A request to vary from Missoula County Subdivision Regulations Section 3.3.2.4

Project Description:

Project Overview

Missoula County is considering a proposal to remove an agricultural restriction from a property near Placid Lake, allowing for residential development. This project, known as the Placid View Lot Minor Subdivision, also includes a request for a variance from the county's subdivision regulations regarding through lots. The Missoula County commissioners will review and make a decision on this request, with public input encouraged from nearby property owners.

What's being proposed?

Placid View is a one-lot minor subdivision near Placid Lake. The property is currently encumbered by a covenant that was placed on the property as part of a subdivision exemption in 2001. The covenant requires the property to be used exclusively for agricultural purposes. The applicants, David and Karen Castle, would like to remove the covenant so the property can be developed for a residential use.

Removing the covenant requires the property to go through local subdivision review and receive approval from the Missoula County commissioners. If approved, the agricultural restrictive covenant will be removed from the property, allowing for uses other than agriculture. No additional lots will be created through this subdivision request—this proposal is simply about making the land eligible for home construction while still following all relevant zoning, health and building regulations. Any future development will still be required to comply with those regulations.

The Castles are also applying for a variance from Section 3.3.2.4 of the Missoula County Subdivision Regulations to allow the proposed subdivision lot to vary from through-lot restrictions. Their property is currently bordered by two existing roads—North Placid Lake Road (to the south) and Placid Creek Road (to the north). This is considered a "through lot" (lots with roads on both sides) in the Missoula County Subdivision Regulations, which are prohibited except when they are essential to overcome specific disadvantages of topography or orientation, as determined by the county commissioners as a variance request.

Project Timeline:

Missoula County wants to hear from adjacent property owners before making a decision. If you have questions or concerns about this proposal, now is the time to voice them.

• Submit Comments: Residents can share their thoughts and questions by commenting on this post or contacting the project lead between now and the public hearing.
• Attend the Public Hearing: The Missoula County commissioners will discuss and vote on this proposal 2 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse Annex, 200 West Broadway.
  
  Participants may attend in person at this location or may attend the meeting virtually over Microsoft Teams. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 467 457 758#. To join the meeting on your electronic device, please use the following link: missoula.co/bccmeetings

Project Staff Lead: Patrick Swart

View the subdivision proposal and application here.