[Canyon] BCPOA - Planning & Zoning hearing February 13

[tom at metasd.com]

Hi neighbors -

I'd like to thank Richard Lyon for testimony and this comprehensive report on Thursday's zoning hearing.

Tom


From: Lyon Richard G <richardglyon at att.net> 

All:

1. P & Z voted 4-1 [Commissioners MacFarlane and Cummings absent] to recommend approval of Bridger Pines’ proposed text amendment reducing the setbacks from 25 to 10 feet. Kate Vargas, Lester Vargas, Tom Peterson, Laurie Gorman, Sam Atkins of Crosscut, and Bob Petit of Bridger Bowl all supported BCPOA’s preference of remanding to the Advisory Committee. Paul Bockus presented for Bridger Pines; Tim Steffan and Vernon Hills [BP property owner] spoke in favor. Jock Peterson spoke in opposition. I believe that the deciding factor was Randy Johnson’s commentary that 10 feet was more normal for small lots than 25 feet. I also believe that we made our point about the Advisory Committee and should keep our campaign for that going.

2. Crosscut’s Zoning Map Amendment was deferred until March when it was discovered that the proposed amendment had been modified slightly from what had been publicly noticed. 

3. The Commission has a new member - County Auditor Erin Cox, who has replaced County Treasurer Jennifer Blossom. [Aside: This is consistent with MCA 76-2-101 but not with the current BC Zoning Reg, section 1.3.]

4. Randy Johnson was asked about the status of the Advisory Committee. He stated that it was still in place but progress had been slow due to PD turnover and work load. He did say that work on the agreed portions - he specifically mentioned short term rentals - would resume next month. In a subsequent phone conversation I agreed to send Randy my updated draft of the STR section. In that conversation Randy asked whether BCPOA would consider scrapping PUDs for a “hard forty” - 40 acres, period. I replied that we were willing to consider that.

5. Per Randy, several aspects of Crosscut’s plans conflict with the current Base Area Plan developed by Bridger Bowl. Randy thought that this should be discussed by the Advisory Committee. 

Richard G. Lyon