This is the second reading of a zone change ordinance from Neighborhood Commercial to Planned Development – Neighborhood Commercial with an allowance for the on-premise sale of beer and wine without gaming and the provision of catering services. The application is for a 1.3 acre parcel of land described as Lot 2, Rose Park Subdivision, located generally at 1504 through 1528 24th Street West. The property is owned by the Larson and Carpenter Partnership and is represented by Pam Shires, 6 Degrees Gourmet. The agent conducted a pre-application neighborhood meeting on December 14, 2011 and a preliminary review meeting was held by city staff on January 9, 2012. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on February 7, 2012, and forwarded a recommendation of approval on a 3-0 vote. The City Council held a public hearing on February 27, 2012, and voted to approve the zone change ordinance on first reading.

State law at MCA 76-2-304 requires that all zone changes be reviewed in accordance with 12 criteria. Using the 12 criteria to determine the appropriateness of the zone change request, the City Council may:
1. Approve the zone change request
2. Deny the zone change request
3. Allow withdrawal of the application
4. Delay action for up to thirty (30) days

If approved, the city will receive additional fee revenue from the restaurant beer and wine license. Property value may be stabilized by retaining the existing restaurant in the multi-tenant building.

The Zoning Commission is forwarding a recommendation of approval and adoption of the twelve criteria for Zone Change #882 on a 3-0 vote.