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Commission approves Peace Harbor annexation, PUD zoning and preliminary plat for 67‑lot subdivision
Summary
The commission unanimously approved annexation of ~15.47 acres, assignment of PUD zoning (ordinance 3276) and a 67‑lot preliminary plat for the Peace Harbor subdivision; developer KIB Homes will fund and construct public infrastructure and Phase 2 cannot proceed until required street extensions are completed.
The City Commission on Aug. 19 unanimously approved annexation, Planned Unit Development zoning and a preliminary plat for the Peace Harbor subdivision, a project led by KIB Homes that will create 67 single‑family lots in two phases on roughly 15.47 acres.
Planning staff recommended approval after the Planning Advisory Board and Neighborhood Council expressed support. The developer and project engineer presented details: Phase 1 will consist of 30 lots and Phase 2 of 37 lots. The PUD reduces minimum lot size to 5,000 square feet (the existing minimum is 7,500), enabling smaller lots intended to broaden housing options. The developer will design and pay for streets, sidewalks, curbs, water and sewer extensions, and a regional stormwater facility; public systems will be transferred to the city after acceptance.
Engineer Jason Crawford said utilities will tie into existing 30‑inch water and storm mains and that DEQ approval is required for sewer and water main extensions. Crawford and Planning Director Rock Cherry said staff required a proof‑of‑concept for stormwater and that a regional stormwater pond is planned to address runoff. Cherry explained staff favored an incremental, phased approach so the city can verify infrastructure performance before later annexations or phases proceed.
Developer Carl Burkey (KIB Homes) said the project responds to local housing demand and that smaller lot options could help expand the “missing middle” housing stock. Supporters from NeighborWorks Great Falls and the Great Falls Development Alliance spoke in favor, citing previous positive work with the developer and local market demand.
The commission voted to adopt Resolution 10,593 to annex the property and approved ordinance 3276 to assign PUD zoning, both subject to the conditions of approval being met by the applicant.
Next steps: Applicant must complete required off‑site connections, obtain DEQ approvals, construct and have the city accept public infrastructure for Phase 1 before any lots can be sold; future phases will require separate annexation and approval steps.
