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Kalispell approves Northwestern Energy utility‑yard expansion with neighborhood buffering and infrastructure upgrades
Summary
Council approved a conditional use permit to allow Northwestern Energy to expand an existing utility yard at 890 North Meridian Road by 5,305 square feet (bringing the site to the 50% cumulative expansion limit), with conditions requiring buffering, Glenwood Drive frontage upgrades, and infrastructure work including a new fire service line and stormwater treatment.
The Kalispell City Council approved a conditional use permit Jan. 5 for Northwestern Energy to expand an existing nonconforming utility yard at 890 North Meridian Road.
Planner Donny Macbeth said the proposed addition adds 5,305 square feet of indoor storage to an existing 13,975‑square‑foot building, reaching the maximum 50% cumulative expansion allowance for legally established nonconforming uses. The addition will allow more equipment to be stored indoors, which staff said reduces visual and operational impacts from outdoor yard use. Required conditions include solid fencing and/or evergreen landscaping on the north boundary and Glenwood frontage, removal and reconstruction of a northern driveway to meet city standards, full upgrade of Glenwood Drive to urban local street standards (including sidewalk, lighting and drainage), and installation of a new 4‑inch fire service line and sewer upgrades. Staff recommended approval with eight conditions aimed at neighborhood compatibility and infrastructure upgrades.
Council described the request as straightforward and voted to approve the CUP (KCU2508) by roll call.
