Commissioners grant waiver allowing Balman parcel transfer to family trust, lift two-year sale restriction amid medical hardship

Ravalli County commissioners on July 10 granted a case-specific waiver to allow a parcel to be transferred into a Balman revocable living trust and to lift the two-year moratorium on sale that typically follows family transfers.

Planning staff explained the two-year holding period that prevents recipients of gifted parcels from divesting title within that period, and said the commissioners have discretion to grant exceptions. Elizabeth Bauman, speaking for her husband Chad, said Chad is facing serious health issues and the family may need the option to sell the property to cover medical expenses. “Handling this matter now would greatly relieve the administrative burden on me and allow us to focus on his care and comfort,” she said.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the family transfer history and whether the request was an attempt to develop or profit from the transfer. Commissioners concluded the request appeared to be case-specific and not part of a subdivision or development scheme; one commissioner said he trusted the applicants. A motion to allow parcel number 970020 to be transferred to a revocable trust and to lift the two-year sale restriction carried on recorded aye votes.

Planning staff noted the two-year period would have expired on Feb. 12, 2026, absent the waiver; staff will record the board’s findings and lift the restriction per the motion.