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Zoning board approves short‑term rental in Fairmont Creamery condo at 701 S. Arizona St.
Summary
The Zoning Board approved Special Use 25‑7 to permit short‑term rentals in a condo at the former Fairmont Creamery building (701 S. Arizona St., Unit 301), while the board and public flagged parking and circulation concerns.
The Butte‑Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment approved Special Use 25‑7 to allow short‑term rental use in a condominium unit at 701 South Arizona Street (Unit 301) by a unanimous 4‑0 vote.
Staff described the property as part of a renovated building (the Fairmont Creamery conversion) in the North Corridor place type and noted the site was originally allowed residential uses through a variance (Variance 21‑2). Aidan Dennehy, planner, said planning staff found the unit compatible with the mix of commercial, light‑industrial and multifamily uses in the area and recommended conditions mirroring other short‑term rental approvals: a Montana public accommodations license, compliance with building/health/fire codes, visible address signage, and occupancy limits set by the building and fire departments.
Applicants Joyce and Gary Thompson told the board they purchased the unit to help cover condo dues and do not expect to rent it heavily. Joyce Thompson said the building underwent extensive remodel work and noted, "The dues are close to $5,000 a year," explaining part of the motivation to occasionally rent the unit.
A nearby business owner representing a body shop spoke in opposition, not to the rental itself, but to ongoing parking congestion on Arizona and Aluminum streets; he said tenants and guests sometimes block driveways and expressed safety concerns at the intersection. Julia Crane, planning director, clarified the intersection in question as Arizona and Aluminum streets and staff and the board discussed follow‑up with parking authorities.
Board members acknowledged parking as a key issue. One board member suggested revisiting the parking study tied to the original variance. A board member moved to approve Special Use 25‑7 and the motion passed 4‑0.
Conditions for approval match staff recommendations: the applicant must secure a Montana public accommodations license through the Butte‑Silver Bow Health Department; any remodeling must comply with all building, health and fire code requirements; addresses must be visible at night; occupancy is limited per the Building Code Department and Fire Marshal; and any future expansion will require Zoning Board review. Planning staff were asked to coordinate with parking authorities to address the neighbor's concerns.
