Bozeman zoning panel split on 164-acre Baxter Lane annexation after extended debate over wetlands and infrastructure

The Bozeman Community Development Board, sitting as the city—s Zoning Commission, considered a part-46 annexation and initial zoning request for a roughly 164-acre parcel commonly referenced as the Fifth / 5211 Baxter Lane annexation (application 24570). The applicant requested initial municipal zoning of R3 (medium-density residential) and R5 (high-density mixed, permitting limited corner commercial).

Staff presentation: Tom Rogers of the Community Development Department reviewed the application and the staff analysis. He emphasized that state review criteria A through D must be found affirmative for a zoning recommendation and said staff—s draft findings generally concluded the request furthered more of the community plan goals than it would pull back from them. Rogers noted the parcel lies inside the city—s urban service boundary and that the city is planning water, sewer and streets for the broader area; however, the site lies in multiple drainage basins and future capacity will require substantial infrastructure work, including a sewer lift station…