Contacting the County

Planning Department

Day to day administration of zoning, including building permits happens at the Gallatin County Planning Department.

Enforcement

Zoning enforcement happens through Code Compliance, a part of the Planning Department. There’s an online Complaint Form on that page. BCPOA may submit a complaint on your behalf, if you don’t wish to do it directly.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Bridger Canyon Planning & Zoning Commission manages certain aspects of zoning, such as Conditional Use Permits and Variances, which require a hearing. Hearings are normally held on the 2nd Thursday of each month, but there are exceptions. Agendas are generally available 2 weeks ahead, and staff reports on projects 1 week ahead, at https://gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/planning-community-development/pages/planning-zoning-commission-public-meetings-agendas . If you don’t see what you’re after, be sure to switch to the “Streaming” or “Upcoming” sections of AVCapture, using the dropdown menu.

County Commission

Rare zoning matters, like amendments and certain variances, are considered by the County Commission. They also review subdivisions. The 3 County Commissioners are members of the Planning & Zoning Commission. Such matters are generally handled through the Planning Department however.

Hearings

When a hearing is held on a zoning matter, the following sequence generally applies:

  • Two weeks ahead of time, notice of the hearing agenda goes out to the newspaper, and sometimes to particular affected neighbors.
  • A week ahead,
    • Commissioners receive a packet of written testimony submitted to date.
    • The Planning Department publishes a Staff Report assessing the matter.
  • The day of the hearing,
    • The applicant (if there is one) presents the project.
    • The public is invited to comment.
    • The applicant gets the opportunity of rebuttal.
    • The commissioners discuss and decide the matter.
  • Somewhat later, a written decision is issued.

Submitting Testimony

When a hearing is pending, you can submit written testimony in advance, or appear in person to comment on the day of the hearing.

You can address email comments to the Planning & Zoning Commission c/o the Planning Department, or to the County Commission, as appropriate.

Some advice follows.

In Writing

  • State the matter to which your comments pertain, preferably as it appears on the agenda, to avoid confusion.
  • Provide your name and address.
  • Up front, indicate your support or opposition, and briefly summarize reasons.
    • Will you be helped or harmed?
    • What is the broad public interest in the matter?
  • Provide supporting material in an appendix.
  • Create a .pdf or similar document if you have complex material.

In Person

  • Start by stating your name and address.
  • Indicate your support or opposition clearly.
  • Be brief, especially if you have also submitted written testimony.
  • Speak clearly into the microphone.
  • Don’t panic! Every hearing I’ve seen has been fairly low key.

Always

  • Be nice. If you can’t be nice, be civil.