This is a zone change that will amend Section 27-306 of the Billings, Montana, City Code (BMCC) to allow Dog Grooming in Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zoning districts. In 1997, when the City and County unified the zoning regulations, dog grooming was designated as an allowed use in only 4 zoning districts – Community Commercial (CC), Highway Commercial (HC), Controlled Industrial (CI) and Heavy Industrial (HI). Prior to 1997, the City Zoning Regulations did not allow dog grooming or other Animal Services (SIC 075) in the CC zone. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on January 6, 2015, and is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 5-0 vote. The City Council approved the zone change on 1st reading on January 26, 2015.

City Council may:

• Approve the zone change as recommended by the Zoning Commission;
• Deny the zone change; or
• Withdraw the zone change; or
• Delay action on the zone change for up to 30 days.

The amendment to change and increase the allowable uses in NC zones will increase the marketability of existing or new NC zoned property. This may increase the property value of the 300+ NC zoned properties within the city limits.

The Zoning Commission recommends approval of Zone Change 930 on a 5-0 vote.