Kalispell planning commission backs annexation, delays decision on 99‑unit North Meadows apartments after hours of public comment

The Kalispell City Planning Commission on July 8 recommended annexation and initial RA‑1 zoning for a proposed 99‑unit apartment development at 1859 South Meadows Drive, but the commission rejected the conditional use permit at the meeting and then voted to table further action on the permit to Aug. 12 for additional information and developer follow‑up.

The project, presented to commissioners by city staff as the North Meadows multifamily development, would annex about 12.13 acres into the city and build seven two‑story apartment buildings, a clubhouse and associated parking and amenities. The planning staff said municipal water, sewer and road infrastructure would be extended to the site and recommended approval of annexation, initial zoning and the conditional use permit with conditions. After public comment and commission discussion, the body recommended annexation and zoning be forwarded to city council but did not approve the CUP; members later voted to table the CUP to the Aug. 12 planning commission meeting.

Staff overview and proposal

Donnie Baff, a city planner (Planner II), described the proposal as an infill project that supports Kalispell’s growth policy goals for compact growth and housing diversity. Baff said the applicant, Roger Foley represented by Jacola Engineering and Architecture, proposes 99 units in seven buildings on about 12.13 acres, preserving roughly 4.8 acres of open space along the northern boundary adjacent to Ashley Creek. The site plan shows a 200‑foot variable buffer from the top of bank at Ashley Creek, a stormwater treatment system on site, 26‑foot private drive aisles for two‑way emergency access, and building heights limited to approximately 33 feet (staff noted the RA‑1 district allows greater heights but the proposal was limited to improve neighborhood…