Two subdivision proposals were on the council’s agenda and both advanced after hearings and debate.

Northwest View (Resolution 6302): Staff described a 42.58-acre subdivision with 149 residential lots (111 detached single-family and 38 attached townhomes); the townhome component required a CUP. Planning staff and the applicant’s consultant indicated required infrastructure improvements (including a 16-inch water main extension and parkland dedication of 4.47 acres, with ~1.95 acres currently identified). After public comment requesting consideration of attainable housing, council moved and approved Resolution 6302 (preliminary plat) by roll-call and also granted the conditional-use permit for the attached townhomes; both votes passed with recorded ayes.

North Meadows (Resolution 6303): Staff presented a 12.13-acre proposal for 44 townhouse units with three variance requests: (1) reduce the Ashley Creek setback from 200 feet to approximately 100 feet in places; (2) increase cul-de-sac length from 600 feet to ~870 feet; and (3) extend block length to ~900 feet. Planning recommended approval with 32 conditions. Public commenters raised repeated objections to reducing the 200-foot setback for Ashley Creek (an impaired stream), warned of wildlife corridor impacts, and urged adherence to Montana permitting (including references to the 3-10 conservation-district permit and state guidance). The council questioned engineering, geotechnical analysis and potential mitigation. After deliberation and Councilor recusal declared by one member, council recorded votes on the variances and the preliminary plat; the preliminary plat and associated variances were conditionally approved subject to the listed conditions and further engineering and permitting work.

Why it matters: The two approvals move substantial new housing capacity forward in Kalispell. The North Meadows vote — particularly the reduced setback variance near Ashley Creek — drew the most opposition and raised questions about riparian protection, state permits and long-term ecological impacts.

Provenance: Northwest View presentation and vote (SEG 1872–SEG 2219; vote SEG 2101–SEG 2219). North Meadows presentation, public comment and vote (SEG 2220–SEG 4319; vote around SEG 4304–SEG 4319).