Access-permit appeal for Honey House Lane continued after commissioners outline options

The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners continued an appeal on June 24 by Henry Tinsman seeking a third access onto Honey House Lane for a 10-acre parcel; the board left the record open to allow the landowner to pursue alternative options.

Planning and road-staff reviewers noted the property already has two existing approaches dating back decades. The proposed new approach would create a third access onto the parcel. Staff said sight-distance and separation for a single new approach appeared adequate, but the issue is that two existing approaches already exist on one parcel, creating a nonconforming condition.

Commissioners and staff discussed practical options: (1) abandon one of the existing driveways (the upper/north access was discussed as the most sensible candidate) and then permit a compliant approach at the south end; (2) create a new parcel through boundary-line relocation or a family transfer and obtain an access permit for the newly created parcel under standard rules; or (3) formally apply for an access variance. Planning staff and the road department advised that abandoning the older nonconforming access and then granting a new permit would avoid a variance and reduce county liability.

The landowner said both existing approaches are used daily and preferred not to remove either without family agreement. Commissioners offered to continue the hearing so the owner could consult with family and the planning staff; the owner asked that his deposit/check be held while the parties pursue a solution. The board voted to continue the appeal to a date uncertain to allow the landowner to return with either an access-abandonment agreement or a boundary adjustment that would create a separate parcel and a compliant approach.

No final permit was issued at the meeting.