4490 Old Marshall Grade Road Tower Replacement Special Exception Request

Project Description:

Missoula County Department of Planning, Development, and Sustainability (PDS) has received a special exception application from Sarah O'Neil, on behalf of American Tower Company, for property located at 4490 Old Marshall Grade Road, legally described as S13, T13 N, R19 W, C.O.S. 3090, TRACT 2 IN NE1/4. The 27.02-acre parcel is zoned Agriculture, Working 40 (AGW 40) and is the current site of a 98-foot wooden telecommunications tower and equipment. The applicant proposes to install a new 125-foot steel telecommunications monopole and remove the existing 98-foot wooden pole and related equipment when the new tower is installed and functional.

Section 2.4.G. of Missoula County Zoning Regulations allow utility services (major) in AGW zoning districts by Special Exception. The site currently contains a 98-foot pole with the applicant proposing to install a new 125-foot pole, removing the 98-foot pole when installation is completed. A Special Exception is required to give due consideration to the potential impacts of the new telecommunications tower and to ensure the proposed land use is consistent and compatible with the character of the area.

The Board of Adjustment is authorized to grant Special Exception permits authorizing a use established as eligible in this district but which requires a special degree of consideration and control to ensure such uses are consistent and compatible with the overall community character. In order to approve a special exception, the board must determine:

1. The proposed use or development will be compatible with and will not substantially injure the value of adjoining property;
2. The proposed use preserves the character of the district, and the property is suitable for the use proposed.

If you have any comments on this special exception request, please submit them in written form to the Planning, Development and Sustainability Office at 127 E. Main, Suite 2, no later than Aug. 7. Written comments will be taken by the Missoula County Board of Adjustment after that date, up until the public meeting is closed; however, any written comments received by Aug. 14, 2023, will be included in the staff report to the Board of Adjustment.

The public hearing before the Missoula County Board of Adjustment is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. Participants may attend the public hearing in person in the Sophie Moiese Room of the Missoula County Courthouse Annex, 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT. Participants may also attend the meeting virtually over Microsoft Teams by going to http://missoula.co/boardofadjustment. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 427 662 811#.

Project link

Project lead: Glenn Ingram, planner