Sign Variance - 7985 Hwy. 200 E

Project Description:

Bonner 1 RE LLC is requesting a sign variance for their property at Bonner Town Pump Travel Plaza, located at 7985 Hwy. 200 E in Bonner.

The variance request is to accommodate the following changes:

• A variance to switch out five of the nine existing legal nonconforming signs. Current zoning regulations only permit four signs per project site.
• A variance to expand the total sign face area of the five new signs allowed in the CC zoning district. The five existing wall signs have a combined sign face area of 247 square feet, and the five proposed wall signs would have a combined sign face area of 317.83 square feet.

Project Background:

The existing nine signs on this property are currently legal nonconforming and were approved prior to current zoning regulations for this area. Legal nonconforming means that the signs are allowed to exist even though it does not conform with current regulations, with the understanding that any changes beyond normal maintenance and upkeep would require a variance from the Missoula County Consolidated Land Use Board.

Missoula County Sign Regulations:

What is a variance?

A variance is a relaxation of specific provisions of zoning regulations that can be granted if certain criteria can be met. The Consolidated Land Use Board may only approve a zoning variance if it’s not contrary to the public interest and does not give an advantage to a particular business that is not also enjoyed by other businesses in the same zoning district. They must evaluate proposed variances using the following criteria and find favorably that:

1. The variance will not authorize a use that is not already allowed in the zoning district.
2. The variance will not authorize additional density beyond what is allowed in the zoning district.
3. Special conditions exist that are unique to the property, such as size, shape, topography or location, that do not apply to other lands in the same zoning classification.
4. Literal enforcement of the provisions of the regulations will result in unnecessary hardship that is not of the applicant’s own making.
5. Granting the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of these regulations and the Missoula County Growth Policy and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
6. The request for the variance is not based on monetary factors.

Project Timeline:

Missoula County Consolidated Land Use Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 4, 6 p.m.

• In-person location: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula County Courthouse, Sophie Moiese Room
• Virtual option: Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published on the Consolidated Land Use Board page.

Public Comment:

Submit public comment by Tuesday, March 3, by using the comment tool below.

Project Lead:

Patrick Swart, 406-258-4841

Important Links and Documents:

7985 Hwy. 200 E Variance Request Application