County orders immediate halt to illegal construction activities

In a recent meeting, the Broadwater County Board of Health addressed significant regulatory concerns regarding a property owned by Connor Knapp. A letter detailing the situation was read aloud, highlighting that a survey filed on February 11, 2022, designated the property for agricultural use, which exempted it from subdivision review under Montana law.

The letter, authored by Lindsay Rickmeyer, chairperson of the Board of Health, outlined that a building constructed on the property in 2023, along with the installation of plumbing and a septic system, violated county regulations. Specifically, the construction of facilities requiring water and sewer services is prohibited on agricultural exempt parcels. The Board had previously communicated with Knapp about the necessary steps to remove the agricultural exemption, which had not been followed.

Rickmeyer emphasized that the ongoing construction must cease immediately, and any wastewater improvements must be removed by June 21, 2024. Failure to comply could result in legal action, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. Additionally, Knapp is required to contact the Broadwater County Community Development and Planning Office to initiate the process of lifting the agricultural covenant.

The meeting underscored the importance of adhering to local regulations regarding land use and wastewater management, as well as the potential consequences of non-compliance. The Board is awaiting further comments from Knapp regarding the situation.