Work session scheduled Jan. 6 to solicit public input
By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
A zone text amendment could clarify language and remove loopholes in certain zoning regulations in Big Sky. The Gallatin County Planning Department is proposing changes that would address language used in Big Sky’s zoning, particularly addressing density standards.
The planning department will host a public work session to discuss the proposal in Big Sky on Jan. 6, at the end of the Big Sky Zoning Advisory Committee meeting at 9:30 a.m.
The changes would be mostly administrative, according to Ryan Stagg, Gallatin County assistant planner, with nothing “exciting” that would dramatically alter existing zoning in Big Sky.
“While the majority of proposed amendments are simple housekeeping to fix typos, cross-reference errors, or other errors, many substantive changes are proposed,” a planning department memo stated. “The substantive changes are intended to address loopholes, hard-to-interpret language, and repeatedly identified issues.”
Those issues include density standards, lighting standards, master signage plans, standards for development on hillsides and ridgelines, and watercourse standards for temporary and minor structures.
“The intent of the work session for the Gallatin Canyon/Big Sky Zoning Regulation Staff… is to review staff’s draft amendments to the Zoning Regulation, gather feedback, and discuss potential adjustments. Staff encourages BSZAC members, the public, and other interested parties to review the proposed changes in full prior to the work session,” the memo stated.
“We’re doing our best to facilitate public engagement and feedback so folks don’t feel like they’re being blindsided, essentially,” Stagg told EBS in a phone call.
After the Jan. 6 work session, planning department staff will consider feedback and make necessary changes. In a subsequent meeting, likely February or March, the staff will formally consider the zone text amendment, followed by a joint hearing of the planning and zoning commission and the Gallatin County Commission to formally approve or reject adoption.
“Really we’re looking for feedback for how those sections have been written as proposed… Broadly, feedback on any of the proposed changes if [the public] think they are significant, or if they think they should be done differently,” Stagg said.
Proposed language will be posted to the county planning department website a week prior, or people can reach out to the office to receive a digital copy to review.
Stagg encouraged the community to send questions or comments out via email to ryan.stagg@gallatin.mt.gov or by phone to 406-582-3130.
