The final plat for ZooMontana Subdivision is being presented to Council for approval. On February 3, 2010, City staff held a pre-application meeting with the applicant to discuss the creation of a two-lot subdivision of 62.7-acres of land. It was determined at that time that the subdivision qualifies for the expedited plat review process, which allows, under certain conditions, subdivisions creating just two lots to proceed straight to final plat review. The subject property is the site of the zoological park at the corner of Zoo Drive and Shiloh Road, and is zoned Public (P). One of the new lots has the visitors’ center on it, while the other contains the remaining zoo property. The property owners are ZooMontana, Inc., and the agent is Sanderson Stewart. A similar proposal was approved in 2008, but was never filed with the County Clerk & Recorder, and has since expired. Upon City Council approval, these documents are appropriate as to form for filing with the Clerk and Recorder.

The City Council may approve or deny the final plat of ZooMontana Subdivision. If the City Council chooses to deny the final plat, it must base the denial on the criteria outlined in MCA 76-3-611 and BMCC Section 23-305(F).

Should the City Council approve the final plat, the City street, storm, etc. assessments on the subject property will be reconfigured. Since the large lot will be considered “vacant”, this land division may slightly reduce assessment revenues for the City.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the final plat of ZooMontana Subdivision.