Habitat for Humanity proposes 95-home development in North Kalispell
Proposed lay out of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley development. (Courtesy of WGM Group)
Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley is looking to build a large neighborhood in North Kalispell.
The Kalispell Planning Commission will discuss the proposal at a work session scheduled for 6 p.m., June 9 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.
The nonprofit is requesting annexation, initial zoning of R-3 (residential) and planned unit development approval to build 95 residential units on 21.32 acres. The property is located northwest of Northland Drive, east of the Kalispell Bypass and south of Four Mile Drive.
The land will house a mix of townhomes, cottages and single-family homes meant to create a mixed-income community, according to the proposal.
The developer is requesting deviations from city subdivision and zoning code to allow for a variety of lot types and outdoor recreational opportunities, and to promote the affordable housing initiative, according to the proposal.
Deviations include limiting road access to the north and south ends of the property due to uneven ground to the east and allowing smaller lot sizes of 3,100 square feet for single family lots.
While the site could support additional density, Habitat for Humanity is looking to create a cohesive mixed-income neighborhood and support the overall character of the surrounding areas, according to the proposal.
About 2.3 acres are allocated for park space. The city requires 2.85 acres of total parkland, but the lesser acreage will be balanced out with amenities like pedestrian paths and a community playground, according to the proposal. Park space will be managed by a homeowners association.
Traffic will connect to Northland Drive and Northridge Way. At the city’s request, a road extension will be built to the north to accommodate future access to the property, according to the proposal.
A traffic impact study found that the nearby intersections will continue to operate normally after the neighborhood is built, and no traffic mitigation measures are required, according to WGM Group, the engineering consultant on the project.
The property would hook into the city’s utilities and be served by the Kalispell School District.
To fit with the surrounding character, the property will echo a traditional neighborhood design with sidewalks, tree-lined streets and park area.
The neighborhood would be built out over several years, with the fourth and final phase expected to be completed in fall of 2032.
The property was sold to Habitat for Humanity in 2025 to be a nonprofit/private developmental partnership, according to the proposal.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or junderhill@dailyinterlake.com. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.