On January 1, 2020, Sanderson Stewart, agent for High Sierra II, Inc., applied for preliminary major plat approval for High Sierra Subdivision, 14th Filing.  The proposed subdivision creates 90 lots for residential development on a 37.3-acre parcel of land. This proposal is part of a larger approved master plan of High Sierra Subdivision. The subject property is generally located northwest of Gleneagles Boulevard and north of Matador Avenue in the northwest Billings Heights. The property is zoned Residential-7,000-Restricted (R-70-R).

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 March 27, 2020. 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

VARIANCE REQUESTED
No variance has been requested.

Approval of this subdivision will have no direct financial impact on the Planning Division.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY

• Pre-application meeting November 21, 2019
• Preliminary plat application submitted to the Planning Division January 2, 2020
• Departmental review meeting January 16, 2020
• Preliminary plat resubmitted January 23, 2020
• Planning Board review meeting February 11, 2020
• Planning Board public hearing February 25, 2020
• Preliminary plat to City Council March 23, 2020
• 60 working-day preliminary plat review period ends March 27, 2020

PLAT INFORMATION
General location:                                Northwest of Gleneagles Boulevard and north of Matador Avenue
Legal Description:                              Amended COS 3573, Tract A1-1
Owner/Subdivider:                             High Sierra II Inc.
Engineer and Surveyor:                      Sanderson Stewart
Existing Zoning:                                 R-70-R
Existing land use:                                Vacant
Proposed land use:                              Residential
Gross and Net area:                             37.3 acres / 26.5 acres
Proposed number of lots:                    90
Lot size:                                             Max:    307,462 square feet  
                                                            Min:    7,040 square feet
Parkland requirements:                    Parkland dedication requirements for this proposed plat is 1.876 acres.  The applicant will be providing 5.310 acres, this amount includes and satisfies parkland dedication for the 10th, 14th, 15th and 16th filings.
 

Staff gave a brief presentation to the Planning Board. President Woods asked if there were any questions from the members of the Board for staff. In response to question by Board Member Thompson, Planner Green explained that the developer would contribute financially to several intersections.  The contribution will be a percentage of the cost of the improvements planned for the intersection.  Gary Owen said a Traffic Impact Study identifies the contribution and the City Engineering Division requires funds comparable to a similar intersection with signalization. There were no other questions for staff. President Woods asked if the applicant or agent would like to address the board. Mr. Gary Oakland stood to answer any questions the board may have, there were no questions.  President Woods opened the public hearing at this time. There was no one wishing to speak concerning this proposed subdivision.  The public hearing was closed and a motion was made to forward a recommendation of conditional approval to the City Council, the motion was seconded. There was no further discussion and the motions was unanimously approved.
 

Consistency with the 2016 Growth Policy, the 2018 Transportation Plan, the Billings Heights Neighborhood Plan and Billings Area Bikeways and Trail Master Plan are discussed within the Findings of Fact.