Kalispell Planning Commission weighs changes to public comment process on proposed developments

The Kalispell Planning Commission on Tuesday night is inviting residents to weigh in on potential changes to subdivision rules that would eliminate public hearings on proposed developments.  

The meeting starts at 6 p.m., March 10 in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E.  

The overhaul of the public comment process is mandated under the Montana Land Use Planning Act, a 2023 state law designed to streamline housing construction by requiring 10 Montana cities to also adopt a new land use plan and new zoning regulations that promote higher density development. 

The provision of the law repealing public hearings remains under review by the state Supreme Court, but the updates must still be made to comply with the state’s May deadline, according to Assistant Development Services Director PJ Sorensen.  

Some local builders praised the law for scrapping the cumbersome public meetings they say slow down development. However, members of the Planning Commission have strongly opposed the changes. Commission President Chad Graham even voted against the city’s new land use plan, arguing that the law stifles meaningful public input on site-specific development proposals.  

Residents can still weigh in on proposals during a written public comment window that opens 15 days after planning staff posts its initial determination in a local newspaper and alerts property owners within 150 feet of the project. The original bill did not include a public comment period, but the state Legislature added one in 2025, according to Sorensen.  

Planning staff must issue their decision within 30 days of the comment period ending, but that decision can also be appealed.   

Following Tuesday’s public hearing, the Planning Commission will decide whether to recommend the changes to Kalispell City Council.  

ANOTHER PUBLIC hearing will be held on a request to build a car wash and drive-through coffee shop off U.S. 2 West near its intersection with the U.S. 93 Bypass.  

Tumbleweed Offices I, LLC is looking for annexation and initial zoning of B-2 (General Business) on four acres currently in the county. Kalispell’s growth policy designates the northern portion of the property as commercial and the southern portion as industrial.  

The public can also weigh in on a request from homeowners on Fourth Avenue West between Fifth and Sixth streets west to require curbside parking permits on their street.  

The Westside Parking Management zone was established in 2015 to regulate curbside parking around Flathead High School. Demand for curbside parking far exceeded the available space, resulting in limited open spots, congested streets and compromised road safety, according to a staff report.  

Residents get two free parking permits and can buy guest passes. Students and teachers must buy a permit to park on streets within the zone. 

Eight of the 10 property owners that reside on the portion of Fourth Avenue West signed a petition to include the area in the parking management zone.    

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and junderhill@dailyinterlake.com.