This is a zone change that will amend Section 27-310 of the Billings, Montana City Code (BMCC) to create two subsections that regulate detached accessory buildings in residential zones. The existing code has a single subsection that applies inside and outside the city limits. The proposed amendment will separate the requirements for construction inside the city limits from the requirements outside the city limits. The City Zoning Commission initiated this amendment on February 7, 2012. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 6, 2012, and is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 4-0 vote.

The City Council may:
1. Approve the zone change
2. Deny the zone change
3. Allow withdrawal of the zone change
4. Delay action for up to thirty (30) days

There should be no financial impact to the city from the proposed zone change.

The current code was unified with the County Zoning Regulations in 1997. In 2006, the City Council adopted major amendments to the code that only apply within the city limits. Although carefully written, the code is confusing to interpret. The amendment will create an additional subsection to separate the requirements for the city and county.

The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 6, 2012, and received no public testimony. Planning Staff explained the proposed amendment. The Zoning Commission is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 4-0 vote.

Prior to any action to approve or disapprove, the City Council will consider the recommendation of the Zoning Commission and testimony at the public hearing. The Growth Policy and City Council goals encourage clarity in regulation and the proposed amendments will clarify a confusing section of the Unified Zoning Regulations.