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 conducted a public hearing and 1st reading of the ordinance on March 26, 2012, and approved the text amendment on first reading.

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 Zoning Commission recommends approval of Zone Change #883 on a 4-0 vote.