On January 1, 2020, Sanderson Stewart, agent for High Sierra II, Inc., applied for preliminary major plat approval for High Sierra Subdivision, 16th Filing.  The proposed subdivision creates 14 lots for residential development on a 2.42-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 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:                             Lot 17, Block 27 of High Sierra Subdivision, 14th Filing
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:                         2.425 acres / 2.315 acres
Proposed number of lots:                 14
Lot size:                                            Max:   8,618 square feet
                                                         Min.:    7,000 square feet
Parkland requirements:                    Parkland dedication requirements for this proposed plat is 0.255. This parkland dedication is being met with High Sierra Subdivision, 14th Filing.

Staff gave a brief presentation to the Planning Board. President Woods asked if there were any questions from the board for staff, there were none.  He then asked if the applicant or the agent would like to address the board. Mr. Gary Oakland stood for questions from the board, there were none.  President Woods opened the public hearing, no one stood to give any comments on the proposed plat.  The public hearing was closed.

President Woods asked if there was a motion on the proposed subdivision.  A motion was made to forward a recommendation of conditional approval to the City Council with the Findings of Fact, the motion was seconded.  There was no discussion on the motion and it was passed with a unanimous vote. 

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.