Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Minor Subdivision Irrigation Frenchtown topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve One Mile Estates minor subdivision near Frenchtown with irrigation infrastructure planned
Summary
The board approved the One Mile Estates five‑lot minor subdivision on Lot 5 of the Alexander property near Frenchtown. Conditions require irrigation piping and pump location decisions, wildfire risk disclosures and residential sprinklers, and compliance with agreed water allocations and revegetation/weed plans.
Missoula County commissioners on March 3 approved the One Mile Estates five‑lot minor subdivision on Lot 5 of the Alexander property near Frenchtown, proposed by Robert “Buzz” Alexander and represented by IMAG.
Planner Katie Reeder and senior planner Tim Morley said the 14.06‑acre parcel is unzoned and lies within the Frenchtown activity circle, where the regional land use guide supports residential growth inside the activity circle. The proposed subdivision creates five lots (average size about 2.6 acres; largest about 3.03 acres) and will be served by five exempt wells and individual septic systems.
Irrigation and water: Alexander and his team described a proposed irrigation piping network drawing water from the Frenchtown Irrigation District lateral. The design proposes a 6‑inch main with 4‑inch reductions and 2‑inch stubs to each lot, with three possible pump locations shown in the covenants. Alexander said the irrigation infrastructure will be organized as a cooperative or HOA after construction, with costs and maintenance shared among lot owners. Planning staff included conditions to require the irrigation infrastructure and to clarify well allocations with DNRC limits (exempt well allocation limits apply and DNRC allocations must be observed).
Wildfire, weeds, and wildlife: the Community Wildfire Protection Plan classifies the site as very high hazard; commissioners accepted covenants that notify future owners of the wildfire hazard and require residential fire sprinklers and other mitigation measures. The covenants also include living‑with‑wildlife language and require a revegetation and weed management plan approved by the county weed district.
Public interest and process: the applicant’s prior subdivision approvals at this property (including Alexander Estates and One Mile Ranch) and infrastructure history were discussed; staff confirmed no variances were requested and that no parkland dedication or nonmotorized facility requirements apply to this minor subdivision. The board moved and adopted the staff recommendation to approve the subdivision subject to the stated conditions.
Why it matters: the approval adds housing capacity in the Frenchtown activity circle while formalizing irrigation infrastructure and wildfire protections in a high‑hazard area.
Next steps: the applicant must complete required plat notes, record the plat and covenants, and implement irrigation and revegetation plans consistent with the approved conditions before final plat recording.
