[Canyon] BCPOA news
Tom Fiddaman
Here's a quick update on some zoning actions:
- In a conditional use application, county analysis placed structures in
the wrong zoning district and failed to cite relevant setbacks and
definitions.
- The zoning was amended to convert the right to transfer density into the
Bridger Bowl Base Area into an absolute right to build 200 houses there.
- To evade requirements that parcels in a Planned Unit Development be
contiguous, the commission approved a project including a strip of land -
not a legal parcel - 10 feet wide and 2500 feet long.
- In response to a zoning complaint, an enforcement agent concluded that
nailing a few old boards to a new building constituted preservation of 25%
of the value of the original structure, then took over three months to
respond to challenges to this rationale.
- While legally defending its decision to deny an extension of a building
envelope onto a visible ridgeline, the commission approved the extension of
a building envelope onto a visible ridgeline.
I wish I could say "April Fools," but sadly all of these things really
happened, some this year, some in years past. BCPOA has often been the only
voice for rule of law and preservation of the natural beauty of Bridger
Canyon.
It's not cheap defending the zoning. BCPOA legal costs this year exceeded
$10,000. This was met in part through $25 memberships, but substantially
through additional donations of up to $1000. A few residents are doing an
exceptional share of the heavy lifting when it comes to legal defense. So,
when you get your BCPOA dues notice in the mail this week, please consider
pitching in with $50, $100 or more. Your membership and contributions
support 100s of hours of volunteer work, plus maintenance of communications
like this list, and sharing of information on topics like weeds and forest
management. Thanks!
On other topics,
The bears are waking up, so don't forget proper management of bird feeders,
garbage and other attractants. Allied Waste now has bearproof garbage cans.
They cost a few dollars extra to pick up, because the driver has to jump out
of the truck to unlock the can; we have one and find the peace of mind well
worth the money. Allied let us keep our regular can and switch rates for
winter use.
Burn season started March 1st, but the Bear Trap Canyon fire shows that
conditions are potentially hazardous, with dry fuel, low humidity and wind,
so please be careful. See http://bridgercanyonfd.com/burnpermit.aspx or
http://www.gallatin.mt.gov/public_documents/BurnPermit for permits.
DEQ announced a finding of no significant impact for the Bridger Pines sewer
system, so the project will be moving to its next steps.
There will be a Zoning Advisory Board meeting on Monday, April 2nd, 5:30pm
at the courthouse - see http://zoning.posterous.com/ for details. Members of
the public are welcome, and public comment is taken at the beginning and end
of each meeting.
The BCPOA annual General Meeting is scheduled for May 21st. See you there!
Tom Fiddaman
BCPOA Chair
>From the BCPOA Bylaws: "The purpose of this corporation shall be to do
everything in its power to preserve the rural character and the natural
beauty and resources of Bridger Canyon and the State of Montana; to use its
best efforts in guiding and directing orderly growth and development; to
maintain, through organization, a definite influence in all matters which
may affect residence or property rights and enjoyment thereof by its
members; and to hold regular meetings for open discussions of problems of
mutual interest and concern to those land owners."
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