Public Forum: Fire Station #3 Storage Building
UPDATE: On May 26th, 2021 the Public Forum took place and was concluded. This case is now closed for comment.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Missoula City Fire Department requested a public forum regarding an exemption from allowed uses in the R5.4 Residential zoning district and the general site landscaping standards at Fire Station #3 located at 1501 39th Street. The proposal includes the construction of a new 3,200 square foot storage building on the western side of the property. Fire Stations are classified in Title 20 as safety services.
The requested exemption is from Title 20, Table 20.05-1 which does not list safety services as a permitted use in the R5.4 Residential zoning district. Construction of the new storage building is considered an expansion of the legal non-conforming use.
In order to construct the storage building, two (2) on-site trees will be removed. Removal of the trees may bring the parcel out of compliance with Title 20, Section 20.65.020.B.3 which requires six (6) trees on the parcel. Based on aerial imagery, there appears to be at total of eight (8) trees located on the parcel. Following the removal of two (2) trees, six (6) trees would remain which meet would Title 20 requirements. However, these trees may be located within the right-of-way. If the trees are located within the right-of-way they will not count towards the general site landscaping requirements and the landscaping will no longer comply with zoning. There has not been a site survey to confirm the locations of the trees in relation to the property line.
The City of Missoula Board of Adjustment is authorized by state law to hold a public hearing, known as a public forum, when a public agency proposes to use public land contrary to the local zoning regulations. The public agency in this case is the City Fire Department. The Board of Adjustment does not have the power to deny or condition the approval of the project. The proposed use is permitted regardless of the outcome of the hearing. However, public comment is greatly appreciated.
PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here:
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The hearing date is scheduled for May 26th, 2021 at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. For more information on how to attend a virtual meeting, visit: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes
PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken by City Council until the public hearing is closed. Comments can be submitted through Engage Missoula, via email to the planner noted below, by mailing in a letter to the City of Missoula office at 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or during the public meeting. Provide your comment by May 18th, 2021 to be included in the staff report provided to the Board of Adjustment. Your comments may be considered by Missoula City Fire Department when moving forward with their proposal.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Cassie Tripard. She can be reached at 406-552-3282, or TripardC@ci.missoula.mt.us.
