Missoula council approves Remington Flats phasing swap to improve street connectivity and emergency access

The Missoula City Council on April 7 approved a phasing plan amendment and phase development review for Remington Flats Subdivision phases 4 and 5, a residential development northeast of the intersection of Chuckwagon Drive and Remington Drive.

City staff told the council the amendment — which swaps phases 5 and 6 in the approved phasing plan — improves connectivity by establishing a Winchester Drive connection to adjacent McNett Flats and reduces the number of dead-end streets, enhancing emergency access and simplifying water infrastructure hookups.

Senior planner Lauren Stevens presented the staff report and described the phase development review process required by state law. She said the review’s purpose is to determine whether new information or changed circumstances warrant new or amended conditions of approval; if not, the council may approve the phase development review and the applicant may proceed to final plat. Stevens told the council the subdivision’s preliminary plat was approved in 2020 and staff found the proposed phasing changes did not generate new impacts to the primary review criteria. She said staff recommended approval based on findings in the staff report.

Stevens also reported that agency comments were largely supportive of the change; the Missoula Airport provided reminders about required documentation such as a navigation easement, which the staff report noted had been completed. Stevens added that staff had received no public comments on the item before the hearing.

Councilor Cheryl Nugent moved the approval. After no public testimony and brief council discussion, the motion passed on roll call, 10 in favor, none opposed.

The staff report and presentations said the amended phasing order reduces the number of dead-end streets until late phases are completed, provides an additional access point for internal subdivision roads such as Tenderfoot Way and Reatta Road, and benefits an adjacent parcel in early stages of subdivision review by providing earlier roadway connections. Once the phase development review is approved, the applicant may submit a final plat application to verify compliance with any conditions of approval.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing on this item. The council vote was recorded as an approval; the staff report and the approved phasing map will govern subsequent final plat review and required infrastructure sequencing.