7012 Lindbergh Lake Road variance request to Missoula County shoreline regulation setback requirements

Project Description:

The Missoula County Department of Planning, Development, and Sustainability (PDS) has received a request from David McCrane with McCrane Family LLC for a variance from the Missoula County Shoreline Regulations. The applicant requests to construct a new floating dock within the side property setback. Section F of the regulations requires new shoreline facilities to be in the middle of the property ownership or at least 20 feet from each side property line. The subject property, located at 7012 Lindbergh Lake Road, has approximately 24 feet of frontage on Lindbergh Lake. The applicant is proposing to build the dock in the approximate center of the lake frontage, approximately 10.5 feet from either side property line.

The Project Impact Assessment and other documents will be posted for public review at least 15 days prior to the Planning Board meeting. Please check back on this page for the Project Impact Assessment or contact staff with any questions.

The purpose of the Shoreline Regulations is to conserve, protect and restore natural lakes, ponds, wildlife, fisheries, riparian habitat, wetlands and shorelines because of their high scenic and resource values; the value of lakeshore property; the water quality of these lakes; and the scenic and recreational value of these lakes for the state’s residents and visitors.

These regulations govern alteration of the character of any lake, lakebed or lakeshore, having a water surface area of at least twenty (20) acres and the area within the Shoreline Protection Zone, within the boundaries of Missoula County, Montana, excluding the portion of Missoula County which lies within the jurisdictional area of the City of Missoula, Montana. These regulations supplement all other regulations required by other governmental entities or regulatory agencies having jurisdictional responsibilities over a lake, lakebed, lakeshore, pond or wetland. These regulations govern the private improvements installed whether on private land or on public land leased to a private individual that alter the lake, lakebed or lakeshore.

Structures set back from side property lines prevents overcrowding and maintains the aesthetic and riparian resource values of the shoreline. Properties which lack adequate frontage to provide side lot line setbacks may not be suitable for shoreline improvements. Common facilities, constructed and shared by two or more property owners, reduce the number of facilities on the lake reducing potential impacts. Where such a situation exists, a reduction in setback requirements encourages the use of common structures. Stream and spring inlets and outlets on shorelines are valuable aquatic and aesthetic resources. They provide spawning and rearing habitat for numerous fish species, as well as a variety of food organisms. Structures set back from inlets and outlets protects fish habitat.

Timeline:

Missoula City-County Consolidated Planning Board Hearing: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 4, in the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse annex, 200 W. Broadway. You can also join on Microsoft Teams.

Missoula County Commissioners' Public Meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, July 11, in the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse annex, 200 W. Broadway. You can also join on Microsoft Teams.

Project packet: http://missoula.co/sl2406

Project staff:

Missoula County Floodplain Administrator Matt Heimel, mheimel@missoulacounty.us