This is a zone change that will amend one section of the Billings, Montana, City Code (BMCC) regarding required setbacks for recreational vehicles (RV) parked or stored in driveways in residential zoning districts. The current code requires recreational vehicles to meet the same setbacks as an accessory structure of 20 feet from the front property line and 3 feet from the side property line. The proposed amendment would reduce the front setback from 20 feet to 8 feet and keep the same 3 foot setback to the side or rear property line. The City Zoning Commission initiated this amendment on February 7, 2012. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on May 1, 2012, and is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 4-0 vote. The City Council conducted a public hearing on May 29, 2012, and approved the zone change on first reading.

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 from the proposed amendment. If the amendment is passed, the Code Enforcement Division may be able to re-allocate staff resources to other types of complaints that have greater impact on public health and safety.

The Zoning Commission recommends approval of Zone Change #896 on a 4-0 vote.