On January 15, 2013, the Planning Division received an application for preliminary plat approval for Amended Lot 4, Block 1, Montana Sapphire Subdivision. The plat contains 2 lots on approximately 7.28 acres of land just south of the intersection of King Avenue West and Montana Sapphire Drive. The lot is currently vacant; a 154-unit senior living apartment building and accessory structures are proposed for Lot 4A and up to 50 units of self-storage units are proposed on Lot 4B. The owner is Montana Sapphire, LLC and the subdivider is Affinity at Billings, LLC. The representing agent is Sanderson Stewart.

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 35 working days to act upon this subsequent minor preliminary plat; the 35 working day review period for the proposed plat ends on March 7, 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 35 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: Montana Sapphire Drive, south of King Avenue West.

Legal Description: Lot 4, Block 1, Montana Sapphire Subdivision

Owner/Subdivider: Montana Sapphire, LLC; Affinity at Billings, LLC

Engineer and Surveyor: Sanderson Stewart

Existing Zoning: Highway Commercial (HC) with South Shiloh Corridor Overlay District (SSCOD)

Existing land use: Vacant

Proposed land use: Senior apartments and self-storage units

Gross/net area: 7.283 acres

Proposed number of lots: 2

Lot size: Max: 5.97 acres
Min.: 1.31 acres

Parkland requirements: A parkland dedication is not required, as this is a commercial subdivision creating one additional lot

A public hearing is not required for minor subdivisions. However, interested parties may review all application materials at the Planning and Community Services Department. There have been no comments submitted regarding this proposal at the time of this report compilation. Interested parties also may attend the City Council meeting and speak during the puiblic comment period at the start of the meeting on non-public hearing agenda items.

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