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Flathead County approves preliminary plat for three townhomes at 3855 Cholonde Street near Whitefish
Summary
Planning and Zoning presented and commissioners approved a preliminary plat to create three townhouse lots at 3855 Cholonde Street near Whitefish with conditions including a riparian resource management plan, DEQ stormwater review, and required will‑serve letters for water and sewer.
Erin Appert, Planning and Zoning, presented a preliminary plat application for a minor subdivision proposing three residential townhouse lots on property at 3855 Cholonde Street near Whitefish. Appert said the subdivision would be served by Big Mountain Water Company and Big Mountain Sewer District and that no written public comment had been received.
Appert summarized agency comments, including a requirement for Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) review and a dust control plan from Environmental Health, and a Whitefish School District comment noting potential impacts to enrollment and transportation. Appert said the conservation district had no comments and the County Road Department likewise had no written concerns; the solid waste district requested that all solid waste be hauled by a contract hauler.
A commissioner questioned a proposed 7‑foot setback along a riverine feature. "Why would we even put a condition on there that says 7 feet?" the commissioner asked. Appert replied the applicant identified a perennial or intermittent stream, and county regulations require a riparian resource management plan and a proposed vegetative buffer; the exact buffer distance is proposed by the applicant and subject to Commission acceptance. Planning staff Kevin, who performed a site visit, described the site slope and said the proposed buffer would keep development on flatter ground and out of the deeper stream channel.
Planning presented and the board reviewed findings addressing environmental impacts, slopes and soils, water and wastewater availability, stormwater requirements (triggered because proposed impervious area exceeds 25% of the site), solid waste handling, road impacts (an estimated 22 average daily trips), fire and emergency service provisions (service by Big Mountain Fire District and the county sheriff’s office), and local service impacts (planning estimated the subdivision would add approximately one student to local schools). Planners also noted no known historical or hazardous features on the property and said the plat would need to meet Montana Subdivision and Planting Act and Flat County subdivision regulation requirements prior to final plat approval.
A commissioner moved to adopt the findings; another moved to approve the preliminary plat for 3855 Townhomes. The motions were seconded and the board voted to approve the findings and the preliminary plat. The approval includes standard conditions identified in the findings, such as required will‑serve letters, DEQ/stormwater review and a riparian resource management plan.
The board recessed for a jail facility tour after approving the item.
