The 2013 State Legislature, under Senate Bill 324, enacted changes to the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act [Section 76-3-101, et seq., MCA). As a result, the City's Subdivision Regulations, Article 23, BMCC, need to be amended to be consistent with State law.

Planning staff drafted the proposed amendments based on recommendations from the legal staff and has solicited input from other City staff, the development community, the Planning Board, and other interested parties.

The Yellowstone County Board of Planning held a public hearing and reviewed the proposed amendments to the City Subdivision Regulations on November 13, 2013, and November 26, 2013. The City Council held a public hearing on the proposed amendments on December 9, 2013.  No public comments were received at either hearing. The Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading on December 9th. The Council must act on the ordinance a second time before it can become effective, thirty days from that second action date.

The City Council may:

• Adopt the proposed amendments to the City Subdivision Regulations on second reading, in part or in whole; or
• Not adopt the proposed amendments to the City Subdivision Regulations on second reading. Not adopting the proposed amendments would leave the City Subdivision Regulations inconsistent with state statute.

There are no foreseen financial impacts to the City for adopting the proposed amendments to the City Subdivision Regulations.

The Planning Board recommends that the City Council approve the proposed amendments to the City Subdivision Regulations.