Kalispell Growth Policy Update

The City of Kalispell is officially moving forward with its Growth Policy update to comply with the Montana Land Use Planning Act. Titled “Plan It - 2035,” this is your chance to be involved in how Kalispell will grow over the next 20 years.

This process has been moving along for some time, and the Kalispell Planning Commission held its 12th work session to reviews the updates on Tuesday, September 9 , 2025. The Montana Land Use Planning Act was passed by the Montana Legislature in 2023 and aims to modernize the state’s planning statutes by front-loading public participation, requiring cities to determine housing needs to meet population growth over the next 20 years, and develop a future land use map and make changes to zoning that will allow those required homes to be built by-right, without additional public hearings for proposals that are fully compliant with zoning.

Here are some key things to know about Kalispell’s process:

• Replacing the old plan: The city is updating its existing Growth Policy to a new Land Use Plan to comply with the Montana Land Use Planning Act. This new plan will also lead to updated zoning and subdivision regulations to streamline future development.

• Public engagement is front-loaded: The new process is designed to move public participation to the initial planning phase, rather than at the individual project review stage. The goal is to gather public input early to help shape the overall plan.

• Multiple ways to get involved:

  • Sign Up for EMAILED PROJECT UPDATES on the Engage Kalispell website.

  • Participate in the ONLINE ACTIVITIES:

    • Answer the July Implementation Questions to provide feedback on key actions to implement the Plan.

    • View and comment on Draft Land Use Plan Chapters.

    • Take Questionnaire #1 to answer questions about your life in Kalispell and ensure the Plan Update considers as many perspectives as possible. This questionnaire is open through Summer 2025.

    • Visit the Tag the Map activity to identify areas you love and areas in need of enhancement.

    • Share any other comments you have on the Land Use Plan by sending and email or attending a meeting in person.

  • Attend COMMUNITY EVENTS: Attend a community open house and community or school events to learn more and share input!

• Project timeline: The plan's development is divided into four phases:

  1. Foundation (Completed)

  2. Inspiration and Discovery (Completed)

  3. Innovation and Creation (Completed)

  4. Plan Development and Adoption (Ongoing)