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Board expands approved uses at 2951 Baird to let owners lease to a wider set of tenants
Summary
Butte‑Silver Bow ZBA unanimously approved Special Use 25‑17, amending an earlier permit for 2951 Baird Street to allow a broader range of tenants without returning to the board for each new tenant, at the applicants' request and with standard conditions for licensing and occupancy.
The Zoning Board of Adjustments on Sept. 18 voted unanimously to amend a 2024 special‑use permit for 2951 Baird Street so the property owners may rent to a broader set of tenants without seeking ZBA approval for each new occupant.
Planner Joella Thomas presented the staff report. She described the property — a 9,000‑sq‑ft building on a 23,940‑sq‑ft lot in an R‑1 (single‑family) zone that was built before current zoning and has operated as a preschool and place of worship in the past. Thomas said the amendment broadens permitted tenant types (professional offices, art studios, medical/physical therapy, recreational uses and daycare) and removes a prior restriction limiting tenants to sole proprietorships; staff recommended approval with conditions tied to parking, DPHHS registration for any daycare, building, fire and health code compliance, and business licensing.
Applicants Lucy Hanson and Heidi Gray told the board they are seeking flexibility to re‑lease vacant space without the delay of repeated zoning hearings. "We just want the flexibility of who we can rent to, and basically not have to appear every time when we have a new tenant," Hanson said. Gray and Hanson said they screen tenants and said prior attempts to open a basement daycare did not proceed.
Board member Garrett Craig moved to approve the amendment with the conditions outlined by staff; the motion passed unanimously. Planning staff will issue a letter to the applicants and applicants must obtain any required DPHHS registration, building‑code approvals and a local business license before occupancy.
The conditions of approval require compliance with Butte‑Silver Bow off‑street parking rules and occupancy limits as determined by code and the fire marshal. Thomas noted that the parcel is in the traditional neighborhood place type in the comprehensive plan, where limited institutional and community uses are considered compatible.
