On March 1, 2012, the Planning Division received an application for preliminary major plat approval for Reflections at Copper Ridge Subdivision, 3rd Filing. The proposed subdivision creates 21 new lots for single-family residential development. The subject property is generally located on the north side of Rimrock Road, east of Copper Ridge Subdivision, north of the existing Reflections at Copper Ridge Subdivision. The owner is Reflections at Copper Ridge, LLC, and the representing agent is Sanderson Stewart.

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 60 working days to act upon this minor preliminary plat; the 60 working-day review period for the proposed plat ends on May 24, 2012. State and City subdivision regulations also require that preliminary plats be reviewed using specific criteria, as stated within this report. The City may not unreasonably restrict an owner’s ability to develop land if the subdivider provides evidence that any identified adverse effects can be mitigated. Within the 60 day review period, the City Council is required to:

1. Approve;
2. Conditionally Approve; or
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat

Should the City Council approve the preliminary plat, the subject property may further develop under private ownership, resulting in additional tax revenues.

General location: North of Rimrock Road

Legal Description: Lots 1, 2 and 3, Block 1, and vacated Reflections Circle right-of-way in Reflections at Copper Ridge Subdivision, 1st Filing, and Lot 25, Block 2 of Reflections at Copper Ridge Subdivision, 2nd Filing.

Owner/Subdivider: Reflections at Copper Ridge, LLC

Engineer and Surveyor: Sanderson Stewart

Existing Zoning: R-70

Existing land use: Vacant

Proposed land use: Single-family residential

Gross and Net area: 7.454 acres; 7.403 acres

Proposed number of lots: 21

Lot size: Max: 21,255 square feet
Min.: 7,980 square feet

Parkland requirements: Parkland requirements were planned for the entire Reflections at Copper Ridge Subdivision Master Plan area in 2007. This current filing is proposing to modify that master plan slightly by reverting 13,889 square feet of previously dedicated parkland back to private ownership and dedicating in return, 14,082 square feet of new park area. The overall parkland provided is still greater than the overall required amount.

Variance requested: No variances have been requested.

A public hearing was held by the Yellowstone County Board of Planning on April 24, 2012 for this application. No public comments were provided at the hearing.  Also, the Planning Division has not received any public comments or questions regarding the proposed subdivision.

Consistency with the Growth Policy, the Transportation Plan 2009 Update, and the Billings Area Bikeways and Trail Master Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact.