On August 1, 2019, PEC Engineering, agent for Arrowhead Investments Corporation, applied for preliminary minor plat approval for MK Subdivision, 2nd Filing. The proposed subdivision creates 3 new lots for development. The subject property is generally located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Grand Avenue and 54th Street West. The property is zoned Planned Development (PD) with an underlying zoning of Neighborhood Commercial, (NC).

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 35 working days to act upon this preliminary minor plat. The 35 working day review period for this proposed plat ends on September 20, 2019. 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 review period, the City Council is required to:

1. Approve;
2. Conditionally Approve; or
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat

This proposed subdivision has no direct financial impact on the Planning Division.

General location: Northwest corner of the intersection of Grand Avenue and 54th Street West
Legal Description: Lots 4, Block 1, of MK Subdivision
Owner/Subdivider: Arrowhead Investments Corporation
Engineer and Surveyor: PEC Engineering
Existing Zoning: PD, underlying Neighborhood Commercial
Existing land use: Vacant
Proposed land use: Commercial
Gross and Net area: 3.631 acres
Proposed number of lots: 3

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

• Pre-application meeting conducted May 16, 2019.
• Preliminary plat application submitted to the Planning Division August 1, 2019.
• Preliminary plat to the City Council September 9, 2019.
• 35 working-day preliminary plat review period ends September 20, 2019.

VARIANCES REQUESTED
No variances from the City Subdivision Regulations have been requested.

A public hearing is not required or scheduled for the City Council meeting, however nearby property owners may attend the City Council meeting. The Planning Division has received no public comments or questions regarding the proposed subdivision. 

Consistency with the 2016 City of Billings Growth Policy, the 2018 Transportation Plan Update, and the 2017 Billings Area Bikeway and Trail Master Plan Update are discussed within the attached Findings of Fact.

One of the purposes of the City’s subdivision review process is to identify potential negative effects of property being subdivided. When negative effects are identified it is the subdivider’s responsibility to mitigate those effects.  Various City departments have reviewed this application and provided input on effects and mitigation.  The Findings of Fact, which are presented as an attachment, discuss potential negative impacts of the subdivision and conditions of approval are recommended as measures to further mitigate any impacts. In this case, there were found to be minimal impacts from this proposed subdivision.