Kalispell City Council on Monday will consider allowing special events in city-owned downtown parking lots and residential street closures for block parties.  

Council will hold a work session at 7 p.m., Aug. 24 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

The city has occasionally received requests for both types of gatherings in the past. However, they are typically denied — save for occasionally allowing food trucks on municipal lots — because the city lacks clear guidelines for either, according to a memo from City Manager Jarod Nygren.  

City-owned lots could potentially be made available for special events on weekends when parking demand is lower, and the requests could be managed similarly to the city's rental, special event, vendor and alcohol permits, according to Nygren.  

Downtown Kalispell Forward recommended in a March report that the municipality consider leasing city-owned downtown parking lots to organizations for weekend events at nominal fees. 

The city manages several downtown parking lots covering about 3.8 acres. Some spaces are reserved for monthly permit holders and employees. Others are either unrestricted or subject to time limits, according to the report.  

Downtown Kalispell Forward was formed to create a unified front, one that organizers hoped could be more effective in pushing the city to address issues facing the neighborhood. The group is made up of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement District, Tourism Improvement District, Flathead Builders Association and the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors. 

COUNCIL WILL also consider setting guidelines allowing for residential block parties that warrant a temporary street closure.  

Many communities across the country allow block parties, recognizing neighborhood gatherings as a valuable part of urban life, according to Nygren.  

Missoula requires residents to submit a block party permit application at least three business days before an event. Applicants must also install barricades approved by the police department and city engineer. A separate application is required to serve alcohol in designated areas. 

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.