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Commission denies duplex proposal on undersized lot, citing density and parking conflicts
Summary
The Planning Commission denied a final master development plan for a two-unit duplex on a 0.12-acre lot zoned MRO (resolution 2025-015), concluding the lot does not meet density, parking and buffer-yard requirements; staff had recommended denial because the density was not consistent with code.
The Gallatin City Planning Commission denied a final master development plan (resolution 2025-015) for a proposed duplex on a 0.12-plus-or-minus acre lot zoned MRO, citing density, parking layout, and buffer-yard concerns.
Charlie Pierri, staff planner, told commissioners the lot is smaller than the ordinance’s requirements for a duplex in MRO zoning and that staff recommended denial “due to the density not being consistent with our code requirement.” The staff presentation noted the lot’s square footage falls short of the code standard discussed during the hearing.
Applicant Jason Baggett said the lot dimensions were known when he purchased the property and that the neighborhood already contains multifamily structures. Commissioners and staff identified several obstacles to approving two units on the site: insufficient lot area for required buffer yards, a driveway/parking layout that would require backing onto the street, and the site’s inability to meet minimum lot-size thresholds for two dwelling units.
Commissioners discussed whether a smaller plan or a different unit type (for example, an accessory dwelling under a future code change) could be workable; staff said changes to the city code are under consideration but would not apply immediately. Several commissioners said it was difficult to grant multiple variances to accommodate a use that appears inconsistent with zoning objectives.
A motion to deny the project, aligned with staff’s recommendation, passed by voice vote.
