Growth Policy Final DocumentCITY OF KALISPELL
GROWTH POLICY
2020
$15*00
City of Kalispell
Growth Policy
2020
Prepared by:
Kalispell City Planning Board
201 1st Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
(406) 758-7940
Adopted by Kalispell City Council
Resolution 4773
February 18, 2003
This document can be viewed, printed or downloaded at
http: Z Z www. kalispell. com Z -planning
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.
Administration.................................................................
5
2.
Growth Management........................................................
8
3.
Land Use: Housing..........................................................
11
4.
Land Use: Business and Industry ......................................
14
5.
Land Use: Agriculture......................................................
21
6.
Economy.........................................................................
23
7.
The Natural Environment ..................................................
26
8.
Urban Design, Historic and Cultural Conservation ............... 30
9.
Parks and Recreation........................................................
32
10.
Transportation.................................................................
34
11.
Infrastructure and Public Services ......................................
42
12.
Neighborhood Plans..........................................................
58
13.
Implementation Strategy .....................................................
60
14.
Amendments
Highway93 South.............................................................
74
Highway 93 North..............................................................
78
Future Land Use Map: .............................................. Back of Document
Appendix A: Resources and Analysis Section ........... Separate Document
Appendix B: Neighborhood Plans .......................... Separate Documents
KALISPELL GROWTH POLICY 2020
AMENDMENTS
Resolution No.
Adopted
5073
Highway 93 South
11/7/05
5121A
Eisin er Motors
6/19/06
5129B
Highway 93 North
8/7/06
5215A
Section 35 - Starling
7/16/07
5247A
Foys Lake Rd - (Willow Creek)
11/5/07
Introduction
The Kalispell Growth Policy is an official public document adopted by the City of
Kalispell as a guide future growth in the city. The growth policy is not a law or
regulation, but rather the adopted policy when making land use decisions for the
community. The term "growth policy" is synonymous with "master plan,"
"comprehensive plan" or "community plan." Montana statutes require a growth policy
be adopted and state that the city council must be guided and give consideration to
the general policy and pattern of development set out in the growth policy. The growth
policy is implemented through different methods, including the adoption of zoning and
subdivision regulations. When considering zoning, subdivisions and other
development issues; the growth policy should be consulted and the development
should be in substantial compliance with the goals and policies. The plan is intended
to reflect the economic, social, and environmental policy of the City of Kalispell, and is
fundamentally, a guide to the physical development of the community.
The growth policy area boundaries are shown in Figure 1, Kalispell Growth Policy Area.
There are three boundaries shown on this map:
• The planning jurisdiction for the City of Kalispell is the city limits of Kalispell that
contains approximately 6.83 square miles. Because the city limits is the planning
jurisdiction, this is the only area the city can implement the growth policy. The
future land use designations indicated on the map are only applicable when a
property is proposed for annexation and do not have any effect on lands under
County jurisdiction with regard to zoning, density, land use, subdivision or other land
use decision.
• The potential utility service area boundary was primarily taken from the City of
Kalispell Water, Sewer and Storm Drainage Systems Facility Plan adopted by the
Kalispell City Council in December of 2002. This is the area anticipated to be served
by City of Kalispell water and / or sewer over the next 20 years and beyond. It has
been used in this document to anticipate the future development potential of land
within that area and that City services can be provided to land inside the potential
utility service area. In order to provide some vision for the future and to provide a
basis for zoning upon annexation, the uses and density inside this area have been
assigned with this consideration.
• The growth policy area also includes land beyond the potential utility service area
that served as the previous city -county planning jurisdiction boundary for which
research data and information had already been gathered and has been updated.
A vision statement has been developed for the community that is intended to reflect
overall ideas about future growth and development in Kalispell.
"Kalispell is a community that expects excellence and will continue to
strengthen its position as the regional commercial and government
center for the Flathead Valley community in creating a diverse economic
base, efficient public services, a variety of housing options and serving as
a center of higher learning. As new development and redevelopment
occurs, it is expected to be in areas where public services and
infrastructure can be provided. Development in the city core should
preserve and enhance the historic and cultural heritage of the
community. The integrity of the natural and scenic resources should be
maintained to ensure a high quality of life."
The essential characteristics of the growth policy are that it is comprehensive, general
and long range. Comprehensive means that the document applies geographically to
the entire community in order to coordinate its overall pattern of growth.
Comprehensive also means that consideration is given to all of the basic functions that
make a community work such as housing, the economy, land use, the environment,
transportation, and public facilities and services. General means that the policy is
broad in scope, focusing more on general principles and philosophy than detailed
standards. Accordingly, the format of the document is an outline of issues, goals,
policies, and recommendations, rather than legally described locations, engineered
solutions or detailed regulations on specific property.
Long range means that the growth policy looks beyond the present to anticipate future
problems and opportunities. The period addressed by this policy is through the year
2020, with a scheduled annual review by the planning board and update every five
years or sooner as needed. The update may result in a partial revision or full revision
of the document as deemed necessary by the Kalispell City Council.
Legal foundations of the growth policy are found in Montana's Local Planning and
Enabling Act (Sections 76-1-101 through 76-1-606, MCA) which outlines the contents
and process for the preparation and use of the growth policy. These provisions state
that the planning board shall prepare and propose a growth policy for review and
approval by the governing body, in this case the Kalispell City Council. Some of the
key elements that must be included in the growth policy are:
• Community goals and objectives;
• A description of the policies, regulations, and other tools to be implemented to
carry out the policy;
• Maps and text which describe the jurisdictional area (including information on
land uses, population, housing needs, economic conditions, local services,
public facilities, natural resources, and other jurisdictional characteristics);
• Projected trends for each of the above listed items for the life of the growth
policy (except for public facilities) ;
• A strategy for development, maintenance, and replacement of public
infrastructure;
• An implementation strategy for the document;
• A list of conditions that will trigger a revision of the growth policy;
• A timetable for reviewing the growth policy at least once every five years and
revising the policy if necessary;
• An explanation of how the governing body will coordinate and cooperate with
other jurisdictions;
• An explanation of how the governing body will evaluate and make decisions
regarding proposed subdivisions with respect to "public interest" criteria
established in section 76-3-608(3) (a), MCA.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 2
The City of Kalispell adopted its first master plan in 1962. In 1974, the Kalispell City -
County Planning Board updated the plan to reflect the changing conditions in the
community. The 1974 plan was re -affirmed in 1978 when the County and the three
cities of Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Kalispell jointly undertook the preparation of
the Flathead County Comprehensive Plan. In 1984 the Kalispell City -County Planning
Board again undertook the task of updating the plan, a process that was completed
in 1986 and the Kalispell City -County Master Plan was adopted.
Preparation of the current growth policy is the culmination of a planning effort that
was started in 1997. A draft growth policy was produced by the efforts of the past
Kalispell City -County Planning Board and the Kalispell City Council through August
2001 but was not adopted. The Kalispell City -County Planning Board, which
represented a jurisdiction area of the city of Kalispell and surrounding county area of
four and a half miles, was dissolved by Flathead County in 2001. The Kalispell City
Planning Board was created with the city limits as a jurisdictional boundary and they
have continued work on the growth policy. The Kalispell City Planning Board used
draft August 2001 document as a basis for the current growth policy. The resource
and analysis section of the growth policy is included as Appendix A and was prepared
in conjunction with those earlier efforts and updated as new information became
available and with 2000 Census information.
As a City document, the growth policy applies only to the city limits which is the
planning jurisdiction boundary and areas to be annexed. This growth policy also
includes a potential utility service area and projected land use scenario within those
boundaries as a basis for zoning upon annexation. The planning jurisdiction in the
previous Kalispell City -County Master Plan was used since Appendix A, the resource
and analysis section, includes background information on demographics, land uses,
the economy, population and housing projections, the environment, and public
facilities and services for that area. Computerized mapping of the growth policy area
was also prepared including the street system, land uses, development pattern, parks
and open space, historic structures, floodplain, hydrology and wetlands, topography,
agricultural soils and habitat of wildlife species. In 1997, a public opinion survey on
local growth issues was conducted from a random sample of households in the
original planning jurisdiction, drawing a 42 percent response rate. The survey results
were considered in preparing this document.
The growth policy document is composed of the growth policy document and future
land use map along with appendices A and B. The primary component of the
document is the growth policy text and the future land use map while the resource
and analysis section provides support data dealing with social, environmental and
economic factors. Appendix B incorporates neighborhood plans into the growth policy
by reference.
The policy document has chapters on growth management, land use, the economy,
public services and others. Each chapter is organized into a format of interrelated
issues, goals, policies and recommendations. The "issues" are statements of important
trends, problems, opportunities, and community values. The "goals" are basic
statements of the community's aims and priorities. The "policies" are the guidelines
and strategies that implement the plan's goals. The "recommendations" are specific
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 3
actions to be taken by the City to implement the goals outlined in the document and
are intended as part of an overall implementation strategy.
The future land use map can be found in the back pocket of this document and is a
geographic illustration of the plan's goals and policies applied to the lands in the
growth policy area. The map indicates the types of land uses recommended in various
locations, representing the recommendation of an orderly growth pattern. The text
includes explanations of these map designations within related chapters. Like the
text, the color map designation is part of the growth policy and it is intended to
indicate generalized rather than exact locations for anticipated future land uses.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 4
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1. Administration
Administration of the growth policy and its implementation is the responsibility of the
City of Kalispell in cooperation with Flathead County. Kalispell has acouncil
manager form of government with an eight member council and a mayor who votes on
all matters. A full-time city manager administers the day-to-day business of the City.
Flathead County has a commissioner form of government with three full time county
commissioners who employ an administrative assistant to assist in the day-to-day
operation of the County.
Issues:
1. Cooperation between the City and County is critical to reinforcing an orderly
development pattern in the growth policy area, coordinating the extension of
public facilities and services, and addressing the numerous issues that cross
over city -county boundaries.
2. Currently there is a lack of joint planning between the City and the County that
needs to be addressed through cooperative agreements.
3. There is a lack of consistency in development standards for the City and County
at the urban /rural interface.
4. Often there is limited public involvement in the planning and development
review process that often leaves the public unaware of certain projects or
development issues.
GOALS:
1. FOSTER CITY -COUNTY COOPERATION, PARTICULARLY IN MANAGING
GROWTH AND COORDINATING PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND
SERVICES.
2. PROMOTE COOPERATION BETWEEN KALISPELL, UTILITY SERVICE
PROVIDERS AND FLATHEAD BUSINESSES.
3. 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.
4. ENSURE THAT DECISIONS ARE FAIR, OPEN AND BASED ON GOOD
INFORMATION THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND DECISION
MAKERS.
5. THAT A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BE SIGNED BETWEEN THE
CITY AND THE COUNTY THAT WOULD FORM AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE PARTIES TO ADHERE TO:
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 5
• URBAN AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
• SUBDIVISION PLAT REVIEW PROCESSES.
• ANNEXATION POLICIES INCLUDING TRANSFER OF COUNTY ROADS TO
THE CITY.
• EXTENSION OF SERVICES INCLUDING SEWER AND WATER.
• PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
• COORDINATION AND SHARING OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
SYSTEMS, BUILDING CODES AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT
RESOURCES.
5. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY IDENTIFY WAYS TO SHARE EQUIPMENT
AND OTHER RESOURCES TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS.
6. THAT THE CITY MEET PERIODICALLY WITH THE COUNTY, SCHOOL
DISTRICT, PUBLIC UTILITY AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO SHARE AND
COORDINATE LONG-TERM PLANS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, FUTURE
DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND UTILITY EXTENSIONS.
7. THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY DEVELOP AND AGREE ON A JOINT
PLANNING JURISDICTION AND RE-ESTABLISH A CITY -COUNTY PLANNING
BOARD.
8. SEEK WAYS TO PROVIDE AVENUES FOR GREATER PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS.
9. COORDINATE BETWEEN THE CITY AND COUNTY PLANNING BOARDS TO
DEVELOP CONSISTENT LAND USE GOALS AND POLICIES IN AREAS OF
MUTUAL INTEREST
Policies:
1. Use this document as a guide for development and growth within the growth
policy area.
2. Zoning regulations should conform and be used to implement the provisions of
this document.
3. Initiate City -County agreements or programs that would cooperatively influence
the amount and type of growth within the growth policy area.
4. This document should be used when considering all development decisions.
5. Coordinate development codes in the city and outlying areas to promote the
orderly expansion of the city.
6. The growth policy will be reviewed annually by the planning board for relevancy
and a report given to the Kalispell City Council who may initiate an update as
needed. Amendments can also be made through the general growth policy
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 6
amendment process to address specific development projects that have not
been anticipated or with a neighborhood plan to address_ specific areas within
the community that have special needs or issues. Amendments outside these
updates should be viewed cautiously and be based primarily on unanticipated
changes.
7. Comprehensive updates of the growth policy should be considered when there
is a major change in circumstances such as a significant increase or decrease
in population, changes in economic or environmental conditions or significant
changes in public infrastructure and services.
8. Statements on how the public will be informed regarding development projects
can ensure the integrity of the public review process.
9. Provide a mechanism to address large scale projects that have not been
anticipated in the growth policy.
10. The city council should be guided by their core values and vision statement
when making land use decisions.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a cooperative relationship between the elected officials, government
agencies, service and utility providers that results in consistent development
standards, efficient use of public infrastructure and resources, and quality
development.
2. Continue to pursue joint planning and an interlocal agreement between City
and County that will lead to the establishment of a joint planning jurisdiction
and a joint planning board.
3. Find ways to provide greater exposure for the public to the planning process
such as the local media to encourage greater public involvement and interest.
4. Schedule meetings between the City and County planning boards to discuss
goals and policies in areas of mutual interest and coordinate the growth policy
to reflect a shared vision of the future.
5. Use the general growth policy amendment process to address large scale and /
or complex projects that have not been anticipated in the growth policy.
6. Develop zoning standards that are generally consistent with County zoning
standards for property within the potential utility service area.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 7
2. Growth Management
Growth in the Kalispell area has been cyclic with bursts of growth and then a leveling
of the growth rate. During the early part of the 1990's there was a relatively high level
of growth that stabilized during the last half of the 1990's and early 2000's. Affordable
housing, delivery of services, location of new development, redevelopment of the
existing urban core and quality of life are all issues that have increased in significance
during this period of growth.
Issues:
1. Growth rates have fluctuated between moderate and high levels making land
use and planning difficult. Kalispell is a growth area. The population grew
approximately 19.3 percent within the city limits and approximately 16 percent
within the growth policy area between 1990 to 2000.
2. Growth has had both positive and negative effects on the local quality of life.
Along with a good economy and many examples of well designed development,
the impacts of growth have also included disruption of established
neighborhoods, strain on public facilities and services, environmental impacts,
increasing traffic and housing costs and changing cultural values.
3. Most of the outlying zoning districts were adopted between 1987 and 1993 and
have been applied throughout the growth policy area by the City and County as
a result of development pressure. The City and County regulations are not
always consistent leading to conflicts in development standards and confusion
from the public.
4. The issue of property rights continues to be a matter of public discussion and
interest. While periods of rapid growth have increased support for new and
stronger government controls on property development, local public acceptance
of new restrictions has tended to come slowly and has been mixed with
apprehension and opposition.
5. Low -density development in outlying areas has been the predominant local
growth pattern of recent decades creating inefficiencies in providing services.
For example in 1960, 77 percent of the residents within the growth policy area
lived in Kalispell, but by 2000, the proportion had fallen to 49 percent. Factors
in this urban to suburban shift include national trends toward suburban and
rural growth, the appeal of the Flathead Valley's rural setting and a variety of
public policies that have made suburban and rural development more attractive
than concentrated urban development.
6. Finding ways of making infill growth more attractive and economical is
necessary to equalize the trend toward low -density development. Along with the
predominant growth pattern of low -density development, there has also been a
trend towards reinvestment and redevelopment of land in established urban
areas, drawn by convenience, variety, stable neighborhoods and small-town
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 8
quality of life. There are more traditional development patterns associated with
this trend and they differ from suburban design with regard to density,
development standards and uses.
7. Increasing land and home values have created problems in providing adequate
affordable housing in large sectors of the community. Wages have not kept
pace with these rising costs leaving some with marginal housing options
8. There has been resistance to Kalispell having a building code enforcement
presence outside of the city limits.
GOALS:
1. ENCOURAGE EFFICIENT USE OF SPACE, ORDERLY GROWTH CONSISTENT
WITH HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE, FISCAL SOUNDNESS, ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY VITALITY.
2. IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE, EFFECTIVE GROWTH MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM THAT RECOGNIZES AND UPHOLDS THE GENERAL WELFARE OF
THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS.
3. ENCOURAGE HOUSING TYPES THAT PROVIDE HOUSING FOR ALL SECTORS
AND INCOME LEVELS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
4. NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OCCURS IN AREAS WHERE PUBLIC
WATER AND SEWER CAN BE PROVIDED AND AS EXPANSION OF EXISTING
COMMERCIAL AREAS.
5. NEW URBAN AND SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT OCCURS IN AREAS WHERE
PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE.
6. PROVIDE ADEQUATE AREAS FOR GROWTH AND EXPANSION WITH REGARD
TO AMOUNT, TIMING AND LOCATION.
Policies:
1. Encourage resolution of disputes involving land use policy by broad
participation, education, compromise and consideration of private property
rights. Maintain mechanisms to provide for open, well -publicized public
processes.
2. Encourage consistent government policies for development and infrastructure
within urban areas.
3. Conserve well -established residential areas that have significant neighborhood
and cultural integrity, such as Kalispell's historic districts.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 9
4. Affordable housing should be recognized as a primary consideration within the
community when adopting or amending land use regulations. The ability of the
average wage earner to either buy or build a home is an essential component of
the standard of living, quality of life, and general welfare in our community.
5. Individual property owners have the right to sell, develop or to manage their
property in accordance with the rules and regulations adopted by the City of
Kalispell and the laws of the State of Montana
6. Design and locate development to protect public health and safety; insure
adequate provision of services; be compatible with the character of its
surroundings and encourage the most appropriate use of land.
7. Development by the public sector should comply with the same standards and
rules as that of private sector development. Encourage, where feasible,
development by the private, rather than public sector.
8. Partnering between public and private sector should be considered when
greater efficiency of resources can be realized by both parties.
Recommendations:
1. Update and adopt a municipal annexation program in conjunction with the City
of Kalispell Water, Sewer and Storm Drainage Systems Facility Plan to address
service to fringe developments.
2. Use the Kalispell potential utility service area as indicated in this document and
taken from the Kalispell Facility Plan as a guide when deciding the future use
and densities in a particular area.
3. Continually monitor, update, and streamline development codes to keep abreast
of changing trends and technologies, to better coordinate the development
review process and to avoid unnecessary costly delays in processing
applications.
4. Encourage infill housing where public services are available by allowing guest
cottages, garage apartments and accessory dwellings when feasible.
5. Pursue a cooperative building code enforcement program between the city and
county.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 10
3. Land Use: Housing
Providing adequate affordable housing within the growth policy area has become an
important issue. Inflation of housing prices, increased demands due to population
increases and an expansion of service related jobs have resulted in a critical need for
additional moderate to low income level homes. There is also a need for more diverse
housing types such as townhomes, multi -family and accessory dwellings to
accommodate smaller households.
Issues:
1. As population growth continues over the next two decades, the demand for
additional housing is projected to grow in the growth policy area.
2. The combination of rapid inflation of housing prices and an expanding
proportion of service related jobs has produced a significant shortage of low and
moderate -income housing.
3. Kalispell has a high proportion of seniors with special needs. While most local
housing consists of single-family detached houses, demand is growing for a mix
of housing types, such as more one -person households, assisted living housing
for seniors, townhouses, apartment buildings, accessory apartments and
second homes.
4. Most residents in the community object to having single -wide mobile homes in
their neighborhoods, even though manufactured housing presents an affordable
housing alternative and is becoming more acceptable because of improved
quality of construction and improved financing.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY AND MIX OF HOUSING THAT MEETS THE
NEEDS OF PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS IN TERMS OF COST, TYPE,
DESIGN AND LOCATION.
Policies:
1. All residents should have the opportunity to live in neighborhoods that provide
safe and affordable housing.
2. Encourage the development of urban residential neighborhoods as the primary
residential land use pattern in the growth policy area by allowing urban
residential densities in areas designated as suburban residential provided the
development is consistent with the character of the area and public services are
adequate.
3. Provide an adequate supply of affordable housing to meet the needs of low and
moderate -income residents.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 11
4. Give special consideration to functional design to accommodate seniors and
disabled, who have various special needs regarding housing, transportation,
handicapped access and services.
5. Provide adequate areas for manufactured homes and manufactured home
parks.
6. Allow low -impact home occupations that do not undermine a neighborhood's
residential character.
7. Maintain the integrity of well -established residential districts so that they are
bicycle safe and pedestrian friendly.
8. Protect the residential integrity of the Woodland Avenue area by providing a
bike and pedestrian trail linking Woodland Avenue to Seventh St. East rather
than the construction of a roadway which would undermine the character of the
area and substantially impact the neighborhood and beyond with additional
traffic.
9. Suburban Housing:
a. Densities should be appropriate to the limitations of the particular site,
and should not exceed two to four dwellings per gross acre.
b. The suburban residential designation is intended to reduce density and
development impacts in sensitive areas and existing rural
neighborhoods.
c. Single-family houses are the primary housing type.
d. These areas should have paved streets, public sewer and water and
access to services. New subdivisions located in or near Kalispell should
generally include sidewalks where appropriate and installation of low
intensity street lighting appropriate to the area.
10. Urban Residential:
a. Urban residential areas shown on the plan map should be encouraged to be
developed when adequate services and facilities are available.
b. Typical densities are four to twelve dwellings per gross acre.
c. Single-family houses are the primary housing type, but duplexes, guest
houses, accessory apartments, and small dispersed areas of multi -family
housing are also anticipated.
d. Urban and high density residential areas should be fully served by urban
infrastructure and municipal services, including paved streets, curbs,
sidewalks, landscaped boulevards and public sewer and water.
e. These areas should have convenient access to neighborhood business
districts, parks and elementary schools.
11. High Density Residential:
a. Typical densities are eight
occasionally reaching up to
appropriate to the site.
b. Small high -density residential
throughout the urban area
to twenty dwellings per gross acre,
40 dwellings per gross acre as may be
districts are encouraged to be dispersed
These districts should be located
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 12
predominantly near schools, employment and service centers, and urban
arterials.
c. Multi -family housing developments should be designed to fit compatibly
within larger single-family neighborhoods.
d. Townhouses are encouraged to be a primary housing type in these areas.
Additional common housing types include low-rise apartments, duplexes,
manufactured home parks and upper floors of mixed -use buildings.
e. High -density residential districts may be mixed with professional offices
and various low -intensity commercial and institutional uses, particularly
where located along urban arterials and as appropriate to the
neighborhood.
f. In transitional areas zoned for multi -family residential use but developed
primarily as single-family houses, conversion of existing houses to offices
is encouraged, in order to maintain investment in the existing building
stock and ease the land -use transition.
g. These areas should be within close proximity to small parks or common
open spaces. Location of buildings to create engaging, centrally located
courtyards.
h. These areas should be fully served by urban infrastructure and services.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and implement an affordable housing strategy to effectively provide for
the needs of low and moderate -income residents.
2. Develop programs for rehabilitation of deteriorating and historically significant
housing and infrastructure.
3. Review the zoning text and map periodically to remain current with changing
technologies and policies.
4. Inclusion of offices in some areas designated as high density residential may be
appropriate depending on the character of the surrounding neighborhood and
anticipated trends.
5. Inclusion of multi -family dwellings in some areas designated as urban
residential may be appropriate depending on the character of the surrounding
neighborhoods and anticipated trends.
6. Develop a comprehensive sidewalk system in the community that includes the
installation of new sidewalks and replacement of existing deteriorating
sidewalks. Install crosswalk improvements where appropriate.
7. Support the ongoing efforts of the Kalispell Community Development
Department to provide affordable housing options and programs.
8. Maintain the integrity of the historical east and west side districts by
recognizing the existing roads as local streets rather than as collectors or minor
arterials.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 13
4. Land Use: Business and Industry
Kalispell is the retail, commercial and government center for the Flathead Valley.
Kalispell's commercial core is generally more pedestrian oriented with an emphasis on
the historical character of the area. Development has occurred around the highway
corridor with recent commercial expansion of businesses that require larger
undeveloped parcels. A regional medical center and community college are also
located in the Kalispell area and provide an important contribution to the economic
diversity and prosperity of the area.
Issues:
1. Although the main design advantages that make commercial corridor areas
attractive for business such as highway visibility and concentration of business
traffic along arterial routes, these areas also present design problems such as
traffic congestion during peak periods because of the lack of secondary street
access; the lack of bike and pedestrian access and lack of general appeal.
2. Land with commercial or industrial zoning is available in the community but is
often located in undesirable locations that lack adequate infrastructure.
3. As technology changes there is less demand for traditional industrial sites and
a greater need for areas with full urban services.
4. Downtown Kalispell has been hurt by the loss of department stores and general
commercial dispersion, but has been reinforced by the downtown shopping
mall, expansion of specialty stores and rehabilitation of existing historical
structures.
5. Traditional higher paying industrial and manufacturing jobs are being replaced
with lower paying service and tourist oriented jobs as an economic base in the
community.
6. Auto -oriented design of commercial areas that lack pedestrian access and
landscaping, have poorly designed parking lots, obtrusive signage, and reflect
franchise architecture contribute to visual clutter that diminish the quality of
life in the area.
7. There has been a question about the need and amount of commercial and light
industrial property that is needed for future growth, but no quantifiable
information is available to assess the market absorption and vacancy rates.
GOALS:
1. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH OF PROSPEROUS
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS, EACH WITH A VIABLE MIX OF
BUSINESSES, SUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND A COORDINATED
DEVELOPMENT PATTERN THAT REDUCES BUSINESS COSTS AND
INCREASES SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 14
2. NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD OCCUR IN AREAS WHERE
PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER ARE AVAILABLE.
3. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT IN THE "TARGET
DEVELOPMENT AREAS"
4. HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS AND E-COMMERCE BASED BUSINESS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE WITHIN EITHER THE COMMERCIAL AND
OR INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF THE GROWTH POLICY AREA CREATING A MIX OF
COMPATIBLE AND COMPLEMENTARY USES.
5. LARGE SCALE RETAIL SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP IN AN
ARCHITECTURALLY COMPATIBLE WAY AND WITH AN INTEGRATED SITE
DESIGN RATHER THAN AS AN ISOLATED DEVELOPMENT.
6. PROVIDE ADEQUATE AREAS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY FOR COMMERCIAL
AND INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT.
7. MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF WELL -ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL AREAS BY
AVOIDING THE ENCROACHMENT OF INCOMPATIBLE USES.
8. IMPLEMENT STANDARDS THAT ENSURE A HIGH QUALITY FUNCTION AND
DESIGN IN NEW DEVELOPMENT.
9. DEVELOP A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF FUTURE COMMERCIAL AND
INDUSTRIAL NEEDS IN ORDER TO BE RESPONSIVE TO POTENTIAL
GROWTH.
10. SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION OF THE KALISPELL
REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZING IT AS AN IMPORTANT AND
DESIRABLE ELEMENT IN THE ECONOMY THAT CAN BE EXPANDED ON A
REGIONAL BASIS AND PROVIDE HIGH-TECH, HIGH -QUALITY HEALTH CARE
AND SERVICES WHILE PROVIDING AN IIMPORTANT AND HIGH PAYING
EMPLOYEMENT BASE.
Policies:
1. Central business district:
a. Recognize downtown Kalispell as the center of the community.
b. Recognize a prosperous core of retailers, restaurants and entertainment
uses that keeps downtown active and vibrant.
C. Reinforce and take advantage of downtown's strengths including its
higher concentration of people, investment in buildings and
infrastructure, intricate mix of land uses, historic and architectural
character, pedestrian orientation and visitor attraction.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 15
d. Recognize that there are special parking considerations downtown which
differ from other areas. Encourage innovative parking management,
effective regulation of on -street parking, shared parking provisions,
parking standards that encourage reuse of upper floors, and provision of
public parking lots and structures.
e. Encourage the rehabilitation and reuse of existing downtown buildings.
New development should give adequate consideration to downtown's
historic character and be compatible.
f. Support and encourage the concentration of community events, civic
functions and activities in the downtown.
2. Neighborhood Commercial Areas:
a. Establish neighborhood commercial areas designed to provide
convenient goods and services that address the daily needs of the
immediate neighborhood.
b. Neighborhood commercial areas should generally be three to five acres
in size and be spaced one-half to one mile apart. Sites should be
configured to enable clustering of neighborhood commercial businesses,
encouraging bike and pedestrian access where practicable.
C. Uses should be designed, set back, landscaped and buffered to fit the
surrounding neighborhood.
3. General Commercial
a. Established commercial districts along major arterials are anticipated to
provide areas for commercial uses that require space for outdoor display
of merchandise, storage of materials and / or equipment and outdoor
sales areas as well as general retail.
b. Expansion of commercial districts is anticipated to occur as infill and a
continuation of existing commercial areas to avoid the creation of new
commercial district and leapfrog development.
c. Expansion of commercial areas should be contingent upon the provision
of public services and adequate infrastructure with consideration given
to anticipated impacts on the neighborhood and natural environment.
d. Commercial development in association with the Two Rivers RV
development plan should be after the construction of the connection
between Conrad Drive and LaSalle Road has been completed and when
public utilities are available, taking care to avoid filling the 100-year
floodplain.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 16
e. Additional commercial development along North Meridian Road should
be after the reconstruction of the roadway to avoid additional generation
of traffic and congestion.
f. Development of frontage roads may be required to accommodate traffic
circulation and access.
g. The Kalispell Regional Medical Center campus and associated Buffalo
Commons area is anticipated to develop as a mixed use area that will
accommodate wide range of compatible residential, office, commercial
and medical uses.
4. Highway Community Entrance:
a. Emphasize the objective of a pleasing entrance to the city that
encourages highway landscaping.
b. In designated mixed use areas, allow for a compatible mix of office,
commercial, light industrial, residential, and public facilities. In limited
industrial areas, allow light industrial uses which do not create off -site
impacts.
C. Encourage the use of innovative land use regulations to achieve a
pleasing community entrance.
d. Encourage highway commercial and industrial development to adhere to
the following design guidelines:
1. Encourage access by a secondary street or use of shared
driveways and interconnected parking lots where secondary street
access is not feasible.
2. Landscape highway frontage and parking lots to enhance
development sites and reduce visual impacts of development.
3. Keep signs simple to reduce clutter and allow rapid
comprehension by highway motorists without undue distraction.
Encourage variety and creativity in sign design.
4. Outdoor storage, machinery, utilities, trash dumpsters, service
bays, antennas, rooftop equipment, and similar accessory facilities
should be hidden or screened from public view to protect aesthetic
qualities.
5. Outdoor lighting should be low intensity, directed downward and
shielded to prevent glare.
5. Industrial Districts:
a. Designate adequate and suitable areas for industrial uses.
b. Consider the addition of some high-tech industrial uses within
commercially zoned areas.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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C. These areas should have adequate access to rail, highway, and airport
facilities and be of sufficient size to allow for future expansion.
d. Encourage the redevelopment of currently designated light industrial
areas for a variety of uses when public sewer becomes available. Areas
on the west side of Kalispell near the railroad tracks, on the north side
of the railroad tracks east of Third Avenue East and north of the
Stillwater Bridge east of Whitefish Stage Road may be most suitable for
redevelopment.
6. Target Development Areas
a. Target development areas are generally located in the southwest part of
Kalispell, around the City airport, the southwest area of West Reserve
Drive and Highway 93 primarily the State Lands Section 36 and the
Center Street area.
b. Encourage development and redevelopment in the City's established
urban renewal districts.
C. The target development areas are where commercial and / or light
industrial development or redevelopment is encouraged. Integration of
residential uses within these areas is also encouraged.
d. In general, the northwest area of the city is intended for commercial
development and the southwest area of the city is intended for industrial
development.
e. The railroad right-of-way west of Seventh Avenue East should be
included in the growth policy as a target development area. The City
should pursue a mutually agreeable development or redevelopment of
the corridor with quality commercial development and/or expansion.
7. Urban Mixed -Use Areas:
a. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and
employment areas that provide easy connections between existing
commercial and residential neighborhoods.
b. A complete system of pedestrian and bike paths is important in the
mixed use areas.
c. Expand the depth of urban highway commercial areas as mixed -use
corridors, in order to provide an alternative to continued linear
commercial development, concentrate more intensive uses along traffic
arterials, improve business district circulation and transportation
efficiency areas, by secondary street access, provide flexibility for larger
development sites, and expand small business opportunities.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 18
d. Within these corridor areas, provide for higher -intensity, mixed -use
areas roughly two blocks on both sides of urban highways. As distance
from the highway increases, create a gradual transition into the
residential neighborhoods by encouraging multi -family, offices and
other compatible uses as a transition tool with sensitivity to compatible
design.
e. Avoid encroachment into established, intact residential areas.
f. Allow a compatible mix of higher -intensity uses including office as well
as some commercial and light industrial; medium and high -density
residential and public facilities.
Recommendations:
1. Historical character of the downtown area should be enhanced with
compatible architectural design of buildings.
2. Adequate consideration should be given to parcel boundaries to avoid
splitting lots into different zoning districts when reasonable.
3. Develop design standards for highway community entrance areas that
incorporate design guidelines outlined in this section.
4. Encourage the development of compact, centrally located service and
employment areas in order to provide easy access to existing commercial
and residential neighborhoods.
5. When large-scale development may have significant impacts on the
community, studies should be provided to assist in assessing impacts
including analysis related to traffic, infrastructure and the cost of providing
services.
6. Establish development standards that encourage residential mixed -use
development in established commercial and light industrial areas.
7. Create and adopt a mixed use zoning category that reflects the purpose and
intent of a mixed use district as described herein.
8. Reinforce the major strengths of downtown which are its central location; its
density and intricate mix of land uses, its historic districts and appealing
pedestrian environment, its civic functions as the seat of city and county
government, and its symbolic importance as the center of community.
9. Explore ways the City of Kalispell can create financial and other incentives
to encourage improvements that lead to the redevelopment of unused
existing commercial and downtown housing space.
10. Aggressively seek cooperative redevelopment and / or acquisition of the
railroad right-of-way west of Seventh Ave East.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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11. Review and revise sign standards and policies so that existing non-
conforming signs are eliminated through a more aggressive attrition
program.
12 . Encourage design standards for commercial projects that contribute to the
character of the community area.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 20
5. Land Use: Agriculture
Agricultural preservation and maintaining the rural character of some of the urban /
rural fringe areas of the community have become increasingly difficult issues because
of the decline in commodity prices and increased development pressures. Suburban
areas immediately surrounding Kalispell become important for future urban
development.
Issues:
1. Development of agricultural lands that provide a source of food and wood
products, export income, scenic open space, wildlife habitat are at risk because
of economic and development pressures.
2. Agriculture in the urban /rural fringe areas although a traditional component of
the regional economy, is in transition resulting in the conversion of agricultural
land to residential subdivisions that can create conflicts between agriculture and
expanding urban and suburban uses.
3. Rural lands close to the city are an important part of the city's future urban
expansion area and can be vulnerable to untimely low density development that
is not supported by urban services and facilities.
4. Conservation easements and similar voluntary mechanisms have become
successful methods of conserving agricultural land, but no local government
programs currently exist to purchase development rights.
5. High land costs are a major impediment to maintaining and expanding the
farming business.
GOALS:
1. MAINTAIN A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY BASED PRIMARILY
ON SMALL SPECIALITY CROPS INTENDED FOR A LOCAL MARKET.
2. ENCOURAGE VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS.
3. RECOGNIZE THE NEED OF AGRICULTURAL LANDOWNERS TO HAVE
OPTIONS WITH WHICH TO MAXIMIZE THE RETURN ON THEIR PROPERTY.
4. CLUSTER DEVELOPMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED IN THE RURAL AREAS THAT
ARE WITHIN THE POTENTIAL UTLITY SERVICE AREA AND A PROVISION
SHOULD BE CREATED THAT ALLOWS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE
OPEN SPACE AREAS WHEN UTILITIES ARE AVAILABLE.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 21
Policies:
1. Encourage and create incentives to conserve agricultural lands
2. Encourage urban growth into areas which are not environmentally sensitive or
productive agricultural lands.
3. Encourage the use of conservation easements, clustering or other options to
protect productive agricultural lands in suburban areas.
4. Develop innovative land use policies which maintain the important agricultural
lands.
5. Open space areas in cluster developments that are located in close proximity to
the city limits should be considered as an urban reserve area so that it can be
redeveloped when public services and utilities become available.
Recommendations:
1. Cooperation between the city and county governmental bodies should be
fostered so that redevelopment of the rural areas close to urban services can be
easily accomplished.
2. Suburban and rural areas that are in close proximity to the city limits and
public services should be developed in such a way that accommodates future
redevelopment to a higher density.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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6. The Economy
The Kalispell area is the commercial, governmental, health care and educational
center of the Flathead Valley with a diverse economic base. Retail and general
commercial development is a major component of the economy as well as education,
tourism, manufacturing and the regional medical center. Wood products and
agriculture are also important economic components although there has been a
decline in these sectors of the economy over the past decade as a result of complex
local, national and international policies relating to these industries.
Issues:
1. Although Kalispell functions as the commercial, retail, health care, educational
and government center of Flathead County, it comprises only 20 percent of the
area population.
2. Per capita income in Flathead County during 2000 was slightly higher than the
state averages, but it was only 79 percent of the national average.
3. The traditional economic base of the Kalispell area industries including wood
products manufacturing, metal refining, railroad, and agriculture was replaced
during the 1990's with more service based, lower paying jobs and this
continues into the 2000's.
4. The service sectors of the economy including health care, retail, personal
services, real estate, finance, insurance and government provide most of the
employment base for the Kalispell and are responsible for creating most of the
new jobs in the area with a substantial increase in retirement income as well as
tourism. These service sector jobs include most higher paying professional jobs
as well as lower wage paying jobs.
5. Because the city is influenced by the forces of the county, business and
industry benefit from being able to locate in healthy business districts and a
quality built environment. This presents challenges in providing sound
infrastructure planning, growth management, and environmental protection but
also offer opportunities to strengthen the local economy.
6. No comprehensive economic study has been completed to quantify the amount
of commercial, industrial and residential land that will be needed to
accommodate future growth on a regional level leading to unresolved debate
about the need for additional or less land anticipated for commercial and/ or
industrial development.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 23
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE FOR AND ENCOURAGE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF JOBS, HIGHER
MEDIAN INCOME FOR THOSE JOBS, AND A STABLE, DIVERSIFIED
ECONOMY.
2. ENCOURAGE THE LOCATION OF HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS AND E-
COMMERCE BASED INDUSTRIES IN EITHER COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL
AREAS.
3. SMALLER SCALE HIGH TECH INDUSTRIAL AND E-COMMERCE BASED
BUSINESSES SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED COMPATIBLE USES IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL AND MIXED USE AREAS.
4. STRENGTHEN KALISPELL AS A REGIONAL RETAIL CENTER THAT STRIVES
TO CAPTURE MORE LOCAL AND OUT OF COUNTY DOLLARS.
5. STRENGTHEN KALISPELL AS A REGIONAL HEALTH CARE CENTER THAT
PROVIDES A BROAD SPECTRUM OF HEALTH CARE RELATED SERVICES
WITH DIAGNOSTIC, THERAPUTIC AND VARIED MEDICAL SERVICES
AVAILABLE.
6. NEW BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO LOCATE IN
AREAS WHERE SOUND INFRASTRUCTURE CAN BE PROVIDED.
7. FUND AN ECONOMIC / MARKET STUDY ON A REGIONAL LEVEL THAT
WOULD BE SPONSORED AND SUPPORTED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNING
BODIES THAT COULD BE USED TO DEVELOP MARKET STRATEGY TO
ENCOURAGE COMPLEMENTARY DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.
Policies:
1. The growth policy should be the central document for guiding economic
development efforts.
2. Encourage a land -use pattern that supports viable business and industrial
districts that integrate a residential component but does not negatively impact
or encroach into well -established residential neighborhoods.
3. Provide adequate space for growth that carefully considers the type, location,
and design of industrial sites, shopping areas, and tourist facilities.
4. Provide for adequate infrastructure and public services to support viable
business and industrial districts.
5. Work with educational institutions such as the Flathead Valley Community
College to provide technical education and training programs that meet the
needs of new or expanding job markets.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 24
6. Work with business and industrial associations to promote and coordinate
business and industry in accordance with the growth policy.
7. Work with economic development organizations to further growth policy goals
and policies and to encourage countywide coordination of their efforts.
8. Support the Kalispell area's position as a regional commercial center and a
location of major health care, government, industrial facilities and retail
services.
9. Support activities to ensure that the Central Business District remains strong
and viable by providing adequate off-street parking; protect and promote the
historic district; make downtown more aesthetically appealing; cater to the
needs of the pedestrian; promote downtown events and activities; encourage a
compatible mix of retail, restaurants, services, entertainment, and housing.
10. Support amenities and activities that promote the Kalispell area as a
retirement, tourism, convention, and arts destination.
Recommendations:
1. Support the formation of business improvement districts (BID) to strengthen
area commercial districts.
2. Coordinate with Jobs Now, Job Service and other organizations to develop jobs
within the community.
3. Pursue grants to help with economic development and locating businesses
within the growth policy area.
4. Develop incentives for business and industry that offer higher paying wages to
encourage them to locate within the growth policy area.
5. Seek funding for a regional economic study to assist in assessing the long term
needs for additional land to accommodate future growth and development of
commercial, light industrial and residential uses.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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7. The Natural Environment
Important natural resource and environmental factors in the growth policy area include
hydrology, floodplain, air quality, steep slopes, soil limitations, wildfire hazards,
important habitat and important agricultural lands. The topography and geography of
the Kalispell growth policy area presents certain development constraints due to hydric
soils, steep slopes, floodplain and other soil limitations. Most of the growth policy area
consists of nearly level alluvial lands, bottom lands and low terraces. The Flathead,
Whitefish, and Stillwater Rivers in the eastern half of the growth policy area are part of a
large riparian complex which creates a large floodplain area. Steep slopes in the
southwest portion of the growth policy area pose limitations to development. The steep
slopes in combination with timberlands create wildfire hazards. Productive farmlands in
the southern and northern part of the growth policy area provide an important element
to the cultural, economic and historic element in the growth policy area.
Issues:
1. The natural environment is an important part of what makes the area an
appealing place to live which may be jeopardized as growth occurs.
2. Various key sectors of the area's economy depend upon and impact the natural
environment.
3. Development of the farming, ranching and woodland areas reduce open space
that functions in a practical and productive manner.
The presence of the 100-year floodplain is prevalent in many areas throughout
the community and poses significant development limitations due to federal
permitting requirements, fill limitations and subdivision restrictions.
5. Development of hillside areas pose limitations due to soil disturbance and
potential erosion.
6. Water quality continues to be an important issue to the community and ways to
avoid nutrient loading and other forms of water contamination to the Flathead
River Basin become critical.
7. The Kalispell area has been designated as a non -attainment area that does not
meet national air quality standards primarily due to small particulate matter.
8. Water quality has the potential to be degraded by development due to erosion,
storm water discharge and on -site sewage treatment systems.
9. Prime farmlands in rural areas are being converted from agricultural to
residential uses due to depressed commodity prices and increased development
pressures.
10. Wildlife and wildlife habitat is being displaced by residential development
resulting in the loss of important habitat.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
Page 26
11. Areas disturbed during development of subdivision roads, building sites and
other construction activity can contribute to erosion and the spread of noxious
weeds if not properly revegetated and maintained.
12. There is a high degree of exchange between the surface and groundwater in the
Flathead River system. The shallow aquifer is connected to the Flathead River
and helps to maintain high water quality in the river and is particularly
vulnerable to contamination by human activities.
GOALS:
1. ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH OR ENHANCES
NATURAL RESOURCE VALUES INCLUDING AIR, WATER, SOIL AND
VEGETATION.
2. DEVELOPMENT NEAR ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS SHOULD BE
ACCOMPLISHED SO THAT THESE FEATURES ARE LEFT IN A RELATIVELY
UNDISTURBED STATE.
3. HIGH LEVELS OF AIR QUALITY AND WATER QUALITY SHOULD BE
MAINTAINED THROUGH DESIGN STANDARDS.
4. DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH IMPORTANT WILDLIFE
HABITAT AND TRAVEL CORRIDORS AS IDENTIFIED IN APPENDIX A.
5. PROTECT THE HEALTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
BECAUSE OF ITS IMPORTANCE IN MAINTAINING A COMPETITIVE
ADVANTAGE WITH OTHER REGIONS.
6. PROTECT WETLAND AND RIPARIAN AREAS SINCE THEY ARE IMPORTANT IN
FLOOD PROTECTION, MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY AND PROVIDING
HABITAT.
Policies:
1. Environmental impacts attributable to new development should be identified
and mitigated, where necessary.
2. Encourage infill, clustering, and other compact development patterns to lesson
impacts on sensitive lands.
3. Development in environmentally sensitive areas including 100-year floodplain,
wetlands, riparian areas, shallow aquifers and on steep slopes may pose
inherent development limitations and design should be managed to avoid and
mitigate environmental impacts and natural hazards.
4. Implement measures to assist in maintaining high water quality and load
reduction for the Flathead Basin.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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5. Development in areas that have known high groundwater in close proximity to
public utilities should be discouraged until such time as public sewer is
available.
6. Filling of wetlands and the 100 year floodplain should be avoided.
7. New commercial and industrial development and residential subdivisions
should be accessible by paved roadways to protect air quality.
8. Noxious weed controls should be implemented through revegetation of
disturbed areas immediately after development along with adequate controls
after development.
9. Diversion, channelization and diking of natural rivers and streams should be
avoided.
10. Protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat should be encouraged through
conscientious actions such as avoiding loose dogs, feeding large wild animal
species along with maintaining established important habitat areas.
11. Wildlife travel corridors should be conserved and maintained possibly through
easements or other voluntary restrictions.
12. Compromises to the built and natural environment should be avoided by
requiring underground utilities in new development, avoiding ridgeline or hilltop
development, encouraging simple and unobtrusive signs and avoiding excessive
lighting.
13. Development should be designed to avoid the loss and minimize impacts to
environmentally sensitive areas including the 100 year floodplain, wetlands,
riparian areas and shallow aquifers.
Recommendations:
1. The City should coordinate with the County in developing a community -wide
drainage plan encompassing the city and surrounding suburbs, to reduce water
pollution and flooding.
2. Coordinate regulatory programs involving floodplain, habitat and water quality.
3. Limit and mitigate impacts related to outdoor lighting and noise by developing
measurable standards.
4. Protect the shallow aquifers as sensitive water quality zones and establish
performance standards.
5. Develop and implement a non -point source pollution abatement plan for the
growth policy area.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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6. Develop and implement a water quality clean-up plan for Ashley Creek.
7. Develop and implement a storm water management plan for northwest Kalispell
and the Spring Creek drainage.
8. Develop and plan for the incremental paving of all roads and alleys within the
Kalispell area to improve air quality.
9. Develop policies and programs that will help to educate and assist the public in
the eradication and control of noxious weeds.
10. Maintain the integrity of environmentally sensitive areas in order prevent
flooding, maintain high water quality and prevent soil erosion.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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8. Urban Design, Historic and Cultural Conservation
The Flathead Valley is rich in cultural and natural history. The Kalispell townsite was
initially developed in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of the historical buildings
that were constructed during that time still remain and play an important role in
defining the rich historical and cultural character of the community and
neighborhoods.
Issues:
1. Excessive through traffic detracts from the preservation and maintenance of the
historical and cultural character of the downtown and surrounding areas.
2. Excessive through traffic undermines pedestrian safety and access in the
downtown and surrounding areas.
3. Historic landmarks have been identified inside the city of Kalispell but have not
been identified outside of the city.
4. Rapid local growth and change, as experienced in recent years, can undermine
local character of the built environment as well as its patterns, landmarks, and
familiar features and can detract from the community's quality of life.
5. The central business district lacks cohesiveness and a strong cultural center.
6. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and
downtown can be incompatible with the scale, patterns, landmarks, and
architecture of its surroundings.
GOALS:
1. DOCUMENT AND CONSERVE OUR HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
FOR THE BENEFIT OF PRESENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS.
2. ENCOURAGE DESIGN THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH AND CONTRIBUTES TO
THE CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND THAT PROMOTES SAFE AND
ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND MOVEMENT.
3. DIVERT THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM THE DOWNTOWN AND SURROUNDING
AREAS.
4. NEW DEVELOPMENT SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY QUALITY
OF LIFE AND ITS ATTRACTIVENESS AS A RETIREMENT AND TOURISM
DESTINATION.
5. STRENGTHEN THE DOWNTOWN AS A HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CENTER
OF THE COMMUNITY.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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6. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE KALISPELL TRADITIONAL TOWNSCAPE OF MAIN
STREET AND NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS DESIGNED FOR WALKING AND
HISTORIC TOWN ATMOSPHERE.
7. PRESERVE KALISPELL'S NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT THAT
INCLUDES MORE THAN 1,000 HOUSES, MAIN STREET AND COURTHOUSE
CIRCLE, ALL CONSTRUCTED DURING THE EARLY YEARS.
Policies:
1. Development and other changes in neighborhoods, historic districts, and
downtown should be compatible with the scale, patterns, landmarks, and
architecture of its surroundings.
2. Identify historic and cultural resources, and encourage the upkeep and
rehabilitation of historically and culturally significant structures and sites,
consistent with national rehabilitation guidelines.
3. Discourage the demolition of historically or culturally significant structures and
sites.
4. Support the efforts of private owners and conservation groups to identify,
protect, rehabilitate, and reuse historic and cultural resources.
5. Encourage the design of urban public spaces such as local streets and public
squares to be central areas framed by buildings, creating a visual quality of
partial enclosure.
6. Encourage the design of urban streets to provide for convenient circulation, safe
pedestrian access and avoid excess road width that encourages speeding and
makes pedestrian crossing difficult.
7. Encourage the design of new development to relate to significant features of the
surrounding area and development of off street parking.
8. Protect the integrity of the East Side Historic District by not allowing the
construction of a connection roadway between Woodland Avenue and Seventh
Street.
Recommendations:
1. Establish a local heritage commission to identify local landmarks, review
alterations of these landmarks, expand public outreach and education and
further historical and cultural conservation goals.
2. Encourage development of alternative arterials that will divert through traffic
from the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
3. Enhance safe pedestrian access through the downtown and surrounding
neighborhoods.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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9. Parks and Recreation
Recreational opportunities are provided through City, County and State park systems
as well as private lands. These parks provide a diversity of recreational opportunities
from small neighborhood parks and walking trails to larger recreational facilities for
organized sports events along with an increasing network of bike and pedestrian trails.
There are also some small private parks, public golf courses, rivers, lakes and private
timber lands that contribute to recreational opportunities in the area.
Issues:
1. Outdoor amenities and park space are highly valued in the community, but are
increasingly more difficult to develop and maintain.
2. Programs for development of pedestrian access and amenities are limited or
lacking in some areas.
3. It becomes increasingly more difficult to conserve habitat and the natural
landscape as urban development expands in the suburban areas.
4. Public land available for parks, recreation and open space has become
increasingly scarce and more difficult to acquire because of high land costs and
limited vacant, developable land in close proximity to the city.
5. Development and spacing of neighborhood parks are an increasing challenge and
are lacking in some areas of the community and access to larger parks can be
limited.
Goals:
1. PROVIDE A BALANCED DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY OF RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES AND PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE PATHS THAT PROVIDES ACCESS
FOR ALL AGE GROUPS.
2. DEVELOP PROGRAMS TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARKS AND
PARK ACCESS.
3. ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALLER HOMEOWNERS PARKS
WITHIN NEW SUBDIVISIONS.
4. ASSURE ADEQUATE AND SAFE ACCESS TO PARKS FROM RESIDENTIAL
SUBDIVISIONS.
5. CONSERVE AND ENHANCE EXISTING PARKS AND PARKLANDS.
6. CONSTRUCT A BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION BETWEEN WOODLAND
AVENUE AND SEVENTH AVE. EAST.
7. DEVELOP A BIKE A PEDESTRIAN PLAN THAT WOULD BE ADOPTED AS AN
ADDENDUM TO THE GROWTH POLICY.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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Policies:
1. Build on the existing parks inventory to provide a unique park system that
benefits residents and the regional economy.
2. Integrate a linear park running east -west through the city, connecting Woodland
Park, Lawrence Park, downtown and the west Kalispell bike and pedestrian trails.
3. Provide a balanced mix of parks and recreational facilities to meet local needs,
which including mini parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, regional
parks, linear parks, special facilities and conservation lands or facilities.
4. Earmark cash in lieu of parkland funds to expand public access and for use in
close proximity to where funds originated.
5. Insure that habitat qualities in park areas remain viable while also increasing its
availability by the public to enjoy these amenities.
Recommendations:
1. Use available federal funding and other funding sources to develop a public trail
system to link the city to surrounding suburbs and nearby rivers, streams, and
lakes.
2. Develop available public land or open space by utilizing Kalispell's street tree
program in those areas.
3. Identify areas of the 100-year floodplain and other areas with limited
development potential that may be suitable for future park development .
4. Encourage the use of conservation easements and other methods available to
private individuals or other for the creation of open space and conservation of
habitat.
5. Encourage the establishment, development and maintenance of homeowners'
parks within new residential subdivisions.
6. When subdivisions are close to or adjacent to school yards, coordinate the
development of tot lots and neighborhood parks with the school district, where
appropriate.
7. Develop a bike and pedestrian trail connecting Woodland Avenue and Seventh
Street East.
8. That a bike a pedestrian plan be developed by the planning board and
forwarded to the city council for adoption as an addendum to the growth policy.
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10. Transportation
The majority of this section is based on an executive summary from the Kalispell Area
Transportation Plan done by Carter 8, Burgess Inc. in October of 1993. The
transportation summary includes an outline of existing conditions, a proposed major
street network system, a recommended bypass route as well as long term
recommendations for improving the transportation system in and around Kalispell.
The supporting documents underlying these recommendations are "The Kalispell Area
Transportation Plan" and "The Kalispell Bypass Feasibility Study" (1993) and are
adopted in their entirety as elements of this document. Since the 1993 Carter Burgess
plan was adopted, some of the major projects identified have been funded, designed
and are under construction. Other projects remain currently valid and remain on the
recommendation list.
Issues:
1. Overall traffic volumes in Kalispell have grown considerably over the last 10
years and are forecast to continue to increase over the next 20 years.
2. There are a number of collector and arterial streets that lack pedestrian and
bicycle access and pose significant safety problems.
3. There is not a well -established grid street system in some areas.
4. A significant amount of traffic, including truck traffic, passes through the city
on US Hwy 93 without making a stop and contributes to traffic congestion in
key areas.
5. Traffic and pedestrian safety issues are especially problematic in outlying areas
where narrow rural designed roadways exist because these areas have also
experienced rapid growth.
6. 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 numbers to approximately 15,000 vehicles daily by 2015 and
no plans for upgrade.
7. There is no east /west connection between Highway 93 and Whitefish Stage
Road north of Oregon Street and south of West Reserve Drive contributing to
traffic in some problem areas.
8. No program is currently in place to upgrade substandard existing or newly
annexed streets to urban standards.
9. Excess traffic along Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue East degrades the
residential character of the area.
10. Public transportation is significantly limited.
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11. Woodland Avenue and Seventh Avenue East do not make a connection and
should be connected with a bike and pedestrian trail rather than a roadway.
12. Funding and construction of roadway improvement projects is time consuming,
expensive and subject to delays.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION SYSTEM THAT
SERVES THE COMBINED NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE REGION,
AND THAT PROVIDES SAFE, CONVENIENT AND ECONOMICAL ACCESS TO
ALL TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE AREA.
2. CONSTRUCT THE WEST SIDE BYPASS.
3. PROVIDE GREATER DIVERSITY IN TRANSPORATION OPTIONS.
4. EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSPORATION TO SERVE BROADER SEGMENTS OF THE
COMMUNITY.
5. EXPLORE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GREATER NUMBER OF FUNDING
OPTIONS FOR ROADWAYS IN THE AREA.
6. DEVELOP SIDEWALK INSTALLATION AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR
ALL AREAS OF THE COMMUNITY.
7. REDUCE CONGESTION AND EXCESS TRAFFIC IN PROBLEM AREAS.
8. MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS BY AVOIDING THE
INTRODUCTION OF NON -LOCAL TRAFFIC.
Policies:
1. Design transportation systems to minimize congestion, encourage commerce
and protect the safety and quality of life in the community.
2. Street improvements that would involve the expenditure of public funds and
would result in significant traffic increases should be subject to review and
comment by affected area property owners.
3. Coordinate land use and transportation so that higher -intensity development is
located in well established areas near arterial and collector streets.
4. Discourage routing heavy traffic and through -traffic in residential areas by
creating a more thorough grid system when possible.
5. Utilize and reserve arterial and collector roads to carry through -traffic.
6. Provide access to individual lots by way of local streets to the maximum extent
feasible and avoid granting individual access on to collectors and arterials.
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7. Reserve adequate right-of-way for designated arterial and collector roads on
lands proposed for new development.
8. Support the expansion of public transit services to meet the mobility needs of
seniors, disabled persons and the general public.
9. Develop a pedestrian -bicycle system to supplement the auto -oriented street
system and to meet local transportation and recreation needs.
10. 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 Seventh Ave East and developing a
bike and pedestrian trail instead.
11. Explore the possibility of converting East Meridian Road into a two-way street.
12. Proposed Major Street Network
These recommendations are from the October 1993 Carter 8, Burgess Kalispell
Area Transportation Plan and identify the proposed major street network and
classification systems. The characteristics of each functional classification are
defined below. The arterial and collector designations identify how the street
system functions. This designation itself is not intended to indicate a plan for
road widening to accommodate more traffic. The definitions are presented with
recommended traffic volume thresholds based on the results of travel demand
projections for 2015. The classifications are listed in a hierarchy intended to
identify function and the traffic -carrying capacities on all roads, relative to the
others. Each segment of road listed by its functional classification.
a. Major Arterials: A major road or highway with moderate to fast speeds and
high traffic volumes. Major arterials provide access to the regional
transportation network. They move traffic across the country, between cities
and communities and/or from one major part of the Planning Jurisdiction to
another. Throughout the Planning Jurisdiction individual private accesses
onto arterials serving adjacent parcels should be discouraged. Traffic
volumes would typically exceed 15,000 vehicles per day.
b. Minor Arterials: A major road with moderate speeds designed to collect or
move traffic from one major part of the city or planning jurisdiction to
another or to move traffic to or from the major arterial system. Traffic
volumes would generally range from 5,000 to 15,000 vehicles per day.
c. Collectors: A secondary or intermediate street with moderate speeds and
low to moderate volumes. Such streets would collect local traffic from
neighborhoods and carry it to adjacent neighborhoods or transfer the traffic
to the arterial system. Such streets would typically serve a neighborhood or
area of 150 or more dwellings and carry 1,000 to 5,000 vehicles per day.
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d. Local: Minor streets intended to serve individual sites, building or lots.
Local streets feed into collectors or provide destination access off of
collectors.
11. Proposed Major Street Network
Major Arterials:
US 2 (including Idaho Street and LaSalle Road)
US 93 (including Main Street and Sunset Boulevard)
Alternate US 93 (new bypass road west of city)
MT 35
Reserve Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road
Minor Arterials:
Cemetery Road, from Airport Road to US 93
Lower Valley Road, from US 93 to Willow Glen Drive
18th Street West, from 1st Avenue West to Airport Road
Foy's Lake Road, from South Foy's Lake Road to Meridian Road
Whalebone Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Foy's Lake Road
11 th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 4th Avenue East
7th Street West, from Meridian to 5th Avenue West
Conrad Drive, from Woodland Avenue to LaSalle Road
Center Street, from Meridian Road -to Woodland Avenue
Three Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Meridian Road
Four Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to US 93
Evergreen Drive, from US 93 to LaSalle Road
Reserve Drive, from West Springcreek Road to US 93
West Springcreek Road, from Whalebone Drive to Reserve Drive
Meridian Road, from Foy's Lake Road to US 93 (Sunset Boulevard)
5th Avenue West, from 11 th Street West to Idaho Street
Airport Road, from Cemetery Road to 18th Street West
1st Avenue East, from Center Street to US 2 (Idaho Street
3rd Avenue East, from 1 lth Street East to US 2 (Idaho Street)
4th Avenue East, from 1 lth Street East to US 2 (Idaho Street)
Woodland Avenue, from Willow Glen Drive to Center Street
Whitefish Stage Road, from Oregon Street to Reserve Drive
Woodland Park Drive, from Conrad Drive to US 2
Willow Glen Drive, from Lower Valley Road to Conrad Drive
LaSalle Road, from Conrad Drive to MT 35
Helena Flats Road, from MT 35 to Reserve Drive
Collectors:
Kelly Road, from US 93 to Willow Glen Drive
18th Street, from Alternate US 93 to 3rd Avenue East
14th Street East, from 3rd Avenue East to 4th Avenue East
1 lth Street West, from 7th Avenue West to 5th Avenue West
11 th Street East, from 4th Avenue East to Woodland Avenue
6th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 4th Avenue East
4th Street, from 5th Avenue West to 1st Avenue East
2nd Street, from Meridian Road to Woodland Avenue
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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Conrad Drive, from LaSalle Road to Flathead River
Appleway, from US 2 to Meridian
Montana Street, from 5th Avenue West to 3rd Avenue East
Oregon Street, from Main Street to 7th Avenue East
Wyoming Street, from Meridian Road to US 93 (Sunset Boulevard)
Two Mile Drive, from West Springcreek Road to Meridian Road
Sunnyview Lane, from Sunset Boulevard to Grandview Drive
Northridge Drive, from Sherry Lane to US 93
Evergreen Drive, from LaSalle Road to Helena Flats Road
Reserve Drive, from LaSalle Road to Helena Flats Road
Northern Lights Blvd/ Hilltop Avenue, from Three Mile Dr. to Northridge Dr.
7th Avenue West, from Sunnyside Drive to Wyoming Street
5th Avenue West, from Sunnyside Drive to 1 lth Street West
5th Avenue West, from Idaho Street to Wyoming Street
1st Avenue West, from 18th Street West to Center Street
Airport Road, from 18th Street West to US 93
New Road, from Sunnyview Lane to Reserve Drive
Grandview Drive, from Sunnyview Lane to Evergreen Drive
1st Avenue East, from US 93 to Center Street
3rd Avenue East, from US 93 to 11 th Street East
3rd Avenue East, from US 2 (Idaho Street) to Oregon Street
4th Avenue East, from 14th Street East to 11 th Street East
4th Avenue East, from US 2 (Idaho Street) to Oregon Street
South Woodland Drive, from Kelly Road to Woodland Avenue
Shady Lane, from Conrad Drive to MT 35
Commons Way between Hwy 93 and Grandview Drive
Recommendations:
1. Review the Kalispell Area Transportation Plan for updates on a ten-year basis
with an emphasis on identifying important components that should be updated
rather than a comprehensive update.
2. Study and consider alternatives to using Third Avenue East and Fourth Avenue
East as minor arterials north of 14th Street East to Second Street East in order
to protect the integrity of the residential areas.
3. Explore alternative funding sources and methods for developing alternative
modes of transportation.
4. Develop alternative funding sources and expanded programs for transportation
upgrades.
5. Develop a comprehensive pedestrian /bike plan for the community.
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6. Recommended Improvements:
Improvements included in the First Priority grouping would result in the
greatest benefit to existing traffic system performance. Second Priority projects
will primarily serve future development needs as urban development expands
into the adjacent rural areas surrounding Kalispell. Improvements to these
Second Priority roads will also increase safety for motorists, pedestrians and
bicyclists. Other long-term improvement alternatives were considered but not
recommended. A description of these considerations is also provided below.
First Priority Projects:
a. Kalispell Bypass between Hwy 93 South and West Reserve Drive. This project
would generally follow the Burlington Northern Railroad alignment from Gardners
Auction north to Foy's Lake Road, across US 2, then proceed north through the
Two Mile and Three Mile area to Stillwater Road, then north and east to Reserve
and US 93 generally along the transmission lines through Section 36. The bypass
route would be a limited access roadway, signed as an Alternate Route to US 93,
with speeds ranging from 40 to 55 miles per hour. Design has been completed and
approved and the state is in the process of early acquisition of right-of-way.
b. Meridian Road between Idaho Street and US 93 North. This segment of Meridian
Road is currently intended to be improved to include three lanes from Idaho Street
north to Three Mile Drive and two lanes north of Three Mile Drive to US 93 as an
urban minor arterial with curb and gutter and pedestrian/bicycle
accommodations, consistent with city plans to improve the quality of the North
Meridian Road neighborhood and transportation movement in the area. .
a. US Hwy 93 from Ashley Creek to Courthouse. MDOT has final plans for this
project and are in the process of doing right-of-way appraisals and acquisition.
The project has been separated into two elements: from Ashley Creek to Eleventh
and from Eleventh to the Courthouse.
b. Whitefish Stage Road between Oregon Street and Reserve Drive. Federal highway
funds have been obtained from some improvements to Whitefish Stage Road, but
there is no project identified for the long-term upgrade of this road to a minor
arterial standards.
c. West Reserve Drive between US Hwy 2 and Farm to Market Road. This two-lane
major arterial is recommended to be widened to accommodate current and project
levels of traffic.
d. Willow Glen Drive from US 93 to Conrad Drive. This two-lane rural arterial road is
recommended to be widened to accommodate anticipated increased traffic levels
and should be considered in conjunction with the LaSalle Road extension between
Conrad Drive and LaSalle Road.
e. LaSalle Road Extension between Conrad Drive and LaSalle Road (Conrad
Connection). La Salle Road is recommended to be extended south of the US Hwy 2
and MT Hwy 35 intersection to Conrad Drive to provide a more direct connection
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Page 39
between Second Street, Conrad Drive and Willow Glen Drive to LaSalle Road (US
Hwy 2) to the north which would warrant an evaluation of impacts to Willow Glen
Drive.
f. 18th Street Extension. The extension of 18th Street is recommended to extend
west to connect with Sunnyside Drive and Valley View Drive as a two-lane collector
road to provide an additional east/west connection from US Hwy 93 to the
proposed Kalispell Bypass route along the BNRR right-of-way.
Second Priority Projects:
a. Existing Rural Minor Arterials. In the Kalispell Transportation Plan, Table 7-2
outlines existing rural minor arterial road segments in need of widening to include
paved shoulders, improved recovery zone, and left -turn lanes at major intersecting
streets or drives. These road segments include West Springcreek Road, Stillwater
Road, Four Mile Drive, Whalebone Drive, Foy's Lake Road, Conrad Drive, Helena
Flats, Reserve Drive west of US 93, Three Mile Drive and Evergreen Drive from
Whitefish Stage Road to LaSalle Road.
b. New Rural Minor Arterials. Two new segments of rural minor arterial road are also
recommended to be added to the system to provide increased accessibility by
completion of the mile grid network of roads. These new road segments are the
extension of Four Mile Drive to the proposed Kalispell Bypass and the extension of
Grandview Drive to West Evergreen Drive from US Hwy 93 east to Whitefish Stage
Road. Both road segments cross difficult terrain and may require a curved
alignment off the section line to negotiate the steep slopes. The segment of
Evergreen extension will also require a new bridge over the Stillwater River and
environmental impact mitigation considerations.
c. Existing Rural Collectors. Several existing rural collector road segments are
recommended for widening to include paved shoulders and left -turn lanes at major
intersecting streets. These roads include Two Mile Drive, Evergreen and Reserve
Drives east of LaSalle Road.
d. Existing Urban Minor Arterials. Three existing urban minor arterial road segments
are recommended for improvements including Grandview Drive, 7th Avenue East
north of Idaho and Four Mile Drive west of US Hwy 93.
e. At -Grade Railroad Crossings. At -grade railroad crossings may be affected by
improvements or traffic diversions to Meridian Road north of Center Street, 3rd
and 4th Avenues East and Reserve Drive west of LaSalle Road. Road improvement
plans should address rail crossing safety by considering individual crossing
geometrics, signalization, signing and pavement markings and MDT road design
standards, policies and procedures.
f. If the BNSF railroad right-of-way through the city is redeveloped through a
mutually agreeable plan, conversion of the right-of-way to a new commercial area
with the integration of a linear park and bike path running east -west through the
city is encouraged.
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g. Woodland Avenue across the railroad tracks to Seventh Avenue E.N. be connected
with bike and pedestrian trail to provide limited access through the area which is
intended to maintain the integrity of the residential and pedestrian character of the
area and avoid a future roadway extension.
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11. INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SERVICES
Infrastructure and the provision of public services is one of the highest priority issues
for service providers in the growth policy area. Adequate provision of services for new
development in both the rural and urban areas are important considerations when
considering planning for future land uses.
STREETS AND ROADS: There is a network of public and private roads in the growth
policy area with most of the roads in the city limits being owned and maintained by
the City of Kalispell. Most of the roads in the county are maintained by the County,
some of the roads in them are owned and maintained by homeowners associations
and road users associations.
Issues:
1. There is insufficient funding for street maintenance and repair which are a
major expense in the City and County budgets.
2. Roads that the City annexes from the County are usually substandard for
urban traffic and there are no current funding mechanisms for upgrades.
3. Existing unpaved roads, alleys and parking lots in the urban areas contribute
to air quality problems
4. Transportation, road construction and maintenance are a priority for residents
but funding is a limiting factor.
5. Many streets lack safe pedestrian access.
GOALS:
1. ALL ROADS, PARKING LOTS AND ALLEYS ARE PAVED.
2. WHEN ROADS ARE RECONSTRUCTED AND UPGRADED, THEY SHOULD BE
UPGRADED TO URBAN STANDARDS.
3. AS THE CITY ANNEXES COUNTY ROADS PROVISIONS SHOULD BE MADE
FOR UPGRADING TO CITY STANDARDS.
4. COORDINATE CONSISTENT DESIGN STANDARDS BETWEEN THE CITY AND
THE COUNTY IN URBAN AREAS.
Policies:
1. Require paving of roads, alleys and parking lots for new development.
2. Encourage paving of existing roads, alleys and parking lots.
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3. Require all new subdivision roads in the city to be constructed to City
standards and do not allow the creation of private, substandard roads.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a strategy and funding mechanism for needed road and street
upgrades.
2. Develop a monitoring program to ensure the timely pavement of roads, alleys
and parking lots.
3. Inventory and prioritize substandard roads to assess costs of upgrade and be
scheduled for improvement.
4. Explore alternatives to develop funding sources for the upgrading of local roads
that are not eligible for state or federal funding programs.
SEWER: There are several sewer districts in the growth policy area that utilize the
Kalispell Sewer Treatment plant for sewage treatment through negotiated interlocal
agreements with the City of Kalispell. Virtually all of the growth policy area outside
the city limits and sewer district boundaries is served by the use of on -site sewage
treatment systems.
Issues:
1. High groundwater infiltration and storm water runoff inflow are having a
significantly negative impact on the City's waste water treatment plant.
2. New development may require upgrading existing collection systems because
of additional impacts may require new sewage lift stations in order to avoid
impact to existing sewage pumping facilities.
3. Throughout Kalispell there are neighborhoods that are utilizing on -site sewage
treatment for sewage disposal.
4. Outside the city limits, Kalispell is ringed by areas of residential and
commercial development using on -site sewage treatment systems.
5. By contract with the City of Kalispell, the ultimate capacities of the Evergreen
Sewer District are constrained by the limits of their allocation under an
interlocal agreement thereby limiting their potential service area.
6. Limitations to the Evergreen Sewer District service area create unintended
consequences in the outlying area with the use of on -site sewage treatment
systems.
7. Suburban area residential subdivisions that have been developed using on -
site sewage treatment systems are difficult to convert to public sewer even
when there is evidence of failing systems in the area.
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GOALS:
1. AREAS OF THE CITY CURRENTLY USING ON -SITE SEWAGE TREATMENT
SYSTEMS WILL BE CONNECTED TO PUBLIC CITY SEWER.
2. MAKE PUBLIC SEWER AVAILABLE TO AREAS THAT ARE IN CLOSE
PROXIMITY TO SERVICES.
3. ALL USERS OF CITY SEWER ARE IN THE CITY.
4. EXPAND THE ABILITY OF THE CITY TO SERVE THOSE AREAS OUTSIDE OF
THE EVERGREEN SEWER DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.
5. ELIMINATE INFILTRATION OF HIGH GROUND WATER INTO THE CITY'S
SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM.
6. HAVE ADEQUATE CAPACITY WITHIN THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
7. URBAN AND SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO
PUBLIC SEWER.
Policies:
1. New sewer services should be installed in a way that will accommodate the
future extension of the mains and expansion of the sewer system.
2. Annexation to the city of Kalispell should be required when sewer services are
extended to an unincorporated area to provide services for new development.
3. Impacts from new development that require upgrades to the sewer collection
system such as the upsizing of mains and lift stations should be the
responsibility of the developer rather than the taxpayers.
4. When new sewer mains are installed consideration should be given to the future
needs of the area and the mains upsized accordingly.
Recommendations:
1. Complete a study and analysis of phased expansion of the wastewater
treatment facilities
2. Develop and adopt a facilities plan that addresses sewer services in the urban
area.
3. Identify and correct those areas where storm water infiltration occurs.
4. Adopt a capital improvements plan that identifies priority areas for sewer
service.
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5. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan.
6. Explore the use of the creation of annexation districts to provide additional
flexibility in providing sewer services.
7. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell that are receiving either water
or sewer services should be annexed to the city as part of a comprehensive
annexation plan for the area.
8. Renegotiate the interlocal agreement with the Evergreen Sewer District to
provide a greater service area.
WATER: The City of Kalispell and Evergreen Water District are the primary providers
of the water supply in the growth policy area, but there are also a number of smaller
community water systems that are owned and operated by the homeowners
associations in residential subdivisions. In addition there are many properties that
are served by individual wells.
Issues:
1. Some existing water mains will not meet fire flow requirements without
significant upgrades.
2. There are areas adjacent to the city of Kalispell that receive City sewer, but are
on private water systems that would not be easily upgraded to meet fire flow
requirements and are currently without hydrants.
3. There are some areas outside the city limits using substandard City water
lines for their domestic water supply.
4. Some areas have water mains which are not looped which limits the fire
protection potential.
5. There are some areas in the city whose residents use individual wells.
GOALS:
1. ALL USERS OF CITY WATER SERVICES BE IN THE CITY.
2. ALL WATER LINES BE LOOPED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FIRE FLOWS FOR
HYDRANTS.
3. CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SAFE, POTABLE WATER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
ALL USERS.
4. WHEN NEW MAINS ARE INSTALLED CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO
THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE AREA.
5. PROVIDE ADEQUATE PRESSURE AND FLOWS TO MEET FIRE FIGHTING AND
USER NEEDS.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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Policies:
1. Dead-end lines should be avoided.
2. Annexation to the city of Kalispell should be required when water services
are extended to an unincorporated area to provide services for new
development.
3. Water mains should be looped when practical and feasible.
4. New water mains should be upsized to accommodate potential future users in
the area.
5. Eliminate the use of individual wells within the city.
Recommendations:
1. Develop and adopt a capital improvements plan that addresses City water
services.
2. Areas within the unincorporated area of Kalispell that are receiving water
services should be annexed to the city as part of a comprehensive annexation
plan for the area.
3. Update the Kalispell extension of services plan.
4. Explore the use of the creation of annexation districts to provide greater
flexibility in providing services.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT: There are several storm water systems in the city of
Kalispell, but few in the unincorporated urban areas of the community. Most storm
water is managed using on -site retention methods.
Issues:
1. There are no public storm drainage systems in most of the planning
jurisdiction.
2. Storm water retention onsite in small developments is often overlooked, creating
off site drainage problems.
3. Storm water infiltration into the City's sewer collection system creates problems
during peak storm events.
4. Storm water management and treatment can be problematic for new
development where no public facilities exist.
5. There are areas of the community that are especially prone to flooding and
ponding because of inadequate storm water management facilities.
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6. There is inadequate funding to address the storm water management issues in
the community.
GOALS:
1. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT FACILITES BE ADEQUATE FOR ALL OF THE
URBAN AREAS.
2. IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE AND STORM WATER FACILITIES IN PROBLEM
AREAS OF THE COMMUNITY.
3. ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT HAVE ADEQUATE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
FACILITES PRIMARILY USING ON -SITE RETENTION
4. ADEQUATELY MAINTAIN AND MANAGE EXISTING STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT FACILITIES TO MAXIMIZE THEIR USE.
Policies:
1. As new city streets are constructed, and as existing streets are improved, storm
drainage infrastructure will be installed or improved.
2. The quantity and rate of runoff from a developed piece of property should not
exceed that which would occur had the property remained undeveloped.
3. Encourage the use of landscape areas and green space to be used as part of an
overall storm water management plan for new development rather than the use
of parking lot drains or other facilities that require routine maintenance.
4. Avoid the use of parking lot drains that require specific maintenance in order to
continue to function properly.
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 the southwest part of Kalispell.
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.
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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT: There are several contract haulers in the community
in addition to the solid waste removal services supplied by the City of Kalispell. 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.
GOALS:
1. EXPAND RECYCLING EFFORTS IN A COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO REDUCE
TONNAGE AT THE LANDFILL.
2. KEEP THE CITYS STREETS AND ALLEYS CLEAN AND FREE OF DEBRIS.
3. MAINTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR SOLID WASTE PICK-UP.
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. Residents should separate compostable materials from regular household
garbage.
Recommendations:
1. Develop a proactive program that substantially expands recycling.
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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.
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 COMMUTITY.
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.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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Policies:
1. Adequately staff law enforcement agencies.
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 and four rural fire
districts adjacent to the city limits provide fire services to the community. The City of
Kalispell operates an advanced life support transport ambulance service that is staffed
by cross -trained firefighter /paramedics and responds to service calls in the rural
parts of the community as well as within the city limits.
Issues:
1. Fire protection by the Kalispell Fire Department is currently provided to
response areas within the city as far as 3.9 miles from the downtown station
with response times of three to ten minutes for the first engine, eight to fifteen
minutes for the ladder truck and twelve to fifteen minutes for the second fire
engine when the maximum response area should be 1.5 miles.
2. A second fire department substation is needed in the northern portion of the
city, but funding is not currently available.
3. Development on the northern and southern boundaries of Kalispell strain
response times.
4. The Kalispell Fire Department and the surrounding volunteer fire departments
have not been able to negotiate interlocal agreements to provide mutual aid
upon request.'
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5. There has been increasing friction between the Kalispell Fire Department and
the surrounding rural fire districts, in part due to annexation of property in the
rural districts.
6. Lack of coordination between fire districts has created an inefficient use of
resources.
GOALS:
1. ADEQUATELY STAFF AND OPERATE FIRE STATIONS AND APPRATUS FOR
THE COMMUNITY.
2. REDUCE THE CITY'S INSURANCE SERVICE OFFICES (ISO) RATING FROM A
CLASS 5 TO A CLASS 3.
3. BUILD A NEW FIRE SUBSTATION IN THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE CITY
TO SERVE CURRENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
4. ESTABLISH AND EXECUTE AUTOMATIC AID AGREEMENTS WITH THE FOUR
SURROUNDING RURAL FIRE DISTRICTS.
5. ASSIST THE COMMUNITY IN REDUCING AND PREVENTING EMERGENCIES.
6. PROVIDE ADEQUATE HYDRANT LOCATIONS IN ALL AREAS OF THE CITY.
Policies:
1. As development and redevelopment occur, construction shall be required to
comply with the Uniform Fire Code or International Fire Code.
2. All actions will be based on meeting community and firefighter safety needs.
3. Respond to all fire, rescue and hazardous materials emergency requests within
the city of Kalispell and immediately begin to mitigate the emergency.
4. Respond to all requests for emergency medical services within the ambulance
response areas.
5. Provide adequate training and resources to all fire department personnel.
Recommendations:
1. According to the ISO, a city the size of Kalispell with its present equipment and
personnel should have a maximum response distance of 1.5 miles which would
require a fire substation to serve the growing northern portion of the city.
2. A fire substation is needed to serve the growing western portion of the city and
consideration should be given to funding this facility.
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3. The City should recognize that a southern fire substation should be considered
at some point in the not so distance future.
4. The Kalispell Fire Department should have a training facility that is equipped
with multi -story commercial building simulator, a two story residential
simulator, burn room and various fire hazard props.
5. Coordinate with the Flathead Valley Community College to satisfy some of the
fire training and equipment needs.
6. In some instances small rural fire districts should be reassessed and merged
with adjacent districts or the City when practical.
7. Foster stronger relationships between rural fire districts and the City of
Kalispell in order to share resources and build on individual strenghts.
PUBLIC EDUCATION: There are several elementary schools both public and private, a
junior high school and high school in the Kalispell community as well as a community
college.
Issues:
1. There are seven public elementary school districts within the growth policy
area, some of which are overcrowded and require busing to other schools.
2. Some of the school districts are at or near full enrollment while others are
seeing declining enrollment.
3. Flathead High School in Kalispell had a 2001 enrollment of 2,552 students, far
exceeding optimum school size.
4. Additional vocational education is needed to augment post high school students
educational and training opportunities.
GOALS:
1. PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION AND A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
STUDENTS.
2. SECURE LAND AND FUNDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND
HIGH SCHOOL OR A LARGER SINGLE NEW CAMPUS.
3. EXPAND THE EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR POST
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
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Policies:
1. Support the school resource officer program.
2. Use best practices in methods, materials, techniques, meeting or exceeding
standards and benchmarks adopted by the State of Montana and the United
States Department of Education.
Recommendations:
1. Pursue additional grant resources.
2. Consideration should be given to appropriately locating a second high school.
3. To accommodate increased college enrollment, a master plan was developed for
an expansion of the campus. Support should be given to expansion that would
include a new building on the campus.
KALISPELL CITY AIRPORT: The City of Kalispell has a 55-acre general aviation
municipal airport that basically serves the independent, non-commercial pilots. An
additional 10 acres to the southwest of the runway is intended to be developed with
aviation -oriented uses. An urban renewal district was created in and around the City
airport to provide revenues for upgrading the facility.
Issues:
1. Kalispell City Airport does not meet the minimum safety requirements
established by the FAA.
2. The airport has been developed solely through City funding without any
participation from the Federal Aviation Administration and does not meet
federal airport standards.
3. The current airport has not been included in the National Plan of Integrated
Airports Systems (NPIAS) airports because is does not comply with federal
airport standards and therefore has never been eligible for federal funding.
4. In its current configuration there are penetrations of both approach surfaces,
encroachments into the runway object free area and non -compatible use in the
runway protection zones.
5. The general public has unrestricted access to the airport, including the active
runway, due to the lack of complete perimeter fencing.
6. The airport has substandard runway lighting for night and low visibility
operations.
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7. Acquisition of additional acreage will be required for upgrading the airport to
federal airport standards but the cost of financing airport improvements
exceeds the resources of the local government.
8. Expansion and upgrade of the airport may require the City to condemn private
property.
9. Kalispell City Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the state but
aircraft storage and parking is inadequate for the current level of use.
10. The airport provides financial and economic stimulus for the city and the area and
its long-term viability is an important economic component.
GOALS:
1. AN AIRPORT THAT IMPROVES THE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORT
FACILITIES FOR THE USERS AND NEIGHBORS.
2. DEVELOP AN AIRPORT THAT COMPLIES WITH FEDERAL STANDARDS, IS
ELIGIBLE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE NATIONAL PLAN OF INTEGRATED
AIRPORT SYSTEMS (NPIAS), AND IS DESIGNED FOR AIRCRAFT MEETING B-II
(APPROACH SPEEDS 91 KNOTS OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 121 KNOTS,
WINGSPANS OF 49 FEET AND UP TO BUT NOT INCLUDING 70 FEET) IN
ORDER TO OBTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING.
3. ADOPT ZONING THAT PROTECTS SURROUNDING PROPERTIES AND
RECOGNIZES APPROACH AIR SPACE TO ASSURE THE LONG TERM SAFETY
AND VIABILITY OF THE AIRPORT.
4. ELIMINATE THROUGH -THE -FENCE OPERATORS THAT DO NOT HAVE
AGREEMENTS IN PLACE.
5. UTILIZE THE REVENUES GENERATED FROM THE AIRPORT URBAN
RENEWAL DISTRICT TO ASSIST IN FUNDING AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS.
6. HIRE AN AIRPORT MANAGER TO OVERSEE THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS
AT THE AIRPORT AND TO MANAGE CITY LEASES.
7. CREATE AND OPERATE AN AIRPORT FACILITY THAT IS SELF-SUPPORTING
AND THAT WILL GENERATE SUFFICIENT REVENUE TO COVER COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE.
8. DEVELOP AVIATION RELATED BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY THAT SUPPORT
AND COMPLEMENT AIRPORT ACTIVITIES.
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Policies:
l . Revenue from the sales of City owned property adjacent to the airport should be
used as part of the funding sources for the upgrade of the airport facilities.
2. Retain all existing acreage currently owned by the City that can be utilized as
part of the airport upgrade and expansion including the development of
property owned by the City to the southwest of the runway intended to be
leased for hangars and other airport related uses
3. Ban any new structures within runway protection zone to reduce further
intrusions and or penetrations, which would result from the expansion of the
airport.
4. Require that all lease holders and through -the -fence operators compensate the
City at the established rates.
5. Prevent penetrations into Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) part 77 surfaces to
protect the current layout of the airport as well as the anticipated future
configuration.
6. Obtain agreements from current through -the -fence operators and refrain from
entering into any agreements which grants further access to the public landing
area by aircraft normally stored and serviced on adjacent property.
Recommendations:
1. Assess the costs associated with the upgrading the airport and identify funding
sources.
2. Assess the financial, political and social impacts associated with additional land
acquisition.
3. Formally adopt an Airport Layout Plan (ALP) and Environmental Assessment
(EA).
4. Once the ALP is adopted, coordinate zoning with the County to eliminate
penetrations in the runway protection zone.
5. Hire an airport manager to manage City leases and to oversee the day to day
operations of the airport
6. Evaluate the current lease activity and through -the -fence operations to ensure
that equitable agreements are in place.
7. Seek additional federal, state and other sources of funding for upgrading of the
airport facilities to a B-II status.
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8. Adopt an ordinance reflecting FAR Part 77 regulations in order to protect the
current layout of the airport as well as the anticipated future configuration, and
encourage the County to adopt the same regulations.
CULTURAL FACILITIES: The City of Kalispell has assisted in developing and
coordinating the enhancement of cultural facilities in the community such as the
Depot Park building, Hockaday Center for the Arts, Conrad Mansion and the Central
School Museum.
Issues:
1. Kalispell would like to expand and develop additional cultural opportunities and
facilities in the downtown area, but lacks adequate funding and facilities.
2. Excessive through traffic in the downtown area along Hwy 93 detracts from the
pedestrian oriented atmosphere that would attract additional patronage to the
existing cultural facilities that have been developed.
3. Cultural facilities and cultural events do not currently provide the economic
stimulus and cultural identity that could be fully realized in the downtown
area.
4. Lack of adequate funding and facilities to accommodate on -going cultural and
historic education facilities impede the ability of the downtown area to realize
its full potential.
GOALS:
1. EXPAND THE SCOPE OF EXISTING CULTURAL AND HISTORICALLY
RELEVENT EVENTS TO INCLUDE A GREATER NUMBER AND VARIETY OF
SCHEDULED EVENTS.
2. EXPLORE WAYS TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL LAND AND ASSETS THAT WOULD
EXPAND THE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL FACILITIES.
3. ENCOURAGE THE EXPANSION OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM TO
DIVERT THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM THE DOWNTOWN AREA TO MAKE IT
MORE PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED.
4. EXPAND THE VISIBILITY AND FUNCTION OF THE CENTRAL SCHOOL
MUSEUM SO THAT IT CAN REALIZE ITS FULL POTENTIAL.
5. WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, HOCKADAY
CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO
EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE NUMBER AND VARIETY OF CULTURAL EVENTS
IN THE COMMUNITY.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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Policies:
1. Encourage citizens to participate in the available social and cultural events that
are sponsored and encouraged by the community.
2. Support the expansion of citizen -sponsored events such as First Night that
bring the community together in a social and cultural sense.
3. Provide on -going support for the Central School Museum to assist the facility in
realizing their full potential.
4. Work toward providing a pedestrian oriented downtown area that offers a
variety of businesses and events on a year round basis.
5. Provide on -going support for the Hockaday Museum of Art to assist this facility
in realizing its full potential.
Recommendations:
1. Assist the Central School Museum in their on -going efforts to expand the scope
and interests of the facility.
2. Work with the community to recognize historically and culturally important
buildings for preservation and restoration.
3. Continue to support the concept of a civic center /multi purpose facility to host
expanded cultural activities and events.
4. Provide the necessary support to retain and maintain those historically significant
buildings within the downtown and outlying areas such as the Conrad Mansion,
Hockaday Museum of Art, Central School Museum and Depot Park building.
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12. NEIGHBORHOOD PLANS
There are several neighborhood plans that were adopted as an addendum to the
Kalispell City Growth Policy that lie within the growth policy area and are considered
viable. Neighborhood plans are typically plans that detail a more specific vision for
development within a defined area or outline a specific development project or
proposal in a defined neighborhood area. Neighborhood plans are incorporated b y
reference here into the Kalispell Growth Policy as Appendix B. The plans exist in a
separate plan document or file that can be obtained from the planning office.
Neighborhood plans may be used as a tool to amend the growth policy and to coordinate
and clarify the development within a neighborhood that has specific issues or areas of
concern. A neighborhood plan focuses on an area in order to provide clarity and
predictability for future development and serves to refine the goals and policies of the
growth policy by providing guidance at the neighborhood level. A neighborhood plan
when adopted will be an addendum to the Kalispell Growth Policy and part of Appendix
B. An outline of the criteria for a neighborhood plan can be found in Chapter 13,
Implementation under the Neighborhood Plans section.
The following is a list of the current neighborhood plans and a brief outline of their
area and purpose.
Stillwater Destination Resort
In July 1990 the Stillwater Destination Resort Neighborhood Plan was adopted as an
addendum to both the Flathead County Master Plan and the Kalispell City -County,
Master Plan., This initially addressed an approximately 300 acre site lying between
U.S. 93 North and Whitefish Stage Road north of the Stillwater River. The plan was
revised in 1992 by adding approximately 40 acres adjoining this property for a total of
340 acres. Approximately 212 acres of this area is within the Kalispell planning
jurisdiction.
The Stillwater Destination Resort plan calls for an 18 hole golf course and other
recreational amenities covering 160 acres or approximately half of the area. Single
family and townhouse residential development would occupy approximately 100 acres
and hotel / convention facilities and associated commercial development is proposed
on approximately 50 acres. Landscaping, buffering and the creation of an
architectural scheme for all commercial and residential uses is outlined in the plan.
The commercial element of the project would be developed to serve the golf course
community and has been zoned B-6, Resort Business. The residential element is
intended to utilize a cluster design and has been zoned RA-1, Low Density Residential
Apartment. No development has taken place on this property since the plan adoption
and subsequent rezoning. This development project requires the extension of City
services.
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West Valley
A portion of the West Valley Neighborhood Plan boundary overlaps into the Kalispell
planning jurisdiction to the west,, Basically, the West Valley School District
boundaries were used as a plan area. This plan was developed in response to long
term development patterns which had occurred over the past 30 years under the
previous West Valley zoning district and the proposal to establish a convenience store
in the primarily rural and agricultural area. This plan was adopted in April of 1997
and was the result of nearly one and a half years of public meetings and committee
consideration. Basic goals for the plan are to maintain the rural character of the area
and to provide some flexibility for subdivision. An amendment to the plan has been
made on approximately 112 acres directly adjoining Country Estates subdivision to
the west, changing the land use designation from agricultural to suburban residential
and removing it from West Valley plan area and wholly within the Kalispell planning
jurisdiction.
2 Rivers RV Resort
This plan was adopted in early 1999 with a plan area containing approximately 135
acres intended for development into a "Resort Commercial" project, the 2 Rivers RV
Resort. The site is located on both sides of Conrad Dr. in the area of the Flathead and
Stillwater Rivers. The plan includes four districts that would have a mix of
commercial, recreational, residential and commercial a golf course. A great deal of
land proposed for this development is in the 100 year floodplain and the floodway
necessitating the connection to public sewer. Because this development is outside of
the city of Kalispell and the Evergreen Water and Sewer District boundaries, issues
relating to connection to these facilities are unresolved. This development project also
assumes the construction of a roadway between Conrad Drive and Highway 2. No
design plans have been developed nor have funds been allocated for its design and
or construction.
Spring Prairie (DNRC) Section 36
This plan was adopted in April of 1999 to assist the State Department of Natural
Resources with decisions on the future development of school trust land located in the
northwest part of the planning jurisdiction., The State trust is responsible for
managing the 640 acres that comprise "Section 360" DNRC offices are located on the
property. In 1997 the City leased approximately 134 acres to be developed as a youth
athletic complex in the southeast corner of the section. Subsequently the
neighborhood plan was developed that designates development "pods " within the
section. Along the highway the development pod is designated as Commercial /
Retail, the northwest corner of the section is designed as a Mixed Professional Office
area, the southwest corner is designated as Mixed Use Residential. The plan includes
the extension of City water and sewer to the site to serve the development(s). The
State intends to lease the sites for development rather than to sell the property so that
the State School Trust will continue to receive revenue from the property. Build out is
anticipated to take between 20 to 50 years.,
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13. Implementation Strategy
Implementation of this document falls primarily with the City of Kalispell but will
require a coordinated effort with Flathead County in order to be successful. Three
primary tools will be used to implement the growth policy which are: adoption of
appropriate zoning use classifications and associated text, subdivision regulations and
the adoption of development standards. The following tools and programs will provide a
framework for implementation of the growth policy.
1. Zoning Regulations:
The growth policy is 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 the official growth policy
document, but is 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.
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.
ce There is a need to simplify the present Kalispell Zoning Ordinance so that
similar zoning districts are combined and there are fewer use categories.,
d. Streamline the conditional use permit process and eliminate unnecessary
uses from the process.
e. Create development standards to address impacts related to conditionally
permitted uses and incorporate them into the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance.
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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fe Increase the use of the Planned Unit Development zoning overlay process for
mixed -use development and other large or complex land projects.
g. Inside the city of Kalispell, zoning should be based upon the land use
designation of the growth policy map.
h. Develop a use district to further define the uses anticipated in the Mixed Use
Areas designated on the growth policy map so that the appropriate zoning can
be applied.
i's 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. The 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, extension of water and sewer
services, 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 live 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.
Subdivision Implementation Strategy
a. Include design standards for roads, water, sewer and other infrastructure that
will be required for new development.,
b. Facilitate greater 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.
ce 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.
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e. Subdivision road designs should be based primarily on a grid 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 strive to maintain the quality and integrity of the
natural environment particularly in environmentally sensitive areas such as
wetlands and floodplain which should be integrated rather than eliminated.
g. Consider revising the subdivision regulations to provide greater encouragement
for locating new parks within reasonable distances of each other particularly
areas with higher density development.
h 40 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.
ie 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
provided they meet the criteria
Regulations and state statutes.
3. Growth Policy Update Amendment:
eligible for an exemption from review
outlined in the Kalispell Subdivision
A growth policy document 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 for relevance to
current conditions and consideration for revisions. An update of the growth policy
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 Policv 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 an relevant information that would effect specific policies
and goals.
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ce 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 consistency with the goals and policies of
the growth policy, state law and other established policies adopted b y the city
council as well as a demonstration of the public need and support for the
change; the proposed change is the most effective means of meeting the need
and there is benefit to the public rather than benefiting 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.,
4,, Neighborhood Plan Amendment:
Neighborhood plans may be used as a tool to provide greater clarity for future
development within a specific neighborhood. The area for a neighborhood plan would
generally be anticipated to be 20 acres or more in size. The plan should be evaluated
within the framework of the growth policy and follow the same review and approval
process. It should be adopted as an addendum to the Kalispell Growth Policy in
Appendix B. A neighborhood plan should serve to 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. Kalispell and Flathead County
have both used neighborhood plans within the growth policy area and found them to
be useful tools when special neighborhood issues arise,, The state growth policy
statutes specifically recognize neighborhood plans, and require them to be in
compliance with the goals and policies of the growth policy document as a whole.
Neighborhood Plan Amendment Implementation Strategy
a. The governing bodies within the growth policy area shall coordinate public
hearings when neighborhood plans cross -jurisdictional boundaries.
b. New and existing neighborhood plans should be consistent with the growth
policy document.,
ce Neighborhood plans 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. The plan would be rescinded by a
resolution passed b y the city council.
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d. A neighborhood plan 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 plan is conceptual in nature and not an
engineering or construction document,,
e. An application for a neighborhood 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
fe If there is a zone change that can be anticipated as part of the neighborhood
plan, the neighborhood plan amendment shall be acted on b y the city council
to accept, revise or reject prior to the initiation of change in zoning.,
5. 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 B. The amendment proposal should serve to expand on the
goals and policies of 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 growth policy amendments cross -jurisdictional boundaries.,
b. Amendment should be consistent with the growth policy document.,
C's 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 a
plan identifying significant issues, goals, and policies associated with
proposed development. It should address the feasibility of the development;
phasing; conformance with the growth policy overall; a convincing showing
Kalispell Growth Policy 2020
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