Kalispell continues work sessions on state‑mandated land‑use plan update under Senate Bill 382

Kalispell planning staff reviewed progress on the city’s land‑use plan update required by Senate Bill 382 at a planning commission work session, outlining community outreach to date, proposed housing strategies and a timeline leading toward a draft plan for public review.

Donnie McBath, planner II for the City of Kalispell, told the commission that the Montana Land Use Planning Act (referred to in the discussion as “Maloopa”) requires 10 cities, including Kalispell, to adopt a new land‑use plan replacing existing growth policies by May 2026. “Maloopa mandates that 10 cities, including Kalispell, adopt a new land use plan to replace existing growth policies and update zoning and subdivision regulations by May 2026,” McBath said.

Staff summarized engagement so far: two open houses, four drop‑in sessions, interactive website tools and meetings with a dozen or more stakeholder groups (senior centers, county staff, school district representatives, healthcare providers and others). Staff reported roughly 60 in‑person participants and more than 10 online responses to date and said outreach will continue with further open houses, pop‑up events and a fair booth.

The presentation listed housing strategies the public prioritized in early outreach: permitting apartments in office and commercial zones, higher‑density housing near transit and employment, tiny houses if allowed by building code, and single‑room‑occupancy projects. Staff said those rankings came from public input gathered through the website and in‑person events.

Commissioners and members of the public raised questions about how the new process changes public notice and participation for site‑specific projects, and how to reach a broader cross‑section of residents beyond people who regularly attend planning meetings. One commissioner suggested that the city needs simple, widely visible outreach so residents understand the practical effects of the new statute. Staff said the project team is trying multiple outreach channels—open houses, stakeholder meetings, pop‑ups at community events and online engagement—to reach people who do not normally follow land‑use planning work.

McBath outlined next steps and the project timeline: continued outreach through additional questionnaires and events; focused work sessions on key plan chapters (staff said the May work session will emphasize housing); a draft plan expected for public review later this summer with a goal of presenting a final draft to the planning commission and forwarding a recommendation to city council in August. Staff acknowledged uncertainty introduced by pending litigation (a referenced MAID lawsuit) and potential future legislative changes that could alter public‑notice procedures.

During the session the commission and staff also discussed the IAP2 public‑engagement framework the consultant uses to organize outreach (inform, consult, involve, collaborate, empower). Staff said they are coordinating with the consultant, Logan Simpson, and would return for focused work sessions on housing and other sections in June and July; staff said additional Thursday or fourth‑Tuesday work sessions are possible if needed to meet the state deadline.

Members of the public who spoke during the meeting generally supported the outreach goals and urged the commission to prioritize walkability, downtown mixed‑use development and locating higher‑density housing near existing infrastructure rather than in outlying agricultural areas. At least one resident urged clearer, broader public communications so residents understand what the new planning process will mean for future development decisions.

No formal votes were taken at the work session; the item was presented for discussion and continued public engagement.