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Planning director outlines zoning rewrite, subdivision rules, floodplain oversight and housing challenge
Summary
Butte-Silver Bow Planning Director Julie Crane told the study commission the department is updating the county—s zoning ordinance, handling technical floodplain and subdivision reviews, and facing staffing and infrastructure constraints that affect housing supply.
Julie Crane, planning director for Butte-Silver Bow County, told the study commission the planning department runs four divisions (long-range planning, short-range planning/zoning enforcement, building permits/code enforcement, and geospatial services/GIS) and directly supervises 14 employees.
Crane said the department's long-range work follows the 2020 comprehensive plan and that the department is working on a zoning ordinance update guided by that plan. "We are in the process of updating our zoning ordinance," she said, adding the revision aims to reflect contemporary uses and technology and to guide future land use decisions. She said the draft should be before the planning board in May or June.
On subdivision and infrastructure, Crane said subdivision review ensures proper access, utilities and environmental protections and involves multiple state and local agencies. She emphasized that infrastructure availability constrains housing: many areas in the south and west of the county rely on wells and septic systems and some locations have nutrient constraints that limit new septic permits or require more expensive systems. The department estimates the comprehensive plan's strategic housing target requires about 2,000 units over 15 years to meet projected growth.
Floodplain administration and building-safety work are technical responsibilities of the department. Crane explained that floodplain permits often require professional-engineer submissions, hydraulic analysis and coordination with state and federal agencies. She also described the department's role issuing building permits, managing bond or surety requirements for development, and tracking annual permit valuation (about $63 million in 2023—2024 fiscal data summarized by staff).
Staffing, vacancies and technology: Crane said the department has seen significant turnover in GIS and land records positions; some roles have been vacant months. She called for investment in technologies that enable online permit portals and more active GIS-based public reporting tools. Crane noted challenges in public notice because the local newspaper no longer prints daily, affecting statutory timelines for advertising hearings.
Ending: Crane urged the commission to consider investments that support staffing and technology for permitting and GIS and to preserve public engagement as the code update advances. "The plan is excellent," she said of the 2020 comprehensive plan, and said the zoning rewrite is an opportunity to align regulation with community goals.
