On March 1, 2016, Sanderson Stewart, agent for owner Copper Ridge Development Corp., applied for preliminary major plat approval for Copper Ridge Subdivision, 6^th Filing. The proposed subdivision creates 60 new lots for single-family residential development. The subject property is generally located on the north side of Rimrock Road, east of 70^th Street West, west of the existing Copper Ridge Subdivision.  The property is zoned Residential-7000-Restricted (R-70-R).  This zoning only allows a single family residence on each lot with a minimum square footage of 7,000 square feet.  This is the final filing for this subdivision.

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, 2016. 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 working day review period, the City Council is required to:
1. Approve;
2. Conditionally Approve; or
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat
 

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

General location:                                 North of Rimrock Road and east of 70^th Street West 
 
Legal Description:                               Lot 23, Block 7; Lot 25 Block 6;  Lot 1, Block 5; Lot 65, Block 4; Lots 16 & 17, Block 7  in Copper Ridge 
                                                            Subdivision, 5^th Filing.
 
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:                           13.359 acres; 13.059 acres
 
Proposed number of lots:                   60
 
Lot size:                                              Max:    16,544 square feet
                                                            Min.:    7,011 square feet
 
Parkland requirements:                       Parkland requirements were planned for the entire Copper Ridge Subdivision Master Plan area in 2005.
                                                            Parkland dedication has been met with previous filings.
 

The Planning Board conducted a public hearing on the Copper Ridge Subdivision, 6th Filing at its meeting on April 26. Staff provided a brief presentation to the Board.  There was a question from the Board about the Traffic Impact Study (TIS) and whether it will impact the need for a traffic signal on Rimrock Road.  Staff responded that the developer has made contributions to intersection improvements in the past and will be doing so with this filing as outlined in the SIA. Intersection improvements are expected to occur in the future.  

The public hearing was opened and the applicants agent, Mac Fogelsong from Sanderson Stewart, spoke. He stated that a traffic study has been done and there have been contributions made for improvements to the intersection of 62nd Street West and Rimrock Road with each filing. The applicant, Gary Oakland of Copper Ridge Development Corp. stood to speak and address any questions the board might have. He thanked the board for its support with his development and said that this subdivision has been a good development because of the Board's input.

No one else testified and the public hearing was closed. A motion to approve the preliminary plat with the findings of fact and the conditions was made and seconded.  The Board voted and it was approved with a unanimous voice vote.

Consistency with the 2008 City of Billings and Yellowstone County Growth Policy, the 2014 Billings Urban Area Long Range Transportation Plan and the Billings Area Bikeway and Trail Master Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact.