Commission approves Penwell Bridge Farm five‑lot preliminary plat to support conservation and agricultural transition

Gallatin County commissioners approved preliminary plat approval for the Penwell Bridge Farm minor subdivision, a five‑lot reconfiguration of a 160‑acre homestead intended to pair limited residential development with long‑term agricultural conservation and support for a neighboring organic dairy operation.

Planning staff presented the project as a five‑lot minor subdivision at 4150 Penwell Bridge Road, northeast of Belgrade. The proposal would divide the parcel into lots ranging from approximately 2.5 to 149 acres; the historic homestead (with two existing dwellings) will remain on the lot identified as Lot 4. The applicant team and project representatives said their intent is to place Lot 1 into a conservation easement and partner with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GBLT) and Althea Dairy (an adjacent organic dairy and vegetable operation) to preserve the bulk of the property for agricultural use and to provide affordable pathways to ownership for regenerative farmers.

Engineer and project lead Marlena Sade (Synergy Engineering) said a year of groundwater monitoring confirmed suitability for on‑site wastewater treatment and that the Central Valley Fire Department reviewed the fire protection plan. The design uses three shared driveways to access Penwell Bridge Road and places potential home sites away from creeks and sensitive areas. Staff said the subdivision meets Gallatin County subdivision regulations; no variances were requested. The applicant noted discussions with a neighboring developer regarding shared use of a firefighting pond are ongoing but that any shared arrangement would require Central Valley Fire Department approval before final plat.

Members of the farming team described the broader conservation and agricultural goals. Dominic Grant, representing the landowner and Dirt Capital Partners, explained the developer’s work with regenerative farmers and said the subdivision and proposed conservation easement are intended to reduce the purchase price for local farmers and preserve agricultural operations. Sue and Nate Brown of Althea Dairy described long‑standing farm operations on adjacent property and said the arrangement would secure land for continued organic dairy, vegetable production and community engagement (plant sales, u‑pick, farm events).

After no unresolved objections and staff confirmation that conditions can be met, a commissioner moved to approve preliminary plat, finding the proposal complies with the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and county subdivision regulations. Commissioners praised the partnership and the project’s potential to protect agricultural land and provide continued community access to local food production.

Preliminary plat approval allows the applicant to continue detailed engineering, finalize any shared‑fire‑pond agreements if pursued, and proceed toward final plat once conditions—including septic permitting, shared access easements, and any required conservation‑easement documentation—are satisfied.