Commissioners approve preliminary plat for 27‑lot McDonald Estate despite fire‑suppression and groundwater concerns

Flathead County commissioners on March 17 approved a preliminary plat for the McDonald Estate, a proposed 27‑lot residential subdivision on about 37 acres at 4625 Trumbull Creek Road near Columbia Falls.

Erin Appert, Planning and Zoning, told the board the lots would range from about 1 to 3.6 acres, served by individual septic systems and a new public water supply. The preliminary plat designates 1.48 acres of parkland; the regulations require 1.717 acres, and the applicant intends to satisfy the shortfall with cash in lieu at final plat.

The Columbia Falls Rural Fire District objected to proposed 2,500‑gallon individual cisterns and recommended either a single 30,000‑gallon centralized fill station or $3,000 per lot in cash in lieu. Appert said the applicant will need the fire district’s approval before final plat; if the fire district does not accept the cistern approach, the applicant cannot obtain the final‑plat approval letter.

The county’s traffic impact study estimates the subdivision would generate about 245 weekday vehicle trips and found that operations at the Turnbull Creek Road/Highway 40 intersection would remain at current levels (AM: LOS C; PM: LOS D). Montana Department of Transportation commented after the staff report that MDT facilities would not be impacted and no roadway improvements were recommended in this case.

A conservation district letter warned the site is “not recommended for densities greater than 1 dwelling unit per acre” because of high groundwater; commissioners noted that DEQ and DNRC technical reviews for water and wastewater, plus the Flathead City‑County Health Department’s review, must be completed before final plat. Appert reiterated that DNRC water rights authorization will be required for the proposed public water supply prior to final plat approval.

The planning board held a public hearing on Dec. 10, adopted the staff report as findings of fact (5–0) and forwarded a positive recommendation (3–2) to the commissioners. The board read and agreed to 19 findings and attached standard and project‑specific conditions requiring agency approvals and compliance with fire‑suppression, stormwater and utility requirements. A motion to adopt findings and approve the preliminary plat carried on a voice vote.

Next steps for the project include obtaining the fire district’s approval letter, securing any required DNRC water rights and completing DEQ and Flathead City‑County Health Department reviews before the applicant may submit a final plat.