The Kalispell Planning Board meets tonight to discuss a potential zoning change that would relax restrictions on accessory dwelling units.

Such dwellings are defined in the work session agenda as “a second dwelling unit on a property, typically in a separate structure such as a converted garage or a detached garage with a unit above.” These units, sometimes known as backyard cottages, granny flats, or mother-in-law apartments, could provide additional housing options within the city of Kalispell, but they would also increase density in various city residential zones.

The R-2 and R-3 residential zones currently prohibit accessory dwelling units in any form. Accessory dwellings are permitted with a conditional-use permit in some residential and business zones, including: RA-1, RA-2, H-1, B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-4.

The Planning Board will consider a proposed zoning text amendment that would “allo[w] a separate accessory dwelling unit as a permitted use on a lot in zones that allow duplexes (R-4, R-5, RA-1, RA-2, and H-1) in addition to those zones which already allow them.”

Proponents of the accessory units tout them as a way to address affordable housing, which has become a prominent issue for residents throughout the Flathead Valley and members of the Kalispell City Council.

Council member Ryan Hunter, who ran for city council seat in 2019 on a campaign focused on increasing affordable housing, first initiated council conversations about accessory dwelling units. Hunter requested a council work session to look into the possibility of enabling the creation of more housing of this type.

During the work session that took place Sept. 28, one Kalispell resident who lives in an accessory dwelling advocated for the structures. Council members expressed mixed thoughts about the benefits and drawbacks of the accessory units — some were concerned about increasing density in the city’s residential zones and meeting requirements such as setbacks and parking spaces with the additional units.

The text of the proposed amendment therefore includes certain design requirements. Accessory dwelling units would be required to meet the same setback requirements for houses, rather than accessory structures like garages. They would be limited to a height of 18 feet or one story, unless they meet the setback requirements for a principal structure. Their size would also be capped at no more than 1,000 square feet. Finally, there would be a requirement of one parking space for the second unit, and the required parking for a duplex would be reduced to three total spaces for the two units.

If the zoning text amendment is approved during a formal Planning Board meeting, it will then go to the City Council for approval.

The work session, during which no formal decisions may be made, will start at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 201 First Avenue East. Meeting attendees are required to follow Gov. Steve Bullock’s face covering directive.

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.