This is a companion code amendment to accomplish the parking management goals for the East Billings Urban Renewal District (EBURD). These goals and strategies have been prepared and recommended by Nelson/Nygaard Associates, the consultant firm working with the City on this project. The Zoning Commission has conducted a public hearing on the proposed parking overlay district and zoning code amendments. The Zoning Commission also received a draft of this companion code amendment. The City Council is expected to condust a public hearing for this amendment at the same meeting that the zoning code amendments are considered by the Council.

The consultant and Steering Committee reviewed the options available to better manage parking within the EBURD district. The current parking code is a disincentive to reinvestment in the district. This amendment is considered a key element of the three proposed code amendments that will achieve several goals of the EBURD Master Plan approved by the City Council in July 2009. Those goals are as follows:
1. Foster economic growth in the District & surrounding region.
2. Foster distinct mixed use, industrial, and hospitality centers with a strong sense of place and character.
3. Ensure existing industrial uses can continue to operate as desired.
4. Integrate the edges of the District with the North Park Neighborhood, the Downtown Core, the Medical Corridor, and the University.
5. Provide a variety of transportation connections and choices throughout the District and surrounding
areas.
6. Encourage environmental consciousness, green development, clean technology, and
healthy living.
7. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.

There should be no financial impact to the city from adoption of this amendment to the Site Development code.

The Planning Division recommends the city conduct a public hearing and approve the amendment to Section 6-1203 and remove the off-street minimum parking space requirements from the East Billings Parking Overlay district.