Kalispell council approves annexation, zoning and preliminary plat for Vista Ridge Cottages over objections about floodplain

The Kalispell City Council voted to annex approximately 15.78 acres and approve a planned unit development overlay and preliminary plat for Vista Ridge Cottages, a proposed 96-unit residential subdivision at or near 4892 2 Mile Drive.

The developer seeks annexation into the city, initial zoning of RA-1 (residential apartment) with a PUD overlay, and preliminary plat approval for 53 detached single-family units and 43 attached townhome units on about 15.8 acres. The council voted on three related items in succession: Resolution 62-41 (annexation), Ordinance 19-34 (first reading, zoning and PUD), and Resolution 62-42 (preliminary plat). Each measure passed on roll-call votes, 8–1, with Councilor Hunter the lone dissenting vote on each item.

Why it matters: the proposal would add a new, higher-density housing product to Kalispell’s growth area and requests multiple zoning deviations that the developer and planning staff say will lower construction costs and broaden housing options.

Planning staff said the proposal comes in at about 6.1 dwelling…