be pitched and overhang the outside wall at least one foot (two
feet is preferable).
c) Extended rafter tails, brackets, and exposed supports.
3) The following are the only allowable roof shapes:
a) Flat Roof (if concealed by a parapet, railing, or decking material)
b) Gable Roof
c) Shed Roof
d) Hipped Roof
e) Gently Curved Roof
4) The following roofing materials shall be permitted:
a) Standing seam metal roofing.
b) Flat seam metal roofing.
c) Architectural asphalt shingles.
d) Wood shingles and shakes (and concrete substitutes).
e) Wood batten roofing.
f) Slate roofing.
g) Flat rubber roofing can be used if it is concealed by a parapet, railing, or
decking material.
h) Photovoltaic integrated roofing systems.
i) Plain asphalt shingles.
5) The following roofing materials shall not be permitted:
a) Exposed fastener metal roofs.
b) Metal shingles.
c) Clay tile.
d) Flat rubber roofing where covering more than 25% of the roof area.
e. Roof Accessories:
The appearance of a well -designed home with an interesting roof can be
compromised by roof accessories. When considered as part of the design process,
roof accessories can complement the roof design.
1) The following materials shall be permitted:
a) Flat, sloped skylights.
b) Low -profile light domes.
c) Vents that are incorporated into the ridges and hips, or are an integral
component of the roof tile.
2) The following materials shall not be permitted:
a) Mushroom style vents.
b) Bubble -type skylights on exposed surfaces.
c) Traditional PV modules that are mounted above the roof on racks.
d) Mechanical equipment mounted above the roof.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
f. Openings — Windows and Doors:
Windows and doors are essential components of a home. They fulfill necessary
functional requirements such as natural illumination and ventilation, entry, and
connection between building interior and exterior. They also form an important role
in energy consumption and efficiency, particularly in this environment. In addition,
the detailing and window treatment relate directly to the overall aesthetics of the
home. Placement, material, and size shall be carefully considered throughout the
design process.
1) The following general guidelines apply:
a) Windows shall be sized and configured to provide adequate natural
illumination in the building.
b) The scale and locations of openings shall be consistent with the overall
fagade and building design.
c) The size, location, and wall placement of openings shall be in accord with the
perceived structure of the building, i.e. windows and doors will be recessed
from, rather than flush with, the fagade.
2) The following materials shall be permitted:
a) Wood windows and doors.
b) Aluminum -clad windows.
c) Steel windows and steel French (glazed) doors.
d) Windows and doors with true divided lites.
e) Operable windows.
f) Vinyl and vinyl -clad windows and doors.
g) Doors or windows with smoke or bronze tinted glass.
h) Glass block that is detailed like the masonry component it is and appears to
be properly supported.
3) The following materials shall not be permitted:
a) Glass block that does not reflect it as a masonry construction.
b) Sliding glass doors at main front entry.
c) Doors or windows with reflective glass or glass tinted other than those tints
permitted above.
8. Garages and Accessory Buildings
The placement and design of garages and accessory buildings have a profound impact
on the image of a home. Side -entry driveways are permitted where viable. All garages
shall be accessed off the street the home is addressed on.
It is important that the home read as the primary component of each site; that the home
not be overpowered by the presence of the garage or accessory building. The garage is
intended to be a support structure to the primary home — as it was historically when first
introduced. Even when attached to the house, the garage shall be read as a secondary
structure. This will require integration of the garage design during the early design of the
house and site.
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Kalispell, Montana Single -Family Residential Design Guidelines
a.
The following general guidelines apply to both garages and accessory buildings:
1) Each principal residential structure shall have an attached or detached garage.
2) Garage and accessory building design shall be consistent with the house design
in material, general massing, roofing, and color.
3) Garage and accessory buildings
shall be enclosed and roofed.
They shall have three solid walls,
and openings as required in the
fourth wall.
4) Garage doors should not be the
primary visual focus on the front 3
elevation of any building.
5) "Snout -nosed" garages are not
permitted. See image at right.
6) Detached garages shall be placed
away from the road side of the a
house.
7) Creative use of sloped sites
incorporating lower level garages
is encouraged.
8) Garages shall not be sized for
more than three cars.
"Snout -nose" garages are not permitted.
b. The following guidelines apply to doors in garages and accessory buildings:
1) Garage doors:
a) The use of individual bays no
b)
C)
d)
e)
wider than nine feet is
encouraged.
The use of insulated doors
and those that comply with
sustainability guidelines is
encouraged.
The use of wood or painted
metal doors is encouraged.
Doors should appear to be
recessed behind the wall,
rather than flush with the
exterior wall.
The design of the door should be compatible with those of the house.
2) Entry doors: See guidelines for Openings —Windows and Doors above.
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