Kalispell council asks planning commission to explore Parkline Trail frontage, design standards

The Kalispell City Council on June 8 gave direction to the planning commission to explore development standards and incentives aimed at preserving the Parkline Trail as a pedestrian‑focused frontage and revitalization corridor.

Councilor Waterman and others outlined objectives such as requiring building entries and active facades to face the trail, avoiding long stretches of parking between buildings and the trail, and encouraging multi‑story infill where appropriate to increase housing supply. City planning staff noted the core‑area B3 zoning has already removed several regulatory barriers — including setbacks and minimum lot sizes — to encourage redevelopment, but said specific design standards would require a zoning text amendment and review by the planning commission before any ordinance came to council.

Debate focused on tradeoffs. Some councilors warned that mandatory design elements and expanded frontage requirements can raise construction costs, potentially pricing out smaller developers and existing businesses; others argued that without standards the city risks losing the long‑term vision for a trail that can catalyze downtown revitalization. Councilors discussed Tax Increment Financing (TIFF)/urban‑renewal subsidies as one way to offset developer costs, but staff said typical facade or grant programs have been too small to meaningfully change private developer decisions and that larger incentives would be needed.

Council ultimately directed the planning commission to draft options for trail‑fronting standards and to consider incentive mechanisms; any ordinance or use of urban‑renewal funding would return to council for approval. The planning commission will engage stakeholders and evaluate practical constraints such as topography, parking and fire‑safety requirements.