Columbia Falls planning commission backs annexation and PUD for 274 Meadowlake Boulevard, adds three conditions

The Columbia Falls Planning Commission on a voice vote recommended annexation, initial CR-5 zoning and approval of a plan-unit development (CPUD D2401) and preliminary plat for property at 274 Meadowlake Boulevard, forwarding the items to City Council with three additional conditions.

Staff planner Eric told the commission the application seeks annexation of Parcel B (COS 22075) and conversion from county R-5 to city CR-5 with a PUD overlay, creating 10 parent lots with two sublots each (20 residential sublots). "We are making our recommendations based on 27 conditions of approval," Eric said during his presentation and noted utilities, stormwater and sewer will require review by the Columbia Falls Public Works Department and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

Why it matters: the proposal would allow higher residential density consistent with the city 2019 growth-policy map that designates the area for multifamily residential uses. The commission examined site constraints, public-safety reviews and design deviations requested in the PUD, and amended staff recommendations to address neighbors' concerns.

What the commission decided:…