Broadwater planning staff recommends approval of Counts Hay and Cattle minor subdivision; applicant clarifies intent to place two residences on one lot

Townsend, Mont. — Broadwater County planning staff recommended preliminary approval of the Counts Hay and Cattle Minor Subdivision on a 138.8-acre parcel, but the applicant told the planning board she intends to place two residences on the single proposed lot, a detail staff said it will correct in the written report.

The planning board’s community development director, Nicole Brown, read a staff report saying the subdivider seeks to create “one lot from an existing 138.8-acre parcel with an agricultural covenant in place” and that wastewater and water “will be provided via individual on-site wastewater treatment system[s]” and wells. Brown told the board she would amend the report to reflect the applicant’s stated intent for two residences.

The clarification came from the applicant, Tessa Counts, who told the board, “Our intention is to build 2 residences on the property. … One home for my mother‑in‑law and then my husband will reside. My husband and I will reside in the barn in a smaller living space,” and she said that could require “likely 2 septic systems and potentially 2 wells.”

Why it matters: the application is a minor subdivision to lift an agricultural covenant on the parcel; the planning process will determine conditions to mitigate impacts on agriculture, water, access and public health and safety and will forward a recommendation to the county commissioners, who must separately consider three requested variances.

Staff summary and timelines

Brown read application dates into the record: application filed 11/14/2024; element completeness granted…