Commissioners press for binding access agreement before rezoning Station Camp master plan

Members of the Gallatin Municipal Planning Commission told the applicant for the Station Camp master development that rezoning for the proposed higher-density mixed-use plan should not proceed without a legally binding agreement that secures a second access point to the site.

Kelly Hyatt, an applicant representative with Maris, said the project team has been exchanging materials and questions with the landowner of the proposed access and is working to accelerate that timeline. Hyatt said the project team “would not do this exact plan without” the second access because the plan “is showing an access on property we don't have rights to at the moment.”

A commissioner responding said they were looking for a binding agreement — potentially an easement or legal instrument — or a condition strong enough that city council would not approve the rezoning without the access. Staff noted that their prior report included a condition requiring easements and permissions or other legal authority to make the driveway into a public or private access road; staff and commissioners discussed tightening the condition’s language so it is clear to council.