The Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners on June 19 conditionally approved the preliminary minor plat for Barber Farm Subdivision, a proposed four‑lot division of 57.064 acres currently zoned A (Agricultural).

Planning Department staffer Hunter told the board the applicant intends to create four lots, two of which contain existing residences and two of which are intended to be annexed into the City of Billings and developed. Staff recommended conditional approval with six conditions, the first five being the department’s standard conditions and condition six to ensure consistent development and avoid conflicting standards prior to final plat approval.

As part of the filing, the applicant requested a variance from Yellowstone County Subdivision Regulations Section 4.14(b)(2), which requires a fee in lieu of hydrant installation when a fire department serves the subdivision and a pressurized municipal hydrant is within a half road mile. Staff recommended the variance because lots 3 and 4 are expected to be annexed into Billings and would be subject to city standards, making the county’s hydrant fee requirement redundant for those lots. The applicant will add a paragraph to the subdivision improvement agreement stating sale of individual lots is contingent on successful annexation and execution of an annexation or subdivision improvement agreement with the City of Billings.

A commissioner moved to approve the Barber Farm preliminary plat with the six conditions and to adopt the findings of fact; the motion was seconded and approved with all commissioners voting aye.