Broadwater County planning board recommends approval of Fairview Minor Subdivision near Townsend

The Broadwater County Planning Board on July 1 recommended that county commissioners approve the Fairview Minor Subdivision, a proposal to create one residential lot from a 16.28-acre parcel about 11 miles northeast of Townsend.

The staff report presented by community development staff Nicole said the application, filed May 7, 2025, requests preliminary plat approval for “one single-family dwelling” on land currently under an agricultural covenant. Nicole told the board that staff “recommends approval of the proposed Fairview Minor Subdivision preliminary plat subject to the conditions of approval based on the recommended findings of fact included in the staff report.”

Board members and applicants discussed several outstanding technical and procedural items that must be completed before final plat approval. The subdividers are Rick and Connor Knapp of Gig Harbor, Washington; their representative, Christy Heinemann of Townsend, answered questions at the microphone during the meeting.

Why it matters: the subdivision lifts an agricultural-only covenant and would allow a dwelling and associated infrastructure on land currently used for agriculture. County approval is contingent on several mitigation measures intended to limit impacts on agriculture, water resources, wildlife and public safety.

Key facts and conditions - Site and proposal: one residential lot from a 16.28-acre parcel; access from Duck Creek Road; location described as Section 12, Township 6 North, Range 2…