Commissioners approve Grovenstein minor subdivision despite neighbor objections over commercial lot and private road access

Missoula County commissioners voted to approve the Grovenstein Minor Subdivision, a proposed four‑lot division just east of the Houston interchange, after staff presented the preliminary plat and neighbors voiced objections about lot size, private road access and a proposed commercial use on one lot.

Tim Worley, a planner with the county, described the proposal as a four‑lot subdivision on just under four acres adjacent to Frenchtown Frontage Road and Sheppard Lane. Worley said the proposal includes an 18‑foot‑wide new road required to provide legal and physical access to two lots, and that the subdivision lies within the Houston Activity Circle in an unzoned area. He summarized staff recommendations including wildlife‑related covenants and requirements for bear‑resistant containers following Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks comments. Worley said power lines that fall outside a recorded utility easement would be placed in 20‑foot‑wide utility easements on the final plat.

Neighbors raised multiple objections. Larry Eslinger said he bought a nearby parcel in 2011 and understood — from Freddie Mac and a local broker — that the site was within a greenbelt and could not be built upon; he objected to smaller lot sizes than typical 5‑acre parcels, potential additional traffic on the private Sheffer Lane, and potential impacts to wells and septic. Eslinger said he believed the existing home’s driveway onto Sheffer Lane lacked proper authority and that the developer had not contributed to lane maintenance.

Mariah (presenting for Eli and Associates) and the applicants, Ezekiel and Mackenzie Grovenstein, responded. Marias Hale of Eli and Associates said the subject property is not within the named subdivision and the title report did not show covenants restricting lot size; she also said parking for the proposed commercial lot would be provided on site. Mackenzie and Ezekiel Grovenstein described personal ties to Frenchtown, plans for one lot to host a small commercial/office space (including a location for a husband’s contracting business), and said sanitation and well plans have been engineered and will be reviewed by appropriate permitting agencies.

Several commissioners said the county’s ability to deny the proposal is limited in unzoned areas where sanitation (health department) and other regulations govern specific site limits. One commissioner noted the parcel is unzoned and not encumbered by a greenbelt, and moved to approve the subdivision based on the staff findings and conditions of approval; another commissioner seconded and the motion passed by voice vote. The record shows commissioners restated that sanitation review, well and septic approval, and any required permits remain the responsibility of state and county sanitation authorities.

The commission’s approval was framed by commissioners as consistent with county law and the absence of zoning; neighbors were advised to raise access and maintenance concerns through private easement processes or by engaging county public works if they seek an RSID or other road maintenance mechanism.