This is a zone change that will amend Section 27-310(i)9 of the Billings, Montana, City Code (BMCC) regulating the types of siding allowed on detached accessory residential structures. The proposed amendment will allow property owners to match existing vertical or mixed vertical and horizontal siding on homes with proposed new detached garages or sheds over 200 square feet. The amendment still meets the intent of the original ordinance to limit application of vertical siding. Council Member Pitman initiated this amendment on June 9, 2008 and the Council unanimously approved the initiative. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 6, 2012, and is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 4-0 vote.

The City Council may:
1. Approve the zone change
2. Deny the zone change
3. Allow withdrawal of the zone change
4. Delay action for up to thirty (30) days

There should not be any financial impact to the City from the proposed amended regulations.

The current code was amended in 2006 to address issues of over-built detached garages in Billings’ neighborhoods. At the time, vertical metal siding on pole barns in some Billings neighborhoods was a concern. Since 2006, the new regulation has required several property owners to pursue variances to match vertical siding on existing homes to new detached garages or sheds over 200 square feet.

The proposed amendment would allow new detached accessory structures to place vertical siding on the structure if the principal dwelling also has vertical siding or a mixture of vertical and horizontal siding. Matching the siding of accessory buildings with the homes will eliminate the need for these property owners to obtain a variance from the regulations.

The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 6, 2012, and received no public testimony. The Planning Staff presented the proposed zone change and explained the reasoning for the text amendment. The Zoning Commission is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 4-0 vote.

The Growth Policy and the City Council Goals recommend clarity in regulations to provide open and clear communication with Billings property owners and residents. The intent of the regulations requiring horizontal siding on any new detached accessory building in residential zones will be preserved while allowing owners the reasonable opportunity to match siding on their residence and garage.