City Council reviews annexation plans for Johnson Ranch's 90-acre development project

The City of Kalispell Planning Commission convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, including updates on previous projects and new proposals for development in the area.

The meeting began with a recap of the Vista Ridge Cottages project, which consists of 93 units located off 2 Mile Road. This project was approved by the city council on April 3, 2025, with an 8 to 1 vote, and is set for a second reading on April 17.

Moving into new business, the commission reviewed an application for annexation and a conditional use permit for a Department of Transportation facility at the northeast corner of Highway 93 and Rose Crossing. Additionally, the commission discussed a potential second item regarding the Reserve at Johnson Ranch, a 90-acre development northwest of Glacier High School, which was the focus of the work session that followed.

The Reserve at Johnson Ranch proposal includes requests for annexation, a growth policy amendment to establish a neighborhood business and high-density residential area at the intersection of Old Reserve Drive and Stillwater Road. The plan also seeks initial zoning designations of R-3, RA-1, and B-1, along with preliminary plat approval for 86 single-family residential lots, two multifamily lots (one with 237 units and another with 70 units), and one commercial lot.

The commission reviewed updated site plans, which indicated the layout for the neighborhood grocery store and additional commercial spaces. The proposed B-1 zoning would allow for a neighborhood grocery store of up to 40,000 square feet, contributing to a total of 110,000 square feet of commercial space in the area.

Concerns were raised regarding the proposed mid-block crossing, which public works indicated would not be supported. The commission emphasized the need for further adjustments to the development plans, particularly in relation to stormwater management and parkland development.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working with the developers to refine the project details, ensuring compliance with city regulations and addressing any outstanding issues before moving forward to a public hearing. The commission's next steps will involve further discussions on the layout and design of the proposed developments, particularly in relation to the growth policy amendments and zoning requests.