Kalispell City Council on Monday approved sweeping changes to the municipality’s land use regulations, encouraging higher-density development and removing public hearings from the subdivision approval process.

Councilors adopted the final two provisions of the Montana Land Use Planning Act, a 2023 state law requiring 10 cities — including Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls — to approve a new land use plan and updated zoning and subdivision regulations.  

One provision shifted subdivision approvals to city staff, ending the Planning Commission and Council review process, which included public hearings. Residents will still have a window to submit written public comment and can appeal decisions made by planning staff starting with the city’s Development Services Department and up to Flathead County District Court.  

The other approved provision involved a slew of zoning reforms to allow a wider range of housing types in all city zones.  

While both measures passed unanimously, several councilors voiced criticism of the state Legislature for intruding on how local governments make land use decisions.   

“I’m not happy with this entire thing,” Councilor Sid Daoud said. “I don’t like the loss of local control.” 

“This is a turd sandwich that just keeps serving itself again to us from Helena,” added Councilor Sam Nunnally. 

Although all councilors were critical of the state mandate to eliminate public hearings, several said they understood the motivation.  

“I do see the intent of the Legislature was to help make sure that development could not be influenced so unduly by [Not-in-my-backyard-ism],” said Councilor Kyle Waterman. 

He said a flood of negative comments can slow the approval process, raising costs for developers that are ultimately passed onto renters or homebuyers.  

Mayor Ryan Hunter reminded councilors that the law was the Legislature’s response to a massive housing crisis sparked by rapid population growth during the Covid pandemic that outpaced housing supply.  

“I fully appreciate not wanting the state to step in on local business, but the state Legislature didn’t see the action being taken to address the problem, necessary to the level of crisis, and created this as a way to increase that supply by allowing for a greater variety of housing types throughout the community,” Hunter said.   

“Ultimately, I think a lot of the changes will be beneficial,” Hunter said, while reiterating his opposition to the removal of public hearings. 

Hunter was supportive of the zoning changes, which included eliminating single-family zoning by allowing duplexes and accessory dwelling units on any lot in the city. Other reforms included permitting multifamily housing in commercial and office zones and reducing minimum lot sizes by 25% citywide. Councilors also approved a reduction in minimum parking requirements to align with a state law passed last year.  

Councilors amended the zoning and subdivision regulations to reference the city’s public participation plan, which will set the standards for public notification of proposed projects.  

A draft of the plan, which will be considered by Council in June, calls for the creation of an online portal containing application materials on proposed developments and instructions for submitting public comment.  

Last week, Councilor Dustin Leftridge proposed creating a website with a subscription option so residents can stay informed about development projects.  

“I want to definitely assure the public that the intent here is to improve the process. That we’re not going to just take something that’s given unpleasantly from the Legislature, but find a way to enhance it, to make sure that it works the best for the citizens of Kalispell,” Waterman said of the amendments.  

COUNCIL ADOPTED the city’s updated stormwater facility plan.  

The updates rely on new data that city officials say will help guide stormwater system upgrades to prevent flooding. The plan generally calls for larger pipes, new trunk lines, channel upgrades and improved lift stations throughout the system.  

The body also approved Hunter’s recommendations for appointments to several committee and advisory boards, as many terms expire in April. 

Appointments included Leftridge, Emmett Van Allen and Cody Hunter to the Planning Commission, former Council Ward 3 applicant Arthur Fretheim to the Police Commission, and former Mayor Mark Johnson to the Flathead County District Board No. 1 in Evergreen. 

Some positions remained empty after receiving zero applications. The Architectural Review Committee has three terms expiring with no new applicants. The Impact Fee Committee has two vacancies. 

Councilors urged residents to consider applying for the open positions.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.