Council forwards 327-acre Gregory annexation petition to council after discussion of contiguity

The Gallatin City Council Committee voted to forward a petition to annex a 327.12-acre portion of the Gregory property (north of Gateway Drive and south of Highway 31E) to the full council for formal consideration. The committee vote to send the annexation request on to council was 5-1.

City planner Nick Rose explained that the petition seeks annexation for the stated municipal purposes of coordinated planning, consistent zoning, and long-term municipal services. The applicant’s representative, Andy Leith of Greenlee Design, was present and told the committee the owner’s intent is to pursue industrial zoning following annexation, but any zoning change would require subsequent review and public hearings.

Contiguity and public-service implications

A map presented by staff shows Rountree Lane and Bridal Lane intersecting within the tract; the applicant’s survey purports to establish a contiguous connection that allows the petition to proceed under state annexation rules. Staff told committee members that the city charges a preliminary $500 fee for the initial steps before a formal annexation application is filed and that more formal studies will follow if the annexation is accepted for review.

Council comments and vote

Council members asked whether the comprehensive plan character area would need amendment if the property were rezoned from rural to industrial; staff said a plan amendment could be required and that zoning decisions would come at a later stage after annexation.

A motion to forward the annexation petition to council passed on a 5-1 vote; one council member recorded opposition to further annexations at this time.

Next steps

If the council accepts the petition at its next meeting, the formal annexation application process will proceed, including any necessary planning and zoning reviews, plan amendments and public hearings.