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ZBA grants variance for single‑family house on substandard lot in C‑2 Uptown district
Summary
The board unanimously approved Variance 25‑07 to allow a 1,550‑sq‑ft single‑family house on a 4,872‑sq‑ft parcel in the C‑2 community commercial zone on West Porphyry, citing historic mixed‑use patterns and substandard lot sizes on the block as hardship factors.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustments unanimously approved Variance 25‑07 on Sept. 18, permitting construction of a 1,550‑square‑foot single‑family dwelling on a vacant, commercially zoned lot on West Porphyry.
Planning staff presented the application (applicant listed as Big Fish LLC / Buddy Fisher) and explained the proposal seeks multiple variances from Community Commercial (C‑2) zone standards: minimum lot area (8,000 sq. ft.), minimum lot width (75 ft.), and front, side and rear yard setbacks. The subject parcel is approximately 4,872 sq. ft. with about 50 ft. of frontage; staff said many lots on the block are similarly substandard, which limits commercial development potential under current standards.
Staff said the requested setbacks (front from 20 to 15 ft.; rear to 16 ft.; side setbacks reduced to 12 ft. on one side) are generally consistent with surrounding building patterns and in some respects are less intensive than what adjacent zoning would allow. The presentation cited historic Sanborn maps and aerial photos showing prior residential development on the site and described the proposal as consistent with the North Corridor place type of the comprehensive plan.
A nearby neighbor, James Madison, spoke in support and said the vacant lot has been an informal encampment for many years. The applicant indicated agreement with conditions of approval. The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the variance based on staff findings; the motion passed unanimously. Staff will draft the written findings of fact and send an approval letter to the applicant. Construction will require separate building and code approvals.
