Ravalli County commissioners on May 29 denied a request by Steve and Cheryl Welty to sell a parcel created through a family transfer before the county’s two‑year retention period had elapsed.

County staff presented a summary showing the family‑transfer final plat was recorded Oct. 21, 2024, creating a gifted parcel described in the plat as Lot 1‑B (about 16.409 acres) and a remainder Lot 1‑A (about 4.994 acres). The planning director and a planning technician met with the Weltys on April 15, 2025 to explain the county’s two‑year retention policy and their options. On April 17, 2025 the planning department received a request from Steve and Cheryl Welty seeking permission to sell the gifted parcel within the two‑year period; staff also reported the remainder parcel had closed and was recorded on April 24, 2025 in a new owner’s name.

The county’s policy adopted July 10, 2023 requires that grantees hold title to family‑transfer parcels for two years after the final plat is recorded; the policy allows the board to approve a shorter period in specific cases. Planning staff briefed the commissioners on the timeline of plat approval, recording, and the Weltys’ request.

Commissioners expressed concern that approving a sale at this stage would undercut the intent of the family‑transfer exemption — which is designed to allow a transfer to a family member but not to enable rapid subdivision and marketing of exempt lots. Commissioners cited precedent and said repeatedly that the exemption is not a substitute for subdivision review that addresses easements, access, septic and other infrastructure issues.

Commissioner Burrows moved to deny the request to sell the gifted parcel prior to the two‑year retention period; the chair seconded. The clerk called the question and the motion carried.

Ending — The board denied the Weltys’ request; the parties were advised of the county policy timelines and the requirement that the gifted lot remain in the grantee’s ownership until the two‑year retention period ends (Oct. 21, 2026), unless the board later grants a variance.