Commission grants preliminary plat approvals for two subdivisions; directs staff to draft estate‑division letter to court

Lincoln County planning staff presented two preliminary plat requests and a court‑ordered estate subdivision for the commission’s consideration. The commission granted preliminary approval to both plats and authorized staff to draft recommended comments for the court in the Emory estate matter.

Planning staff presented the Sheileley preliminary plat (legal description: Hunter’s Ridge Lot 1A; plat map 7064), a proposal to split an 11.04‑acre parcel to create an additional residential lot. Staff’s analysis found the soils are not prime farmland, there are no identified agricultural water-user facilities on the parcel, access will be by private driveways connecting to Meadow Creek Road, and new development would require DEQ approval for a well and septic. Staff concluded there were no significant impacts to agriculture, local services, natural resources, wildlife, or public health and recommended approval subject to 15 standard conditions. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the preliminary plat by voice vote.

The commission then considered the Montana Lakes 4 preliminary plat (Montana Lakes 2, Lot 14), a proposal from the property owner identified in the staff report as Greg Sandon to create two residential lots from a 25.56‑acre parcel. Staff noted prior fuels‑reduction work, that water and septic will require DEQ approvals, and that the landowner has an authorized DNRC notice of intent to appropriate groundwater for up to 68 acre‑feet per year. Planning staff and one commissioner discussed adding a condition that the DNRC notice be recorded with the final plat so future title reports will reflect the appropriation; the commission approved the plat subject to conditions, including that addition.

Finally, planning staff described a court‑filed request to execute a will for the Emory estate that would divide a property among five heirs. Staff recommended the county send a letter to the court identifying concerns and recommendations for emergency access, driveway construction standards, sanitation suitability, and that the heirs pursue water permits. The commission voted to authorize staff to draft that letter and return it for signature.

All three land‑use actions were approved by voice vote in the public meeting; the transcript records commissioners saying “aye” but does not include a roll‑call tally for individual members. Several details require follow‑up in staff reports and final plats, including recording the DNRC notice and DEQ approvals that must be secured before final approval is effective.