12-8-19: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBDIVISIONS PROPOSED IN AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD:
For areas identified as wildfire hazard areas by the United States forest service, the Montana department of natural resources and conservation, a local fire protection authority, or a local growth policy, the following apply:
   A.   Fire Prevention And Control Plan: A fire prevention and control plan must accompany the submission of any application for preliminary plat approval.
   B.   Contents Of Plan: The fire prevention and control plan must include the following items:
      1.   An analysis of the wildfire hazards on the site, as influenced by existing vegetation and topography;
      2.   A map showing the areas that are to be cleared of dead, dying, or severely diseased vegetation;
      3.   A map of the areas that are to be thinned to reduce the interlocking canopy of trees;
      4.   The identification of roads, driveways, and bridges that are sufficient for emergency vehicle access and fire suppression activities. Slopes of all roads and driveways must be provided.
   C.   Entrances/Exits: At least two (2) entrances/exits must provide escape routes for residents and access to the subdivision by firefighting vehicles. Bridges providing access to the subdivision must be built to a design load of twenty (20) tons and constructed of nonflammable materials. Road rights of way must be cleared of slash.
   D.   Slopes: Building sites may not be located on slopes greater than twenty five percent (25%) or at the apex of "fire chimneys" (topographic features, usually drainageways or swales, which tend to funnel or otherwise concentrate fire toward the top of steep slopes).
   E.   Plan Implemented Prior To Final Plat Approval: The fire prevention and control plan must be implemented before the governing body will approve the final plat, and will be considered part of the subdivider's obligations for land development. The local fire chief, or designee, will inspect and approve the implementation of the fire prevention and control plan. The plan will not be considered fully implemented until the fire chief has given written notice to the planning board or subdivision administrator that the plan has been completed as approved by the planning board.
   F.   Maintenance Of Plan: Provisions for the maintenance of the fire prevention and control plan shall be included in the covenants, conditions, and restrictions for the development. A property owners' association must be formed and designated to enforce the covenants, conditions, and restrictions.
   G.   Location Of Open Space, Park Land, And Recreational Areas: Open space, park land, and recreation areas (including green belts, riding or hiking trails) should be located, where appropriate, to separate residences and other buildings from densely forested areas.
   H.   Water Supply:
      1.   A water supply of sufficient volume for effective fire control must be provided in accordance with standards set by the appropriate local fire protection authority.
      2.   In the absence of such standards, the subdivider must at least provide the following for effective fire control:
         a.   A central water system with a minimum continuous flow of one thousand (1,000) gallons per minute; or
         b.   Cisterns, reservoirs or fill ponds:
            (1)   For single dwelling units: minimum capacity of two thousand five hundred (2,500) gallons;
            (2)   For six (6) or more dwelling units: minimum capacity of five hundred (500) gallons per dwelling unit. (Ord. 784, 8-6-2007)