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Commissioners approve Hideaway Trail preliminary plat with fire‑mitigation and approach conditions
Summary
A four‑lot subdivision off U.S. Highway 93 South was approved preliminarily with conditions requiring fuel mitigation, a fire prevention plan, an updated MDT approach permit and a road‑maintenance mechanism for the private access road.
Planning staff presented a preliminary plat for Hideaway Trail, a proposed four‑lot, roughly 23.5‑acre residential subdivision at 4950 U.S. Highway 93 South in the Blanchard Lake zoning district. Staff recommended approval with conditions covering wildfire mitigation, water and septic approvals, road maintenance and an approach permit from the Montana Department of Transportation.
Why it matters: The commission found the project conforms to the SAG‑5 zoning and Montana subdivision law provided conditions are met, including an approved fire prevention and fuels‑reduction plan and verification of water and septic from health authorities. Commissioners also required a 15‑foot pedestrian/bicycle easement along Highway 93 and noted the access road (Hideaway Trail) is a private gravel drive requiring a recorded road‑maintenance mechanism.
Staff reported agency comments: the Whitefish Fire Service Area and Whitefish Fire Department requested thinning and fuel‑mitigation measures and said cash‑in‑lieu for on‑site water would be acceptable in their review; MDT required an updated approach permit to Highway 93; the Conservation District asked for erosion and sediment controls and a wetland analysis and buffer for a mapped wetland.
The board adopted the findings of fact and approved the preliminary plat by motion. Staff will require the listed conditions be satisfied and documented before final plat approval.
Ending: Planning staff will update the record to clarify that the access road is gravel (not paved) and will coordinate required approvals from the Whitefish Fire Service Area (or its designated representative), MDT and the health department before returning the plat for final action.
