On March 15, 2017, the Planning Division received an application for preliminary subsequent minor plat approval for Evans Subdivision, a subdivision of Block 1, Lot 7, Spartan Acreage Tracts.  The plat contains two lots on approximately 45,247 square feet of land for residential development.  The proposed subdivision is located on the northwest corner of Natalie St. and Bitterroot Blvd. in the Billings Heights. The lot currently has one single family dwelling located on it and a new duplex is proposed for the second parcel.  The owners are Norm and Cathy Evans. The agent is Neil Thompson, Territorial Landworks, Inc.
 

In accordance with state law, the City Council has 35 working days to act upon this preliminary subsequent minor plat. The 35 working day review period for this proposed plat ends on June 5, 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 review period, the City Council is required to:

1. Approve;
2. Conditionally Approve;or
3. Deny the Preliminary Plat

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

General location:                        Intersection of Bitterroot Blvd and Natalie St.     
Legal Description:                      Block 1, Lot 7, Spartan Acreage Tracts
Owner/Subdivider:                      Norm and Cathy Evans
Engineer and Surveyor:              Neil Thompson, Territorial Landworks, Inc
Existing Zoning:                        Residential-7000
Existing land use:                     Single Family Residential      
Proposed land use:                   Multi Family Residential/Duplex      
Gross/net area:                        47,626 SF                        
Proposed number of lots:          2                     
Lot size:                                 24,826 sf/ 20,473 sf                                           
Parkland requirements:            This is a minor subdivision, so no parkland is required.

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. 
 

Consistency with the 2016 City of Billings Growth Policy, the 2014 Transportation Plan Update, the 2011 Billings Area Bikeway and Trail Master Plan, and the 2006 Billings Heights Neighborhood Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact.

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.