Private schools allowed in new zoning districts

The Kalispell City Council in its meeting Monday night voted to amend the Kalispell Zoning Ordinance to allow for the development of private schools in business and residential zones.

The original proposal would have allowed for private schools in all commercial zoning districts.

Council member Phil Guiffrida proposed an amendment that would instead limit the schools to business and residential districts, after expressing concern that allowing private schools into all commercial districts could potentially disrupt the city’s current development plans in places like the Core Area in downtown Kalispell.

City staff said when a school goes in, there is a required 300-foot setback for businesses such as restaurants, bars and casinos that serve alcohol. Guiffrida’s fear was that allowing private schools to go anywhere would limit such businesses with a desire to move into those areas.

The amended motion passed unanimously.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.