Public Forum: University of Montana Indoor Practice Facility
Update: The public forum was held by City Council on Monday, July 17th at 6:00 pm. This case is now closed for comment.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
City of Missoula Community Planning, Development, and Innovation (CPDI) has received a notice from OZ Architects on behalf of the University of Montana of their intent to construct an Indoor Practice Facility at the intersection of the vacated S Van Buren St. and S 5th St. E. The proposal includes a seasonal, air-inflated dome that will enclose a track and turf field. The project also includes the inflation equipment and two masonry buildings that will house the facility’s entrances, offices, and restrooms. The subject property is located at 655 S Van Buren St. The proposed project includes the removal of six trees over 6” in diameter and no additional landscaping. The project intends to provide additional recreational and practice space for University of Montana athletic teams and other Missoula athletics.
The footprint of the indoor practice facility will be approximately 217 feet North-South and 485 feet East-West. The dome will be 66 feet in height when inflated.
The proposed scope of work for the project does not include the replacement of trees larger than 6” in diameter at breast height. Per the landscaping requirements in Title 20, Chapter 20.65.020.B.8, the removal of trees with a diameter breast height (DBH) of six inches or greater, single stem, must be mitigated by providing one or more replacement trees with a total combined DBH that is at least equal to the total DBH of trees that are removed. Approximately 108” of DBH has been removed and none will be replaced in the scope of the proposed project.
The proposed scope of work for the project also does not include the minimum number of shrubs required by 20.65.020.B3. General site landscaping must consist of at least one tree and six shrubs per 1,000 square feet of required general site landscaping area. The required landscaped area is approximately 93,554 square feet for a total of 564 shrubs. The provided landscaped area is compliant, but the number of required shrubs is not.
City Council 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 University of Montana. City Council 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: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1638/Private-Development-Projects
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The hearing date is scheduled for July 17th, 2023 at 6:00 PM. Information on how to attend the meetings virtually or in-person is posted here: 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 July 3rd, 2023 to be included in the staff report provided to City Council. Your comments may be considered by the University of Montana when moving forward with their proposal.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Charlie Ream and can be reached at (406) 552-6351, or reamc@ci.missoula.mt.us.
