Planning commission backs Northwestern Energy shop expansion, calls for buffering and frontage upgrades
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Summary
Commissioners recommended approval of Northwestern Energy's conditional use permit to add 5,305 sq ft of enclosed storage to its 13,975 sq ft facility at 890 North Meridian Road (reaching the 50% cumulative expansion cap for a nonconforming use), with required buffering and street-front upgrades to protect adjacent residential areas.
The Kalispell Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve a conditional use permit allowing Northwestern Energy to add 5,305 square feet of enclosed storage to its existing utility yard and admin building at 890 North Meridian Road.
Staff noted the project reaches the city's cumulative 50% expansion allowance for legally established nonconforming uses but preserves the site's service character while reducing outdoor visual impacts by storing more equipment inside. Proposed requirements include solid fencing and evergreen landscaping along residential boundaries, reconstruction of a northern Meridian driveway to meet city standards, a Glenwood Drive frontage upgrade (sidewalk, curb and gutter, lighting and drainage), and utility upgrades including a new 4-inch fire service and a 4-inch sewer service line.
Public commenters asked whether the expansion related to Northwestern Energy's data-center proposals and attendant rate impacts; a project representative clarified the expansion is limited to internal storage and is not related to any data-center buildout. The commission approved the staff recommendation in roll call and will forward it to City Council.
