Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves variance to allow small-scale commercial tenants at 2904 Silver Bow Blvd
Summary
The Butte-Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment approved Variance 26-2 for 2904 Silver Bow Boulevard, allowing a pre-existing 1964 commercial building in an R-4 zone to house small-scale commercial tenants under conditions including hours limits, screening, lighting and permitting requirements.
The Butte-Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment on Feb. 19 approved Variance 26-2 for 2904 Silver Bow Boulevard, allowing greater flexibility for commercial tenants in a building located in an R-4 residential zoning district.
Staff analyst Aidan told the board the single-story building was constructed in 1964 and has been used for commercial purposes—including a mechanic shop and most recently an overhead garage door company—despite the R-4 zoning. Aidan said the property predates the applicable zoning rules and that strict enforcement would create an unnecessary hardship. "Our recommendation, approve the variance application based on written findings of facts as described in the staff report with appropriate conditions," Aidan said.
Why it matters: The decision formalizes a path for small-scale, non‑nuisance commercial uses to continue at the site without the applicant needing board approval for every change of tenant. Staff emphasized conditions intended to protect neighboring residences: business hours limited to 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; screening for outdoor storage and dumpsters; lighting consistent with residential standards; no uses that generate excessive noise, dust or odor; required building and business permits; and restriped parking to clarify customer spaces.
Applicant concerns and staff response: The applicant (Double J Properties LLC, represented in the application by Josh Janie) told the board the restriping requirement raised a concern because nearby residents occasionally use the lot. The applicant said he was otherwise "good with everything." Director Crane and staff said the parking/striping requirement is designed to reduce neighborhood nuisance and that licensing procedures could be used to address trespass; staff indicated they could work with the applicant through the licensing and permitting process to refine parking solutions.
Board action: After a public hearing with no public testimony for or against the variance, the board moved and seconded approval; the chair announced that all votes were in favor. Staff said the applicant should receive formal notice from planning staff.
What comes next: The approval is subject to the conditions described by staff; the applicant must obtain required permits and comply with building code and licensing before operating new businesses at the address.
