Kalispell is seeking a conditional use permit to build three new sheds at its existing equipment storage complex near Legends Stadium.  

The buildings are designed to shelter Kalispell's array of equipment — ranging from garbage trucks to speed feedback signs — from Montana's frigid winters. The proposal also marks the first project being reviewed exclusively by city staff following changes to state law.  

One of the proposed buildings at what is known as the City Shop Complex is a single-story, 4,000-square-foot facility that would house equipment used by the Solid Waste Division, including the city's garbage trucks, according to Public Works Director Susie Turner.  

Cold temperatures can impair the hydraulics that operate front-loader and side-loader arms, so providing heated shelter will help ensure the vehicles can start up and function efficiently, Turner said.  

The city allocated $190,000 in its fiscal year 2027 budget for site planning, design and consulting services related to the new facility. 

Also part of the permit application is a proposal to construct a storage building for the Water Department's equipment.  

When a water main breaks, city crews must respond quickly. Keeping the backhoe and other equipment indoors, free of snow and ready for immediate use is critical, Turner said.  

The 2,045-square-foot structure would be unheated, fitted with open bays and located on the south end of the property beside 16th Street West, according to site plans.    

The city allocated $190,600 for the building.  

The third structure is an open-sided lean-to to shelter traffic control equipment — including speed feedback signs and digital message boards — from the weather.  

The lean-to would be attached to the existing sand shed, extending 15 feet from the structure and spanning 75 feet long. Turner said the addition had been part of the original plan when the shed was built years ago.  

The city allocated $70,000 for the project.  

THE PERMIT application marks the first project to undergo a fully administrative review since Council shifted subdivision approvals from elected officials to city staff to fall in line with the Montana Land Use Planning Act.   

Passed in 2023, the law was designed to streamline housing construction by requiring larger Montana cities to rework their land use plans, end the Planning Commission and Council review process and institute a slew of zoning reforms to allow a wider range of housing types.  

The Development Services Department in August issued an initial determination finding that the project substantially complies with applicable zoning regulations and the city's zoning map.  

Development Services Director PJ Sorensen said that elements of the reformed approval process are different, but that the city could already approve some conditional use permits administratively if they were deemed to have minimal impact.  

He said the most significant change brought by the law is the way public comments are collected and considered.  

While the proposal won't go before city leaders, the public can still weigh in by emailing their comments or mailing them directly to the Development Services Department.  

Residents have until 5 p.m., Sept. 21 to provide input.  

Once the comment period closes, planning staff will issue a final determination. Individuals who disagree with the decision can appeal it.  

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.