Development Projects

On Thursday, May 1, the Missoula County Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve this proposal. This was a legal land-use decision. Montana’s “build and lease” law applies to developments that don’t require utility services like water or sewer. Since the property is also unzoned, the County does not have authority to prevent this type of use.

Residents adjacent to the property have 30 days to appeal the decision. Conditions of approval include fencing or landscaping, signage for the nearby public path and lighting compliance. The development cannot operate 24/7 and will use gravel driveways for large-vehicle access.

UPDATE: Public Hearing Postponed for Thursday, May 1. New BFLR Application available.

Project Description:

Request from developer Al Arneson, being represented by PCI, Inc., to construct eight storage buildings with varying unit sizes, some designed to accommodate RV and boat storage on the 5.05-acre parcel. The buildings run north to south to maximize the size of the property. A fence will be placed around the property for privacy screening and to prevent trespassing.

Project Summary

The Frenchtown Storage project proposes construction of eight self-storage buildings on a 5.05-acre parcel at 15601 Roman Creek Road, at the southwest corner of Roman Creek Road and Frenchtown Frontage Road. The developers claim this development is designed to meet the growing demand for storage in the Frenchtown area, particularly for RV and boat storage, as the region experiences commercial and industrial expansion. The developer plans to comply with dark skies lighting standards, perimeter landscaping along Roman Creek Road for aesthetics and the facility will not be open 24/7.

The site will feature:

• 71,230 square feet of storage space across multiple buildings.

• Pull-through units in Building 1 to accommodate large vehicles such as RVs and boats.

• Automated gated entry for secure self-access.

• Gravel driveways with ample space for maneuvering large vehicles.

• Security fencing and on-site lighting for safety and theft prevention.

Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations

• Stormwater management: Designed to handle a 100-year storm event, with detention areas on the east and west sides of the property and a culvert to manage water flow.

• Land Use and site impact: The property is currently vacant and requires grading, but no significant environmental impacts are anticipated. No wildlife habitats were identified on the site.

• Traffic and access: The property will use an existing curb cut on Roman Creek Road for entry, with an additional northern access point for redundancy. Driveways will be unpaved, and bollards will be installed for unit protection. A public pedestrian easement on the east property line will remain unaffected.

Project Timeline:

Public Input: The project team seeks comments and questions from adjacent property owners and the broader community.

Final Approval: The Board of County Commissioners at a public meeting scheduled for 2 p.m., Thursday, May 1, in the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse Annex, 200 West Broadway. The original meeting was scheduled for Thursday, April 10, but was postponed.

Engagement Methods: Comments or questions can be submitted on here on Missoula County Voice; or community members can provide input via by attending in person 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: Katy Reeder

Related Documents:

Frenchtown Storage Building for Lease or Rent Application (Updated)

Frenchtown Storage Layout

Frenchtown Storage Warranty Deed

Other documents can be viewed on the right-hand side of this page under 'Documents' > 'Frenchtown Storage — Buildings for Lease or Rent.'

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.