Public encouraged to comment on density map, regulations before review
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The previous Commissioners’ Column made mention of a review of the Lake County Density Map and Regulations that has been prioritized for action by the commissioners for this calendar year. The map and regulations were first adopted by Lake County in 2005 and last reviewed in 2006. The language of the adopted regulations stated that they would be reviewed during the fifth and 10th year of each decade, so it is well past the time frame for review.
The process is going to take some time, but the first step is going to take place on March 12 at 7 p.m. in Room 316 in the Lake County Court House, as the Lake County Planning Board holds a working session prior to initiating a review of the Density Map and Regulations. This meeting is open to the public. This working session will focus on gathering public comments and input that will be used when the Planning Department staff initiates a formal review of the Density Map and Regulations through a public hearing process. The formal public review process will involve analyzing and critiquing the density zoning regulations and the accompanying map, including how the regulations are working and their applicability to the current land use, parcel sizes, development characteristics, social, economic and environmental circumstances.
The Lake County Density Map and Regulations were designed to encourage more intensive future development close to cities and towns and sparser development farther from population centers. The regulations were also intended to direct growth where public services such as fire and police protection, school bus transportation and road maintenance could be provided in a cost effective manner, thereby reducing public expenditures.
The Density Map and Regulations were also written to help maintain the rural character of agricultural and timber production areas, and to protect wildlife habitat, water quality and natural resources in Lake County.
The public hearings prior to adoption of the Density Map and Regulations in 2005 were not well attended and some residents of the county argued that most people had no idea of how the new regulations would impact them. Opponents also argued that the new rules would slow growth of new, taxable properties in the county because it would become more difficult for landowners to divide their property. There were also concerns that it would be difficult for citizens to amend the map. To date, only one amendment to the map has been processed and approved by Lake County. One factor in not being able to determine the effect of the new regulations on land development in the county has been the economic downturn that has brought land sales and sub-division activity to a standstill in the area.
We are hopeful that residents will weigh in on the Density Map and Regulations now that they have been in effect for several years. The map and regulations are on the Lake County Planning Department website at http://www.lakemt,gov/planning/Lake County Density Map.html and comments can be mailed to the Lake County Planning Department, 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860.
