Planning commission backs annexation and conditional-use permit for MDT maintenance facility on Highway 93 North

The Kalispell City Planning Commission recommended that the Kalispell City Council annex 2905 U.S. Highway 93 North, zone the property P‑1 (Public) and approve a conditional‑use permit for a new Montana Department of Transportation maintenance facility, commissioners confirmed at a public hearing.

The proposal calls for an approximately 28,400‑square‑foot building combining equipment storage, mechanics and welding shops and for continued storage of salt, sand and other maintenance materials on the southern portion of the lot. Planning staff said the site is inside the city’s annexation boundary and that utilities (water and sewer) are available adjacent to the property.

Commissioners and staff said the project is intended to move heavy operations out of the downtown area, improve operational efficiency and create better circulation by extending Quail Lane north-south as a connector to Eagle Valley Drive.

City planning staff told the commission the parcel is currently zoned SAG‑10 in the county and that the requested P‑1 public zone is consistent with the Kalispell growth policy land‑use map. Staff recommended the commission adopt staff reports KA25‑02 (annexation and zoning) and KCU25‑02 (conditional‑use permit) as findings of fact and recommend approval to the City Council, subject to nine conditions.

Planning staff described several site design elements intended to limit…