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Commissioners approve Sunset Cliffs five-lot preliminary plat in Bigfork and grant lot-shape variance
Summary
Flathead County commissioners approved a five-lot minor subdivision at 150 Ranch Road in Bigfork and granted a variance allowing two lots to exceed the standard width-to-depth ratio because of steep slopes and proposed no-build areas.
The Flathead County Board of Commissioners on March 13 approved the Sunset Cliffs preliminary plat, a five-lot minor subdivision at 150 Ranch Road in Bigfork, and granted a requested variance for lot width-to-depth ratio on two lots.
Planning staff said the lots will be served by shared or individual wells and shared or multi-user septic drain fields and that access will be from Ranch Road and an internal subdivision road. Agency comments included Flathead City-County Health Department review and Montana DEQ review for wastewater systems, and the Flathead Conservation District raised concerns about prime farmland and sediment control during construction.
The variance requested was to Section 7.7.0.7 (maximum lot width-to-depth ratio of 3:1) to allow lots 3 and 4 to exceed the ratio. Staff and commissioners discussed alternatives such as reducing the number of lots, designating steep areas as open space, and requiring no-build zones. Commissioners adopted findings concluding the variance met the criteria because steep slopes limit configurations, the proposed lots comply with R-1 bulk and dimensional standards, and the lots are broadly similar to others nearby. The board approved the preliminary plat and the variance by voice vote. Final plat approval remains contingent on required reviews and conditions, including an approved weed-control plan and updated approach permit if needed from the Montana Department of Transportation.
