This is a zone change request from Entryway Light Industrial (ELI) to Highway Commercial (HC) on a parcel of land described as Lots 3 and 5, Block 1, Montana Sapphire Subdivision, a 12.99 acre parcel of land located in the Montana Sapphire Subdivision at 4300 Montana Sapphire Drive. The property is owned by Montana Sapphire, LLC and Sanderson Stewart is the agent. The owner conducted a pre-application neighborhood meeting on June 27, 2011. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on August 2, 2011, and forwarded a recommendation of approval on a 3-0 vote. The City Council held a public hearing on August 22, 2011, and approved the zone change on first reading.

State law at MCA 76-2-304 requires that all zone changes be reviewed in accordance with 12 criteria. Using the 12 criteria to determine the appropriateness of the zone change request, the City Council may:
1. Approve the zone change request
2. Deny the zone change request
3. Allow withdrawal of the application
4. Delay action for up to thirty (30) days

Approval of the zone change should not have a financial impact on the city's tax base. When the property is developed, additional tax value may be added to the property.

The Zoning Commission recommends approval and adoption of the 12 criteria for Zone Change #878.