Commission recommends annexation and B‑2 zoning for Corwin Motors expansion parcel on Highway 93 North

The Kalispell City Planning Commission on June 10 recommended that City Council approve annexation and initial city B‑2 (general business) zoning for two parcels at 2577 and 2585 U.S. Highway 93 North, totaling 7.183 acres, submitted by Corwin Brothers Properties LLC to support an expansion of the existing Corwin Motors dealership.

Donnie McBath presented the staff report, noting the parcels lie within the city’s annexation boundary and are currently under Flathead County jurisdiction. The parcels are designated commercial on the Kalispell growth policy future land use map and adjoin existing city limits. Staff said city water, sewer and refuse will be available on annexation and that utilities (electric, gas, phone) will be provided by existing regional providers.

Applicant representative Ryan Mitchell of Robert Pesch Associates told the commission staff has coordinated access with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and said, “we have been working with MDT on access, and they really aren't gonna give us any access other than the existing northern approach.” Mitchell told the commission that limitation, together with the site’s geometry and access constraints, makes the site most logically used in coordination with the neighboring Corwin dealership to the south.

McBath reminded the commission that initial B‑2 zoning would allow a range of general commercial uses consistent with adjacent parcels and the growth policy, and that site review, corridor standards and access requirements would still apply at the development stage. The commission adopted the staff report as findings of fact and recommended annexation with initial B‑2 zoning by roll call vote.

Ending: The recommendation advances to City Council for final action; if annexed and rezoned the property will be subject to City standards for corridor improvements, access and site review during subsequent development permitting.