Kalispell council getting close to vote on accessory dwelling units

Accessory dwelling units will top the agenda at the Kalispell City Council’s work session tonight as the council finalizes its work on an amendment to allow the dwellings in certain areas of the city.

The council has been in talks about accessory dwelling units for several months.

The dwelling units generally include any secondary dwelling on a property. They are often found in separate structures such as a converted garage or a detached garage with a unit above, and they are sometimes referred to as “backyard cottages,” “granny flats,” or “mother-in-law apartments.”

Proponents argue the units provide affordable housing and generate extra income for property owners. Concerns tend to focus on increasing the density in parts of the city that are not equipped for such high residency, as well as issues with requirements for the improvised units.

These points have been debated at length by members of the council and Kalispell residents during numerous discussions over the past few months, including a September council meeting, a September work session, a November Planning Board work session, and a December Planning Board public hearing.

Most recently, on Dec. 15, 2020, the Kalispell Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow accessory dwelling units in certain city zones.

Specifically, the proposed amendment would allow a separate 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 that already allow them.

The text amendment also includes requirements for accessory units, mainly concerning setbacks, parking and size limits.

No public comments were received at the December public hearing, although multiple written comments were submitted prior to the hearing.

Ultimately, the Planning Board voted 6-1 to recommend the City Council adopt the proposed text amendment.

However, according to the work session agenda for Monday, the proposal must go through another follow-up work session before going to the council for a vote. The work session agenda states the additional work session is required, “given that the proposal originated with a request and work session with the City Council.”

The work session, at which no formal decisions may be made, will be held virtually via Zoom videoconference at 7 p.m. Public comment can be provided via email to publiccomment@kalispell.com or verbally during the video conference. Register to join the video conference at: https://bit.ly/39lrQjU.

The full work session agenda is available at https://www.kalispell.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01112021-564

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