Staff Report - Peterson ZoningPLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
MOWANA
REPORT TO: Doug Russell, City Manager X_
FROM: Jarod Nygren, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: KZC-18-01 — Peterson Zone Change
MEETING DATE: May 7, 2018
Planning Department
201 V Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.kalispell.com/plannin
BACKGROUND: A request from Jeremy Peterson to amend the city zoning map from R-3
(Residential) to RA-1 (Residential Apartment). The applicant requested the RA-1 Zone because it is
the zoning district on the properties bordering the subject property to the north, thus the request
would be an extension of that zone. The application proposes two properties for the rezoning. One of
the properties is .24 acres and contains a residence and garage owned by the applicant. The second
1.01-acre property is located immediately east of the property mentioned above. The 1.01-acre parcel
will allow for a small infill project that will complement neighboring development to the north. The
applicant's goal is to subdivide the 1.01-acre property and construct two-family residential housing.
The request was reviewed in accordance with Chapter 27.29 of the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance.
The property is located at 435 College Avenue and can be legally described as Parcel B of Certificate
of Survey 2652 and Tract 1 of Certificate of Survey 3235 in Section 17, Township 28N, Range 21 W,
P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana.
The Kalispell Planning Board held a duly noticed public hearing on April 10, 2018, to consider the
zone change request. Staff recommended that the Planning Board adopt the staff report KZC-18-01 as
findings of fact and recommend to the Kalispell City Council that the zone change request be
approved.
During the public comment portion of the hearing, multiple neighboring property owners spoke in
opposition to the proposed zone change. Their concerns were that the project could be developed as
multi -family, which they did not feel was consistent with single-family neighborhood to the south
and the increased traffic that would come with the increased density. They were also worried that if
the zone change was approved it would potentially allow for further "creep" of multi -family zoning
in the future. There being no further public testimony, the public hearing was closed and a motion
was presented to adopt staff report KZC-18-01 as findings of fact, and recommend to the Kalispell
City Council that the zone change be approved. The Board discussed the option of the R-4 Zone
rather than the RA-1 Zone, as the R-4 Zone would allow for the developer to build two-family
housing while at the same time removing the option for multi -family development. Staff clarified the
R-4 Zoning, which would increase the density by four (4) dwellings units to a maximum of eight (8)
dwelling units if the property is zoned R-4. The existing R-3 Zone would permit a maximum of four
(4) dwelling units. Staff further clarified that the R-4 Zoning was consistent with the RA-1 Zoning to
the north, with the exception that it would not allow multi -family housing. The Board further
discussed the proposed zone change, at which time a motion was presented to amend the request by
amending the zoning map to R-4 rather than RA-1. Further discussion concluded the amendment was
appropriate and the motion was approved unanimously. Board discussion concluded that the zone
change was appropriate, and the original motion, as amended passed unanimously on roll call vote.
RECOMMENDATION: It recommended that the Kalispell City Council approve the first reading
of Ordinance 1807, an Ordinance to amend section 27.02.010, official zoning map, City of Kalispell
zoning ordinance 1677, by zoning certain real property described Parcel B of Certificate of Survey
2652 and Tract 1 of Certificate of Survey 3235 in Section 17, Township 28N, Range 21W, P.M.M.,
Flathead County, Montana.to City R-4 in accordance with the Kalispell Growth Policy Plan — It
2035, and to provide an effective date.
FISCAL EFFECTS: There are no anticipated fiscal impacts anticipated.
ALTERNATIVES: Deny the request.
ATTACHMENTS: Ordinance 1807
April 10, 2018, Kalispell Planning Board Minutes
Staff Report
Application Materials & Maps
c: Aimee Brunckhorst, Kalispell City Clerk
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JEREMY PETERSON
REQUEST FOR ZONE CHANGE FROM R-3 to RA-1
STAFF REPORT #KZC-18-01
KALISPELL PLANNING DEPARTMENT
March 21, 2018
The following is a report to the Kalispell City Planning Board and the Kalispell
City Council regarding a request to change the City of Kalispell Zoning Map
from R-3 (Residential) to RA-1 (Residential Apartment) at 435 College Avenue. A
public hearing has been scheduled before the Kalispell City Planning Board for
April 10, 2018 beginning at 6:00 PM, to consider the zone change request. The
planning board will forward a recommendation to the Kalispell City Council for
consideration.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A request from Jeremy Peterson to amend the city zoning map from R-3
(Residential) to RA-1 (Residential Apartment). The application proposes two
properties for the rezoning. One of the properties is .24 acres and contains a
residence and garage owned by the applicant. The second 1.01-acre property is
located immediately east of the property mentioned above. The property is
mostly vacant with the exception of some small accessory structures. The 1.01-
acre parcel will allow for a small infill project that will complement the
neighborhood. The applicant's goal is to subdivide the 1.01-acre property and
construct two-family residential housing. The units and density would be
similar to that of the neighboring properties to the north. The request will be
reviewed in accordance with Chapter 27.29 of the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance.
A. Petitioner / Owner: Jeremy Peterson
P.O. Box 8271
Kalispell, MT 59901
B. Location and Legal Description of Property: The property is located at
435 College Avenue and can be legally described as Parcel B of Certificate
of Survey 2652 and Tract 1 of Certificate of Survey 3235 in Section 17,
Township 28N, Range 21W, P.M.M., Flathead County, Montana.
C. Existing Land Use and Zoning: The existing land use within the rezoning
area is single-family residence, appurtenant structures and vacant land.
The subject property is currently zoned R-3 (Residential). The Kalispell
Zoning Regulations state that the intent of the R-3 zoning district is "to
provide areas for urban residential development. This district should have
good thoroughfare access, and be in proximity to community and
neighborhood facilities, i.e., schools, parks, shopping areas, etc.
Development within this district must be served by all public utilities. This
zoning district would typically be found in areas designated as suburban
residential or urban residential on the Kalispell Growth Policy Future Land
Use Map."
D. Proposed Zoning: The proposed zoning for the subject property is RA-1
(Residential Apartment). The Kalispell Zoning Regulations state that the
RA-1 Zone is:
"A residential district intended to provide for urban areas for multi -family
use and compatible non-residential uses of medium land use intensity. It
should be served with all public utilities and be in close proximity to
municipal services, parks, or shopping districts. This zoning district would
typically be found in areas designated as urban residential or high density
residential on the Kalispell Growth Policy Future Land Use Map."
E. Size: The zone change request covers a total area of 1.26 acres.
F. Adjacent Zoning:
North: RA-1
East: R-3
South: R-3
West: R-3
G. Adjacent Land Uses:
North: Single-family residences, townhouses, Mobile Home Park
East: Single-family residence
South: Vacant land
West: Single-family home and city park
H. General Land Use Character: The character of the neighborhood is
residential/mixed density. There are two unit townhomes, four unit
condominiums, 30 unit manufactured home park and single-family homes
all in the immediate vicinity. The higher density developments are to the
north of the subject property and the single-family residences are
primarily to the southeast along Sylvan Drive. The subject property is
located at the transition point between the two development patterns.
I. Utilities and Public Services:
Sewer:
City sewer
Water:
City water
Refuse:
City collection services
Electricity:
Flathead Electric Cooperative
Telephone:
CenturyLink
Schools:
Kalispell School District #5 - Hedges Elementary
Fire:
Kalispell Fire Department
Police:
Kalispell Police Department
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J. Public Comment: Notices of the proposed zone change request were sent
to adjacent landowners within 215 feet of the affected areas. To date, no
public comments have been received.
EVALUATION BASED ON STATUTORY CRITERIA
This report evaluates the zoning map amendment request in accordance
with state and local regulations. The statutory basis for reviewing a change
in zoning is set forth by Section 27.29.020 of the Kalispell Zoning
Ordinance and 76-2-303 M.C.A. Findings of Fact for the zone change
request are discussed relative to the itemized criteria described by 76-2-
304, M.C.A. The subject property is currently zoned city R-3. The applicant
is requesting city RA-1. The Kalispell Zoning Regulations state that the RA-
1 Zoning District is "a residential district intended to provide for urban
areas for multi -family use and compatible non-residential uses of medium
land use intensity. It should be served with all public utilities and be in
close proximity to municipal services, parks, or shopping districts. This
zoning district would typically be found in areas designated as urban
residential or high density residential on the Kalispell Growth Policy
Future Land Use Map."
1. Does the requested zone comply with the growth polio`.?
The proposal is consistent with the goals and policies of the growth policy.
The Growth Policy Plan -It 2035, Community Growth and Design Chapter,
states to encourage housing types that provide housing for all sectors and
income levels within the community. Additionally, infill development is
encouraged within the Growth Policy to lessen impacts on sensitive lands
and provides additional housing opportunities where services are available.
City services including, sewer, water and streets are in the vicinity and
available to the subject property. Lastly, the area to be rezoned is
designated as Urban Residential on the Kalispell Growth Future Land Use
Policy Map. Both the requested RA-1 and existing R-3 zoning districts
would typically be found in areas designated as Urban Residential.
2. Will the requested zone have an effect on motorized and non -motorized
transportation systems?
The requested zoning of RA-1 will have minimal effect on the motorized
and non -motorized transportation system. The RA-1 Zone will allow for
more density; however, the additional density that would be permitted
would be negligible. If the property were to be developed with two-family
residential (townhouses/duplex) you would expect four additional
residential units on the property than if it were developed as single-family.
Four additional units would not have a negative effect on the existing
transportation system. Additionally, if the property were to develop as
multi -family (conditional use in the RA-1 Zone), the project would be
reviewed by the city Site Review Committee to ensure any impacts to the
transportation system are adequately addressed.
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3. Will the requested zone secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers?
Adequate access and public facilities are available to the property in the
case of an emergency. There are no features related to the property which
would compromise the safety of the public. All municipal services
including police and fire protection, water and sewer service are available
to the area. City of Kalispell fire station 61 is less than one mile from the
site.
4. Will the requested zone promote the public health, safety and general
welfare?
As with safety from fire and other dangers, the general health, safety,
and welfare of the public will be promoted through general city
regulations designed to regulate allowable uses when the property is
developed. In this case, the requested zoning classification of RA-1 will
promote the health and general welfare by restricting land uses to those
that would be compatible with the adjoining properties and those in the
vicinity.
5. Will the requested zone provide reasonable provisions for adequate light
and air?
Setback, height, and lot coverage standards for new development on the
area of the zone change are established in the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance
to ensure adequate light and air is provided. The requested RA-1 Zone has
the same setbacks as the existing R-3 Zone, which are 15' front, 5' side,
and 10' rear. The maximum lot coverage requirements of 45% are the
same in both zones. The proposed RA-1 Zone would allow for an
additional 5' in height as R-3 has a maximum height of 35' and the RA-1
Zone has a maximum height of 40'.
6. Will the requested zone facilitate the adequate provision of transportation,
water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements?
The property is already within city limits and all public services and
facilities are currently available to the property. The requested zone will
not alter any of the public requirements, as there are city standards in
place to address all the public requirements individually depending on
how the site develops in the future.
7. Will the requested zone promote compatible urban growth?
The character of the neighborhood is residential/mixed density. There
are two -unit townhomes, four -unit condominiums, 30-unit
manufactured home park and single-family homes all in the immediate
vicinity. The higher density developments are to the north of the subject
property and the single-family residences are primarily to the southeast
along Sylvan Drive. The subject property is located at the transition point
between the two development patterns. The requested zone gives
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reasonable consideration to the character because it is compatible with
the development pattern to the north and would serve as a transition to
the single-family developments to the southeast. If the property were to
be developed with a multi -family residential project, the project would
require a conditional use permit. The conditional use permit process
would further allow the city to analyze how the project would impact the
character of the neighborhood and mitigated the project accordingly.
8. Does the requested zone dive consideration to the character of the district
and its particular suitability of the property for particular uses?
The requested zone change is in conformance with the Growth Policy
Future Land use Map designation of Urban Residential for the area.
Furthermore, the proposed zoning of RA-1 is the same zone located on the
properties immediately to north and bordering the subject property. If the
subject property were developed with single-family residences in the
future, the property would be developed similarly to the neighboring
properties in the R-3 Zone, as the setbacks, lot coverage, etc. are the
same. The main difference between the existing R-3 Zone and proposed
RA-1 Zone is the ability to construct multi -family residential. If the
property were to be developed with a multi -family residential project, the
multi -family project would require a conditional use permit, at which point
neighborhood compatibility could be analyzed and mitigated accordingly.
9. Will the proposed zone conserve the value of buildings?
Future development in the area will be reviewed for compliance with the
dimensional standards and design review criteria, to ensure its
appropriateness for the area and compatibility with the surrounding
neighborhoods. The conservation of values of the existing buildings in the
vicinity depends largely on the design and construction quality of the
potential development in the area of the zone change, as opposed to the
change of the zoning or potential use of the property.
10. Will the requested zone encourage the most appropriate use of the land
throughout the municipality?
The most appropriate land uses throughout the jurisdiction are promoted
by encouraging complementary and compatible uses which promote the
general well-being of all citizens of the community. In this case, the
proposed RA-1 Zone is consistent with surrounding development to the
north and has similar standards to the R-3 Zoned properties in the
vicinity. Although it is not the applicant's intentions, the potential
development of a multi -family project in the RA-1 Zone would require a
conditional use permit, at which point the appropriateness of the project
would be analyzed specifically.
RECOMMENDATION
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It is recommended that the Kalispell City Planning Board and Zoning
Commission adopt Staff Report #KZC-18-01 as findings of fact and recommend
to the Kalispell City Council that the subject property zoned R-3 (Residential) be
rezoned to RA-1 (Residential Apartment).
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PLANNING FOP. THU FUTURE
Planning Department
201 15t Avenue East
Kalispell, MT 59901
Phone: (406) 758-7940
Fax: (406) 758-7739
www.katispell.com / planning
PETITION FOR ZONING MAP AMENDMENT
NAME Or APPLICANT: Jeremy Peterson___
MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 8271
CITY/STATE/ZIP: _ Kalispell, MT 59901 PHONE: _890-0331
INTEREST IN PROPERTY: Owner
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
A. Address of the property: _435 College Avenue, Kalispell
B. Legal Description: (Subdivision Name, Lot & Block and/or Tract Number
(Section, Township, Range) Parcel B of COS 2652 and Tract 1 of COS
3235 in Section 17, T28N, R21W, P.M.M., Flathead County
(Attach sheet for metes and bounds)
C. Land in zone change (ac) 1.258 acres
D. The present zoning of the above property is: R-3
E. The proposed zoning of the above property is: RA-1
F. State the changed or changing conditions that make the proposed
amendment necessary:
The properties directly north of the applicants property are currently zoned
RA-1 and have been developed with two -unit townhomes and four-plex
condominiums. There is also a 31 unit mobile home park just up the
street.
RECgIVED
MAR..1) 1 118
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Mobile Home
1 �r Park Property
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2B
2t. ' i �` ; - 2PAA
Peterson
Property n ti u
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Figure 1. Source: Flathead County GIS
HOW WILL THE PROPOSED CHANGE ACCOMPLISH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF:
A. Promoting the Growth Policy
The Growth Policy Map shows the subject properties as "urban residential" but as
with the zoning, the applicants parcels are directly adjacent to the Multi -Family
Residential designation.
The Kalispell Growth Policy, Chapter 3 Land Use: Housing defines "Urban
Residential" with typical densities of four to twelve units per acre with a mix of
single family duplex, and dispersed areas of multi -family. This definition fits with
the applicant's desires and the existing neighborhood.
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If the zone change is successful, the applicant wishes to subdivide the property
and construct two -unit townhomes. The proposed zone change does promote the
Growth Policy designation of Urban.
B. Lessening congestion in the streets and providing safe access
The existing R-3 zoning allows up to nine residential lots if we were to develop to
the minimum lot size and ignore access. In practice we would be able to get at
most four residential lots.
The RA -honing would allow up to seventeen units on 1.25 acres. However when
one accounts for parking, drainage, maximum lot coverage, and maximum height
standards one is hard pressed to produce that type of density. In reality, the
property will most likely develop eight residential units if the zone change is
approved.
Given that College Avenue is a City Street that outlets to a collector street and the
neighborhood already has a number of multifamily units, the proposed zone
change should not significantly impact congestion. The only way we could lessen
congestion would be to down zone the property to a designation with less density
than the existing R-3.
C. Promoting safety from fire, panic and other dangers
Any use, whether in the existing R-3 or the proposed RA -I is subject to review by
the Building Department for adherence to the IBC and the IFC. The subject
parcels are located in the City Limits and as such are within the Kalispell Fire
Departments jurisdiction. There is City water and fire hydrants within the
neighborhood.
D. Promoting the public interest, health, comfort, convenience, safety and general
welfare
The proposed zone change encourages infill development, allows for diverse
housing options, and makes efficient use of the property. Future development
will connect to the City's existing sewer, water, and street system providing a safe
and convenient development. The subject property is within walking distance of
Woodland Park and Hedges Elementary School.
E. Preventing the overcrowding of land
The proposed zone change will allow more density on the subject property but
those same densities are allowed on the properties directly north of the applicant.
The proposed RA-1 zoning designation has maximum lot coverage standards,
minimum setback restrictions, minimum lot widths, and maximum height
requirements. These standards along with the City's subdivision requirements
ensure that the lands are not overcrowded.
Avoiding undue concentration of population
The proposed zone change is for a residential zoning designation. The properties
directly north of the subject property are all currently zoned RA-1. It would
appear that the proposed zone change will more appropriately fit the
neighborhood character. The proposed zone change will not establish an undue
concentration of people.
G. Facilitating the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools,
parks and other public facilities
The subject property is located within the City Limits of Kalispell and is located on
a City street, College Avenue. The property is a 1/4 mile from Conrad Drive a City
collector street. City sewer and water services are located in College Avenue. The
property is within the Kalispell School District and is within walking distance of
Hedges Elementary School. Woodland Park is located on Conrad Drive 1/4 mile
from the subject property. Development of this property is considered infill and
will facilitate efficient use of the public services.
H. Giving reasonable consideration to the character of the district
The subject property is adiacent to two unit townhomes and within half a block
from four unit condominiums and a 30+ unit Manufactured home park. To be
clear there are also a significant number of single family dwellings in the
immediate neighborhood as well. The character of this neighborhood is
residential/mixed density and the proposed zone change fits that character.
I.
Neighboring two -unit townhomes
Giving consideration to the peculiar suitability of the property for particular uses
The application proposes two properties for this rezoning. One of the properties is
0.24 acres and contains the residence and garage of the applicant. The second
property which is adjacent to the applicants house is mostly vacant with the
exception of a couple small out buildings that would be removed to allow for the
development. The mostly vacant parcel is 1.01 acres in size and will allow for a
small infill project that will complement the neighborhood.
{ A // .1, AMM .t, i A23mmW 4
Peterson Residence
5
Vacant Parcel
J. Protecting and conserving the value of buildings
The applicant's goal is to subdivide the property and construct two -unit
townhomes or condominiums on the vacant one acre parcel. The units and
density would be similar to that of neighboring properties and as a result should
conserve the value of buildings within the neighborhood.
K. Encouraging the most appropriate use of land by assuring orderly growth
The zone change will occur on lands within the City Limits and is considered an
infill property. In practice, infill is a function of orderly growth and the
development of this property will blend in with the fabric of the community. Infili
with urban residential density is an appropriate use of this land.
The signing of this application signifies approval for Kalispell Planning staff to be present
on the property for routine monitoring and inspection during approval process.
(Applicant Signature) (Date)
on