Commission approves Amsterdam Business Park preliminary plat with reduced ditch setback and trail right‑of‑way

The Gallatin County Commission approved the preliminary plat for the Amsterdam Business Park on July 29, 2025, subject to staff and planning‑board recommended conditions and three specific modifications requested during the hearing.

Hayden College, City of Belgrade planner, and applicant representatives described the 18‑lot commercial subdivision and the infrastructure approach, which includes a utility lot with a public well, an approximately 180,000‑gallon storage pond and pressurized hydrants, and internal streets meeting county standards. Applicant Garrett Schultz said public wastewater connections were not feasible and the plan relies on multi‑user drainfields and a 10 acre‑foot exempt well for potable and limited irrigation needs.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about fire protection (Central Valley Fire District’s review at building‑permit stage), the status of annexation discussions with Belgrade, and a ditch setback (condition 26). The applicant said the referenced ditch has been largely filled and provided letters from downstream users supporting a reduced setback; staff recommended adjusting the setback rather than eliminating it.

Public comment included concerns about Central Valley Fire District capacity and EMS response from an online caller. After deliberation, a commissioner moved to approve the preliminary plat with three modifications: change the 50‑foot non‑interference ditch setback to 10 feet; require a 15‑foot right‑of‑way on the south side of Amsterdam Road for a future trail; and add a 1‑foot no‑access strip on Amsterdam Road. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Staff will incorporate the revised conditions into the final conditions of approval and prepare the language for recording.