Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves variance for East Park Street multifamily infill
Summary
Butte‑Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustments unanimously approved Variance 25‑08 to allow three multifamily buildings on a roughly 16,000‑sq‑ft lot on East Park Street, subject to design and parking conditions, after staff cited slope, debris and historic development patterns as hardship factors.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustments on Sept. 18 unanimously approved Variance 25‑08, clearing the way for a three‑building multifamily infill on the 400 block of East Park Street.
Planning Director Julia Crane told the board the applicant, listed in staff materials as Lizzie Load LLC, seeks permission to build three multifamily buildings on a nearly 16,000‑square‑foot lot, including two three‑unit buildings (each about 1,539 sq. ft.) and one four‑unit building (about 2,052 sq. ft.). Crane said the project requires variances from the R‑2 zone for front, side and rear setbacks and for accessible parking provisions.
Crane summarized staff analysis against the variance review criteria in the Butte‑Silver Bow Municipal Code and Montana law. She described site constraints that staff said create hardship: an approximately 11% slope, historic debris from fires and demolition, and the need to integrate stormwater infrastructure and on‑site parking. Crane recommended approval with conditions to ensure historic‑compatible design elements and to restrict parking as private and assigned to units. "Of the criteria, 3 of 3 are met," Crane said, recommending approval based on written findings.
Applicant Richard Michael Joseph Jr. spoke briefly and thanked the planning department, saying the developer intends a high‑quality project: "we try to do everything first class, do it right, and make the county and residents of Silver Bow County proud of us." Joseph confirmed concurrence with staff conditions when asked.
Board members asked no substantive questions and moved to a vote; the application was approved unanimously. The planning staff will send the applicant a confirmation letter and the development must meet building, fire and other code requirements before final permits are issued.
The approved variance includes staff‑recommended conditions intended to address visual compatibility and public‑safety access, including a stepped parapet or variegated parapet, brick or brick‑like veneer on facades, historically appropriate balustrades, and private, unit‑assigned parking. Staff noted the project aligns with the 2021 comprehensive plan’s Uptown Edge place type and the area’s historic mixed‑use pattern.
Next steps for the applicant are final design submittals, permitting and compliance with required building‑code and stormwater approvals.
