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Commission requires 10,000‑gallon cistern for Friedrichs subdivision after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing, the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission amended preliminary approval for a three‑lot subsequent minor subdivision by Jim Friedrichs to require a 10,000‑gallon water cistern setup for fire protection, a compromise between the county minimum and Georgetown Lake Fire District's 12,000‑gallon request.
The Anaconda Deer Lodge County Commission voted unanimously on Sept. 10 to amend preliminary approval for a subsequent minor subdivision submitted by Jim Friedrichs, requiring a 10,000‑gallon on‑site cistern setup for fire protection.
Planning staff told the commission the applicant’s original plan proposed 7,500 gallons (three 2,500‑gallon tanks) — the minimum called for in Chapter 16 of the county’s subdivision regulations — while Georgetown Lake Volunteer Fire Department had requested 12,000 gallons at the site. Planning staff noted the 7,500‑gallon figure meets county regulations but that Georgetown Lake had made a higher, site‑specific request.
Applicant Jim Friedrichs, who said he has hearing difficulties, told the commission cost was his primary concern and that buying larger tanks and excavation could “mortgage my place.” He said he was willing to meet county requirements and asked whether the commission could consider something between the two figures: “If I can get by with 10,000 gallons, that’ll help some.”
Commission members questioned whether tanks would be shared, who would maintain the system, and whether the fire district’s needs had been fully reconciled with county rules. A commissioner said locating three smaller tanks as proposed could increase excavation and installation costs compared with one larger unit, and noted the planning department’s role in consulting with Georgetown Lake Fire on site‑specific requests.
One commissioner moved to amend the final plat approval to require a 10,000‑gallon cistern setup as a compromise between the county minimum and the fire district’s request; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The applicant told the commission he would install whatever the commission required but said 10,000 gallons would aid affordability.
The commission also approved the preliminary plat with the amended cistern requirement. The action leaves in place a maintenance condition requiring property owners to maintain the cisterns and an easement for fire‑department access, as discussed by planning staff.
Next steps: the applicant will reflect the 10,000‑gallon requirement on the final plat and comply with the planning department’s conditions for final approval.
