On October 1, 2012, owner, Twin Oaks Corporation, applied for preliminary major plat approval for Amended Lot 21, Block 3, and Lot 21, Block 4, Twin Oaks Subdivision, 2nd Filing. The proposed subdivision re-plats two large lots into 23 lots for single-family residences. The subject property is generally located on the south side of Wicks Lane, west of Lake Elmo Drive. The property is zoned Residential-5,000 (R-50) and Residential-6,000 (R-60). The Yellowstone County Board of Planning reviewed the plat and held a public hearing on November 27, 2012. Blueline Engineering is the representing agent. 

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 60 working days to act upon this major preliminary plat.  The 60 working day review period for the proposed plat ends on January 2, 2013. 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: South of Wicks Lane, west of Lake Elmo Drive in the Heights.

Legal Description: Lot 21, Block 3, & Lot 21, Block 4, Twin Oaks Subdivision located in the NW ¼, Section 22, T1N, R26E

Owner/Subdivider: Twin Oaks Corporation; Gary Oakland, President; Landy Leep, Vice President

Engineer and Surveyor: Blueline Engineering, LLC; North Star Land Services, PC

Existing Zoning: R-50 and R-60

Existing land use: vacant

Proposed land use: single-family residential

Gross and Net area: 4.25 acres

Proposed number of lots: 23

Lot sizes: Max: 14,093 square feet
Min.: 6,151 square feet

Parkland requirements: Parkland dedication was met with the previous filings of this subdivision.

Variance requested: No variances have been requested.

A public hearing was conducted by the Yellowstone County Board of Planning on November 27, 2012. Property owners adjacent to the subject property were notified by certified mail of the hearing and a legal notice was published in the Billings Times. No public input was given at the public hearing.

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