On December 15, 2016, CTA, agent for Bishop Fox Company, applied for Preliminary Subsequent Minor plat approval for Bishop Fox Subdivision, Amended Lot 1, Block 1. The proposed subdivision creates 4 lots from one lot for commercial development. The subject property is generally located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Grand Avenue and 54^th Street West. The property is zoned Community Commercial (CC). 
 

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 35 working days to act upon this minor preliminary plat. The 35 working day review period for the proposed plat ends on February 7, 2017. 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 35 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.
 

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

• A pre-application meeting was held on October 21, 2016 to discuss the proposal.
• The preliminary plat application was submitted to the Planning Division on December 15, 2016.
• Departmental review comments were returned on December 30, 2016.
• The City Council will consider the preliminary plat on January 23, 2017.
• The 35 working-day preliminary plat review period ends February 7, 2017.

 
PLAT INFORMATION
 
General location:                                Northeast corner of the intersection of Grand Avenue and 54^th Street West
 
Legal Description:                              Bishop Fox Subdivision, Amended Lot 1, Block 1
 
Owner/Subdivider:                             Bishop Fox Company
 
Engineer and Surveyor:                      CTA
 
Existing Zoning:                                 Community Commercial (CC)
 
Existing land use:                                Vacant land
 
Proposed land use:                              Commercial
 
Gross and Net area:                             8.195 acres
 
Proposed number of lots:                    4
 
Lot size:                                               Max:    5.727 acres
                                                            Min.:    .414 acres
 
Parkland requirements:                       In accordance with 76-3-621(3)(c) MCA, this subdivision is exempt from parkland dedication.
 
Variance requested:                            No variances have been requested.
 

A public hearing is not scheduled for the City Council meeting; however nearby property owners may attend the City Council meeting.  The Planning Division has received no public comments or questions regarding the proposed subdivision. 
 

One of the purposes of the City’s subdivision review process is to identify potential negative effects of property being subdivided. When negative effects are identified, it is the subdivider’s responsibility to mitigate those effects.  Various City departments have reviewed this application and provided input on effects and mitigation.  The Findings of Fact, which are presented as an attachment, discuss potential negative impacts of the subdivision and conditions of approval are recommended as measures to further mitigate any impacts. In this case, there were found to be minimal impacts from this proposed subdivision.