The subject property, encompassing approximately 24 acres, was developed into a five-lot mixed-use subdivision. The project design incorporated an existing single-family home while optimizing the layout for both commercial and residential use. The eastern portion of the site features three commercial lots, while the western portion includes two residential lots. Zoning regulations designate a 200-foot corridor along Highway 191 as commercial, with the remainder classified for mixed use in accordance with the Four Corners Neighborhood Zoning Jurisdiction. This zoning framework supports the intended development, ensuring compatibility with surrounding land uses.

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This project required careful coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to secure approach permits and establish shared access easements and agreements. Additionally, improvements to the existing water conveyance facility involved extensive collaboration with local agencies and stakeholders. Utility service planning posed another challenge, as the project site was not directly adjacent to existing infrastructure, necessitating strategic design solutions. The development also required comprehensive water and wastewater system design to meet regulatory standards while supporting both residential and commercial uses.

To overcome the project’s challenges, our team implemented strategic solutions tailored to site constraints and regulatory requirements. We collaborated with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and neighboring property owners to establish shared public access and optimal approach locations, ensuring efficient traffic flow and accessibility. Coordination with ditch users and headgate operators facilitated improvements to hydraulic structures crossing the water conveyance facility, enhancing water management and functionality.

Addressing the lack of adjacent utility infrastructure, we worked closely with utility providers to plan and secure necessary services, obtaining easements and alignments to extend utilities from off-site locations to meet the subdivision’s commercial and residential demands. For wastewater management, we designed a public wastewater system along with multiple on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems, incorporating Level 2 treatment capabilities to ensure compliance with environmental standards and long-term sustainability. Through these efforts, the project successfully delivered a well-planned, functional, and compliant mixed-use development.

In the summer of 2024, AESI provided comprehensive geotechnical engineering and survey services for a new 4,250-square-foot residence in Bridger Canyon, Montana. The project site, a 20-acre property with a moderately steep southeast-facing slope, required detailed analysis and innovative solutions to ensure stability and functionality. Our team conducted extensive site investigations, including test pit explorations and laboratory testing, to assess subsurface conditions. We identified clayey residual soils and recommended over-excavation to stable weathered siltstone/sandstone, supported by 12 inches of structural fill. Additionally, we designed and monitored the installation of boulder walls up to 12 feet high to retain driveway cuts, ensuring both slope stability and aesthetic appeal.

We also completed a comprehensive slope stability analysis, confirming the site’s stability under typical foundation loading and moderate seismic events. We provided foundation support recommendations, allowable bearing criteria, and anticipated settlements to ensure a robust and durable foundation.

The success of this project depended on utilizing drone survey data and soil logs to create detailed AutoCAD Civil 3D soil horizon models. We also assisted with the layout of proposed horizontal drains and the design of access roads, improving site accessibility and drainage. Notably, we employed MASW (Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves), a geophysical analysis, to provide a site-specific seismic classification, ensuring the residence’s resilience against seismic activity.

Our integrated approach and expert solutions ensured the successful planning, design, and construction of this beautiful residence.

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Subsurface Conditions: The presence of clayey upper residual soils required careful management. These soils needed to be over-excavated to reach stable weathered siltstone/sandstone, which added complexity to the foundation preparation.

Slope Stability: Ensuring the stability of the moderately steep southeast-facing slope was crucial. This involved conducting a comprehensive slope stability analysis and designing appropriate measures, such as boulder walls, to retain driveway cuts and prevent erosion.

Seismic Considerations: The project required a site-specific seismic classification to ensure the residence’s resilience against seismic activity. This was addressed using a MASW (Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves) geophysical analysis, which provided detailed insights into the site’s seismic characteristics.

Integration of Data: Creating accurate soil horizon models and stability models required integrating various data sources, including drone surveys and borehole logs. This necessitated advanced software tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D and SLOPE/W to develop detailed and reliable models.

Foundation Design: Over-excavated the clayey upper residual soils to reach stable weathered siltstone/sandstone and used 12 inches of structural fill for foundation support. This provided a solid and stable foundation, ensuring the long-term durability of the residence.

Slope Stability Measures: Conducted a comprehensive slope stability analysis and designed boulder walls up to 12 feet high to retain driveway cuts. These measures effectively stabilized the moderately steep slope, preventing erosion and ensuring the safety of the structure.

Seismic Resilience: Employed MASW (Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves) geophysical analysis to provide a site-specific seismic classification. This ensured the residence was designed to withstand seismic activity, enhancing its resilience and safety.

Integrated Data Modeling: Utilized drone survey data and soil logs to create detailed AutoCAD Civil 3D soil horizon models and SLOPE/W stability models. These models provided a comprehensive understanding of the site conditions, informing better design and construction decisions.

The Forest View Farms Subdivision is a 10-lot residential development designed for single-family homes in Gallatin County, MT. Originally zoned RR-5, allowing one dwelling per five acres, the project secured approval for an Open Space Conservation Overlay (Conditional Use Permit), enabling one dwelling per two acres while preserving 30% of the development as dedicated parks and open space. This approach balances residential growth with conservation, enhancing community amenities while maintaining the area’s rural character.

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The project presented several challenges, including coordination with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to secure approach permits and establish shared access easements. Additionally, nitrate levels downgradient from existing development required careful wastewater planning to meet environmental regulations. Utility service planning needed to address construction costs while integrating on-site gravel for road base and site rehabilitation. Fire protection and wastewater system design were also key considerations to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance with local requirements.

AESI implemented strategic solutions to address these challenges. We coordinated with Gallatin County, MDT, and neighboring property owners to establish public access while successfully obtaining two variances to eliminate the need for connector roads to the adjacent subdivision. Our team worked closely with utility providers to plan service alignments that avoided conflicts with pedestrian infrastructure. Construction efforts leveraged on-site gravel resources, reducing costs and supporting site rehabilitation. To meet environmental and regulatory standards, we designed on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems with Level 2 treatment capabilities, ensuring effective wastewater management. Through these efforts, the project delivered a well-planned, sustainable residential development that integrates open space preservation with modern infrastructure.

The Sierra Vista Subdivision project involved the realignment of property boundaries to improve secondary access and enhance the layout of this new residential development. The subdivision consists of 100 residential lots, divided into two phases: 60 lots in Phase 1 and 40 lots in Phase 2. As part of the project, the development annexed into the RAE Subdivision County Water & Sewer District #313 to access water and sewer services. Additionally, a location was designated for a potential future public well to support the RAE Water and Sewer District.

The project has progressed through several milestones. It began with a boundary realignment approved through the county process and layout planning in collaboration with the client. Annexation coordination and water service applications with RAE followed. The team then completed the preliminary plat submission and developed subdivision design and permitting applications required by county and state authorities. The final plat application for Phase 1 was reviewed and approved by the County, with lot pinning for surveying also underway. Phase 2 will commence in coordination with the RAE Water and Sewer District.

Project Progression:

• Boundary Realignment (County process)
• Layout/Planning (w/ Client)
• Annexation & Service (RAE Water coordination & applications)
• Preliminary Plat (County process)
• Subdivision Design & Permitting Application (County, State, RAE)
• Phase 1 Subdivision Construction Inspection & Certifications (County Roads, RAE Water, Hyalite Fire, MDEQ)
• Final Plat Application (County process)
• Lot Pinning (Survey – in progress)

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The Sierra Vista Subdivision faced several challenges during its development, each requiring thoughtful planning and collaboration to address. Initially, the property had only one adjacent right-of-way, limiting secondary access and necessitating creative solutions to meet regulatory and safety requirements. Additionally, a diagonal irrigation ditch crossed the property, and subdivision regulations mandated a buffer zone around it. This requirement, combined with the ditch’s alignment, rendered a significant portion of the land unsuitable for development.

Another critical hurdle was ensuring adequate water and sewer services. The subdivision had to navigate capacity limitations within the RAE Water and Sewer District, requiring careful coordination to secure service for the new lots. The project also underwent rigorous reviews, including Gallatin County’s subdivision review process for the preliminary plat application and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) subdivision and infrastructure review. Overcoming these challenges was key to advancing the project while adhering to local and state regulations.

For secondary access, AESI assisted the client in negotiating with a neighboring landowner to execute a boundary realignment. This effort provided both properties with multiple access points, enhancing connectivity and facilitating development.

The existing irrigation ditch, which posed a significant obstacle due to required buffers, was addressed through AESI’s expertise and established relationships. AESI coordinated an agreement between the client and the agricultural water user to relocate and pipe the irrigation ditch, minimizing potential conflicts with future homeowners and the development. Setbacks and easements were established for the new ditch location, and a wetland specialist sub-consultant was engaged to ensure compliance with all permitting requirements.

To address water and sewer capacity limitations, AESI worked closely with the RAE Water & Sewer District, the client, and other stakeholders. By analyzing district capacity, establishing a phased schedule, and obtaining service commitments, the team secured the necessary water and sewer agreements for Phase 1, encompassing the first 60 lots.

Navigating the Gallatin County Subdivision Review process required designing a layout that complied with subdivision and zoning regulations as well as county planning documents. AESI collaborated with the Gallatin County Road and Bridge Department, Planning Staff, and neighboring developments to standardize transportation network planning and impact funding methodologies. They also coordinated with the Hyalite Rural Fire District and other departments to ensure adequate fire protection and emergency access, overcoming the staffing challenges of multiple agencies during the review process.

Lastly, for the MDEQ Subdivision and Infrastructure Review, AESI designed and permitted public water distribution and sanitary sewer systems as extensions of the RAE Water & Sewer District. Additionally, stormwater infrastructure improvements were prepared and permitted alongside comprehensive MDEQ subdivision applications to ensure compliance and readiness for development.

“…We now have AESI as our design team on my newest subdivision development this year. AESI has earned our trust and respect. We feel lucky to have AESI as a professional resource. AESI will exceed your expectations.” – Brad Lewis, DLM Contracting Inc.

Allied Engineering Services, Inc. (AESI) developed a comprehensive basemap for a 1,200-acre ranch property in Sweet Grass County, MT. The basemap was designed to support master planning for building sites, structures, floodplain overlays, roads, and existing site conditions. Deliverables included AutoCAD files and PDFs tailored for use by the property owners, architects, and builders, along with a high-resolution orthophoto and detailed 1-foot contour intervals across the entire property. AESI also located and marked the property boundary on-site, providing the owner with clear, real-world visualization to support planning and development efforts.

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Large-Scale Drone Flights: Conducting drone flights over a 1,200-acre property required navigating strong winds and varying weather conditions, which posed challenges to flight stability and data capture quality.

Data-Heavy Post-Processing: The size of the property and the complexity of the terrain generated an extensive volume of data, requiring significant computational resources and meticulous post-processing to produce high-resolution orthophotos and accurate 1-foot contour intervals.

Boundary Marking in Varied Terrain: Locating and marking property boundaries across a large, diverse landscape demanded precise fieldwork and coordination to ensure accurate on-site visualization.

Integrating Multi-Disciplinary Data: Creating a basemap that accounted for master planning, floodplain overlays, roads, and existing site conditions required the seamless integration of civil, geotechnical, and water resource engineering data.

Time Sensitivity: Delivering comprehensive basemap files and visualizations to multiple stakeholders, including owners, architects, and builders, within tight project deadlines added logistical and operational pressure.

Optimized Drone Flight Execution: By conducting detailed flight planning that accounted for terrain and weather conditions, and implementing an aerial targeting plan with GPS precision, AESI successfully captured high-resolution imagery over 1,200 acres. This ensured the creation of an accurate orthophoto and 1-foot contour intervals despite challenging environmental factors.

Efficient Data Management and Processing: Leveraging advanced post-processing tools and workflows, AESI managed the substantial data volume generated by the drone flights, producing a comprehensive basemap and orthophoto with exceptional detail and accuracy for all stakeholders.

Accurate Boundary Visualization: Using GPS and specialized surveying equipment, AESI precisely located and marked property boundaries across the diverse terrain. This provided the owner with clear, real-world boundary visualization to guide future planning and development.

Seamless Integration of Complex Data: AESI combined civil, geotechnical, and water resource data into the basemap design, creating a versatile resource that included building site layouts, floodplain overlays, road alignments, and existing site conditions. This integrated approach facilitated comprehensive master planning for the property.

Timely and Comprehensive Deliverables: Through proactive communication and efficient workflows, AESI met project deadlines while maintaining high-quality outputs. Deliverables included detailed AutoCAD files, PDFs, orthophotos, and contour data, empowering the owners, architects, and builders to advance their planning and construction processes with confidence.

AESI provided survey and civil services for the Enterprise Apartments project. The project consists of a three-story, 60-unit apartment building with 109 parking stalls provided. The project involved close coordination with the owner and design team to develop a desirable site layout providing views and accessibility given the site constraints. AESI was responsible for compiling the required site plan documents from the various sub-consultants for submission to the City of Bozeman. Project challenges included setbacks from a watercourse located adjacent to the site and storm drainage design to utilize an existing detention pond. The project was required to undergo review by the Design Review Board and was praised for the design and efforts put into the review package.

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The Enterprise Apartments project presented several challenges that required innovative solutions and close collaboration among the project team. One significant hurdle was the site’s physical constraints, particularly the setbacks imposed by a watercourse located adjacent to the property. These restrictions limited the buildable area and required creative site planning to maximize views and accessibility while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Another challenge involved storm drainage design. The project needed to integrate its stormwater management system with an existing detention pond, requiring precise calculations and careful design to ensure compliance with city regulations and effective water management for the site.

Additionally, the project underwent rigorous review by the City of Bozeman’s Design Review Board. This process demanded the submission of a comprehensive and well-coordinated review package that incorporated input from multiple sub-consultants. The need to meet high standards for aesthetic and functional design added complexity, making teamwork and meticulous attention to detail critical to the project’s success.

The Enterprise Apartments project overcame its challenges through thoughtful design, expert coordination, and a focus on collaboration. To address the setback limitations posed by the adjacent watercourse, AESI worked closely with the owner and design team to develop a site layout that maximized the available space while maintaining desirable views and ensuring accessibility. The team’s innovative approach allowed the project to achieve a balance between regulatory compliance and the aesthetic and functional goals of the development.

For the storm drainage system, AESI designed a solution that successfully integrated the site’s drainage needs with an existing detention pond. This required precise engineering to ensure the system met city requirements and operated efficiently, safeguarding the property and surrounding areas from potential stormwater issues.

The project’s review by the City of Bozeman’s Design Review Board was another success. AESI took the lead in compiling and coordinating the necessary site plan documents from various sub-consultants, creating a comprehensive and cohesive review package. This package was not only approved but also praised by the board for its thoughtful design and attention to detail, reflecting the quality of work and collaboration among the project team.