Commissioners approve Fairview Minor Subdivision preliminary plat with edits to solid-waste language

Broadwater County commissioners approved the preliminary plat for the Fairview Minor Subdivision, a one-lot minor subdivision off Duck Creek Road, subject to conditions intended to mitigate environmental, public-health and service impacts.

Nicole Brown, Broadwater County Community Development and Planning Director, presented the findings of fact and order for the proposal. "The subdivider intends to create one lot from an existing 16.28-acre parcel with an agricultural covenant in place," Brown said, and described proposed utilities and required regulatory reviews: an individual on-site well and individual wastewater treatment system subject to Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) review and approval, a noxious weed management plan approved by the county weed board, and required documentation for mail delivery and survey compliance.

Brown read a multi-page findings of fact and recommended conditions of approval, noting the county's review under the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (Montana Code Annotated Title 76, Chapter 3), the 2025 Broadwater County Subdivision Regulations, and the Broadwater County Growth Policy. The preliminary review fee of $1,000 had been paid, the applicant is identified as Rick and Connor Knapp, and the subdivider's representative is Christy Heinemann.

Among the conditions commissioners approved were: submission of DEQ approvals for water and sewage prior to final plat; a fire protection plan developed with the Broadwater County Rural Fire District; a noxious weed management and revegetation plan approved by the county weed district; identification of areas with greater than 25 percent slope as no-build zones; provision of recorded restrictive covenants and an affirmed right-to-farm statement; and proof of payment of property taxes and assessments prior to final plat approval.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify the solid-waste language on page 4, requesting an additional sentence that specifies residents who haul their own waste must show proof of paid solid-waste assessment. Public Works Director T.J. Gravely clarified that trash service is not an either/or: residents must pay the county assessment whether they haul waste themselves or hire a contractor.

A motion to approve the preliminary plat with the page-4 edits passed by voice vote.

Ending: Staff and the applicant will complete required technical reviews (DEQ approvals, fire protection plan, weed plan, final survey) and submit the final plat with the required documentation before the county will record a final plat and allow sale or development of the new lot.