Ranch Club phasing extension paused until emergency access is completed

The Missoula County Board of County Commissioners continued action on a requested phasing‑plan extension for phases 10 and 11 of the Ranch Club subdivision until May 28 to allow construction of a temporary emergency access and further coordination with the City of Missoula.

County planner Kevin Dantic told commissioners the subdivision — annexed into the city — was originally approved in 2003 and that staff had previously granted multiple extensions. City reviewers and residents raised safety concerns after a 2023 residential fire that left the neighborhood with only one way in and out. City staff urged that a permanent secondary access be secured or that construction costs be secured through an improvements agreement prior to a county decision.

The developer said a temporary emergency gravel access has been permitted by the Montana Department of Transportation and is under construction; the developer and technical representative provided photos and committed to finish the temporary emergency access prior to the May 28 meeting. County staff recommended a continuance to ensure the access is completed and inspected before the board acts on any multi‑year phasing extension.

Commissioners asked county attorneys to work with city staff and the developer between now and the May 28 meeting to determine whether an enforceable development agreement or improvement security can be required to guarantee future construction of permanent secondary access. No extension was granted today; the board will revisit the phasing extension on May 28.