Carbon County Planning & Development

Carbon County Planning & Development Contact Information: Forrest Mandeville (contractor) County Administration Building 17 West 11th Street PO Box 466 Red Lodge, MT 59068 P: (406) 690-1933 Email: [email protected] Planning & Development Regulations - Development Permit Application Guidebook - Comprehensive Development Regulations (Rev 2024) - Fee Schedule - Growth Policy 2020 - Part One Zoning Petitions – Resolution 2009-16 - Subdivision Regulations Online Development Permit Application(s) & Payment Portal - Group 1: Residential Application - Group 2: Commercial / Industrial / Multi-Family Application - Conditional Use Permit Application - Rural Address Application - County Road Approach Permit Application - Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic) Permit Application Additional Permitting Resources - Rural Address Application - County Road Approach - Carbon County Floodplain Administration - FEMA Floodplain Administrator - DNRC Joint Application for Proposed Work in Montana's Streams, Wetlands, Floodplains, and other Water Bodies - Montana Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program - Montana Department of Environmental Quality Sanitary Review Subdivisions Overview: Subdivisions are regulated under the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act, Title 76, chapter 3, MCA., and under local Subdivision Regulations. Review of subdivisions is done locally by a part-time planner and a 10 member county planning board. The State Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reviews subdivisions under Title 76, Chapter 4, MCA. What is a Subdivision? If you create one or more parcels under 160 acres in size for SALE, RENT, or LEASE then you are subdividing land and are subject to subdivision review. State DEQ review is required on all parcels under 20 acres. Exemptions: Yes, there are some property splits that are exempt from review, such as the family conveyance and agricultural exemptions. There are some restrictions on the use of exemptions. Some exemptions are still subject to DEQ review. How to Subdivide Property in Carbon County: First, set up an informal meeting with the local subdivision administrator or planning director to discuss your plans. Bring a sketch map of the project, and have a legal description handy. Second, contact a certified land surveyor to prepare a survey. Third, depending on the complexity of the project, it is recommended that you contact a professional engineer familiar with preparing Subdivision applications. Generally, there are two (2) steps, one being local subdivision review and the other being DEQ sanitary review. DEQ review is required on all lots or tracts less than 20 acres in size. Local subdivision review is required on all lots or tracts less than 160 acres in size. Types of Subdivisions: Minor subdivisions have 5 or fewer lots. Major subdivisions have 6 or more lots. Subdivision Application Review: Depending on the type of the subdivision, complete applications are reviewed by the planning office and the Carbon County Planning Board. Recommendations are made to the County Commissioners who has final authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application. Subdivisions are reviewed for compliance with: - The adopted County Growth Policy - Local Subdivision Regulations - The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act Applicable Regulations: Generally, there are two (2) separate regulations: - Local Subdivision review by local planning boards, planning departments, and elected officials - Sanitary review by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality Timeline: This depends on the type of subdivision, but generally speaking, you should count on several months, especially for Sanitary Review, by the Montana DEQ. Surveyor Requirements: Yes, subdivisions must be surveyed. Review Fees: This depends on the type and size of the subdivision. Check with the planning office for a fee schedule. State DEQ sanitary review also depends on the type and size of the subdivision but generally the cost is about $250.00 per lot. Check with the planning office or DEQ for their fee schedule. Road Requirements: You must provide LEGAL and PHYSICAL access to each subdivision lot. Legal access would consist of an easement, right-of-way, or direct access to a public road. Physical access is the actual road which must be constructed to minimum county standards. Planning Board: The Planning Board consists of 10 members. Bylaws, member lists, and agendas/minutes are available. Hours of Operation: MONDAY – FRIDAY (EXCEPT LEGAL HOLIDAYS), 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.