This is a zone change request from Entryway Light Industrial (ELI) to Highway Commercial (HC) on a parcel of land described as Lots 4, 6 and 7, Block 1, Montana Sapphire Subdivision, a 10.85 acre parcel of land located in the Montana Sapphire Subdivision at 4110 and 4020 Montana Sapphire Drive (Lots 6 & 7) and 4215 King Avenue West (Lot 4). The property is owned by Montana Sapphire, LLC and Keith James of Gemstar Properties, LLC is the agent. The owner conducted a pre-application neighborhood meeting on June 25, 2012.

The application was originally scheduled for public hearing on August 7, 2012, and the applicant requested a 30-day delay to add Lot 4 to the zone change application. Lot 4 at 4215 King Avenue West is a larger parcel that will accommodate the agent’s proposed retirement apartment complex. The Zoning Commission conducted a public hearing on September 4, 2012, and is forwarding a recommendation of approval on a 3 to 0 vote. The City Council conducted a public hearing on September 24, 2012, and approved the zone change on 1st reading.

State law at MCA 76-2-304 requires that all zone changes be reviewed in accordance with 10 criteria. Using the 10 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

There should be no direct financial impact to the city's tax base from the zone change. Additional fees and taxable value may be realized when the properties are developed.

The Zoning Commission recommends approval of Zone Change #903 on a 3 to 0 vote.