On March 1, 2012,  the Planning Division received an application for preliminary plat approval for Copper Ridge Subdivision, 3rd Filing. The proposed subdivision creates 18 new lots for single-family residential development and 5 large lots for future development. The subject property is generally located on the north side of Rimrock Road, east of 70th Street West, and north of the existing Copper Ridge Subdivision. The property is zoned Residential-7000-Restricted (R-70-R).  The owner is Copper Ridge Development Corp., and the representing agent is Sanderson Stewart.

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 May 24, 2012. 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 day review period, the City Council is required to:

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

Should the City Council approve the preliminary plat, the subject property may further develop under private ownership, resulting in additional tax revenues.

General location: North of Rimrock Road

Legal Description: Lot 12, Block 3, and Lots 32-34, Block 4, and portions of previously dedicated parkland and street right-of-way in Block 4, Copper Ridge Subdivision

Owner/Subdivider: Copper Ridge Development, Corp.

Engineer and Surveyor: Sanderson Stewart

Existing Zoning: R-70-R

Existing land use: Vacant

Proposed land use: Single-family residential

Gross and Net area: 14.08 acres; 11.66 acres

Proposed number of lots: 23

Lot size: Max: 2.49 acres
Min.: 8,355 square feet

Parkland requirements: Parkland requirements were planned for the entire Copper Ridge Subdivision Master Plan area in 2005. This current filing is proposing to modify that master plan slightly by reverting 0.386 acres of previously dedicated parkland back to private ownership; however, the overall parkland provided is still greater than the required amount.

Variance requested: No variances have been requested.

A public hearing was held by the Yellowstone County Board of Planning on April 24, 2012 for this application. No public comments were provided at the hearing. The Planning Division received one phone call from an adjacent property owner who had questions regarding the proposed subdivision. The neighbor's questions were answered and she had no further concerns.

Consistency with the Growth Policy, the Transportation Plan 2009 Update, and the Billings Area Bikeway and Trails Master Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact attached to this memo.