On October 1, 2019, Sanderson Stewart, agent for J&S Development Co., applied for preliminary major plat approval for Grand Peaks 
Subdivision, 6th Filing. The proposed subdivision creates 30 new lots for development. The subject property is generally located on the east side of 54th Street West and north of Grand Avenue.  The property is zoned Residential 7000 (R70). The proposed lots will be developed in compliance with the zoning as the property is developed.

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 60 working days to act upon this major preliminary plat. The 60 working day review period for the proposed plat ends on December 27, 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 60 working day review period, the City Council is required to:
1. Approve;
2. Conditionally Approve; or
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat

VARIANCE REQUESTED
No variance has been requested.
 

Approval of this subdivision will have no direct financial impact on the Planning Division.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

• Pre-application meeting August 8, 2019
• Preliminary plat application submitted to Planning Division on October 1, 2019.
• Departmental review meeting October 17, 2019
• Preliminary plat re-submittal October 24, 2019 Planning Board plat review November 13, 2019
• Planning Board public hearing November 26, 2019
• Preliminary plat to City Council December 16, 2019
• 60 working-day preliminary plat review period ends December 27, 2019

PLAT INFORMATION
General location:                                East side of 54th Street West and north of Grand Avenue
Legal Description:                              L2, B9 of Grand Peaks Sub 5th Filing
Owner/Subdivider:                             J&S Development Co.
Engineer and Surveyor:                      Sanderson Stewart
Existing Zoning:                                 R70
Existing land use:                              Former Farm Land
Proposed land use:                            Residential
Gross and Net area:                           9.3 acres / 7.5 acres
Proposed number of lots:                    30
Lot size:                                            Max:    13,214 square feet
                                                         Min.:    9,668 square feet
Parkland requirements:                       The applicant provided 2.023 acres of parkland with the 5th
Filing. This parkland dedication fulfills the requirement for the 5th and 6th Filing.

Staff gave a brief presentation to the Planning Board. During the public hearing, Teri Hahn of Sundance Mountain Circle asked for clarification related to the utility easement provided in the southwest corner of the subdivision. Gary Owen, agent for the applicant clarified the easement is on both sides of the lot line and is 8 feet wide. After the public hearing was concluded, board member Jon Thompson moved to recommend conditional approval to the City Council. Board member Woody Woods seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Consistency with the 2016 Growth Policy, the 2018 Transportation Plan, and Billings Area Bikeways and Trail Master Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact.