Public Forum: University of Montana Residence Hall
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
City of Missoula Community Planning, Development, and Innovation has received a notice from MMW Architects on behalf of the University of Montana of their intent to construct a Residence Hall at the corner of Arthur Ave and E Beckwith Ave. The proposal includes construction of a new residence hall, a surface parking lot, and a ground sign. The subject property is located at 32 Campus Drive. The proposed project includes the removal of twenty-seven (27) trees from the site and the replacement of an existing ground sign at the corner of Arthur and E Beckwith identifying the southwest corner of campus.
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 183” of DBH will be removed on-site. The on-site quantity of new DBH is 81”. Including the right of way, the total DBH of proposed trees is 105.5”. The University intends to plant 63 new trees at the site to replace the 27 trees that will be removed. However, the combined DBH of the new trees is not sufficient to meet zoning code so a public forum is required.
The replacement ground sign will be placed approximately 21’ from Arthur Ave and 34’ from E Beckwith Ave. The proposed sign will be 72 square feet in area and will be 8 ft tall. The proposed ground sign will be non-illuminated. The proposed sign is larger than the maximum allowed area and height for a ground sign in the OP-3 zoning district per Title 20, Chapter 20.75.050.
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 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/3230/Private-Development-Projects
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The hearing date is scheduled for May 6th, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Information on how to attend the meeting 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.
Your comments may be considered by MMW Architects on behalf of the University of Montana when moving forward with their proposal.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Claire Lovelace and can be reached at (406) 552-6671, or lovelacec@ci.missoula.mt.us.
