On October 1, 2019, Ronald Frank, Douglas Frank, Deborah Frank and Dorn Wilson Development, LLC, applied for preliminary major plat approval for Trails West Subdivision, 4th Filing. The proposed subdivision would create 28 lots for single-family residences and one large remaining lot for future development. The first filing of this subdivision and a master plan of the entire development was first submitted and reviewed by the Planning Board in 2009. The subject property is generally located on the north side of Grand Avenue, just east of 56th Street West.  The property is zoned Residential-6,000-Restricted (R-60-R) and Residential-9,600 (R-96).

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 22, 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:                                              South side of Grand Ave., west of 56th St. West
Legal Description:                                            Lot 1, Block 17 and Lot 1, Block 16 Trails West 3rd Filing
Subdivider/Owner:                                             Ronald Frank, Douglas Frank and Deborah Frank
and Dorn Wilson Development LLC
Engineer and Surveyor:                                     Sanderson Stewart
Existing Zoning:                                                 R-96 and R-60-R
Existing land use:                                              Former Irrigated agricultural land
Proposed land use:                                           Single-Family Residential
Gross area:                                                      23.613 acres
Net area:                                                          21.84 acres
Proposed number of lots:                                   28
Lot size:                                                           Max:    13.66 acres
                                                                        Min.:    6,067 square feet
Parkland requirements:                                      The applicant is proposing a cash in lieu contribution to parks instead of land dedication.

Staff gave a brief presentation to the Planning Board. Applicant Rod Wilson gave a presentation detailing the development in the first three filings and the remaining filings. He also provided details about the stormwater retention methods used in the development. Planning Board member Jon Thompson asked if the trail system along the Birely Drain was located in the right of way or was part of an easement and how the system is maintained. Mr. Wilson confirmed the trail is part of an easement along the Drain and is maintained by the HOA. Planning Board President Tunnicliff applauded Rod for the trail development. No public comments were received during the public hearing. Wood moved to recommend conditional approval to the Cty Council. Dave Goodridge seconded the motion and it was 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.