Planning commission recommends annexation, PUD and preliminary plat for Vista Ridge Cottages at 4892 Mile Drive

Kalispell City Planning Commission on Feb. 11 recommended annexation and approved a planned unit development and preliminary plat for Vista Ridge Cottages, a proposed 96‑unit residential subdivision at 4892 Mile Drive.

The proposal calls for 53 detached single‑family homes and 43 attached townhome units on about 15.8 acres, with proposed City zoning of RA‑1 (residential apartment) and a PUD overlay. Planning staff presented the project and recommended adoption of staff reports KA‑24‑10, KPUD‑24‑05 and KPP‑24‑06 as findings of fact and recommended the items to the City Council, subject to 35 conditions.

The PUD and preliminary plat seek several deviations from standard city zoning and subdivision rules to accommodate smaller lot sizes and alley access. Key requested deviations include reduced minimum lot sizes (single‑family minimum of 3,200 square feet and sublots for townhomes at 1,200 square feet), a reduced minimum lot width (44 feet instead of 50), an increase in maximum lot coverage from 45% to 50%, and reduced setbacks (10‑foot front and side‑corner setbacks and zero setbacks where lots adjoin common…