Great Falls council advances multiple zoning map and text amendments affecting R‑1, R‑2 and R‑3 districts

At multiple meetings in 2000 the Great Falls Town Council considered and approved a series of zoning map amendments and related text changes to the town's zoning ordinance. Zoning Administrator Karlisa Sloan presented recommended amendments that the Planning and Zoning Board had approved at its public hearing, and Council gave first and second readings to several amendments over summer and fall sessions.

The changes included map amendments (GF‑00‑0027 through GF‑00‑0034) that reclassify parcels on and around Washington Street and Pinecrest Avenue from commercial or D‑1 designations to residential R‑1 and R‑3 districts, and text amendments such as GF T00‑0002 (Section 46‑228) clarifying conditions under which manufactured/mobile homes are permitted on individual lots. The text amendment specifies foundation, underpinning, tie‑down, parking and siding/roofing standards and requires owner certification that units meet HUD standards.

Councilman Stevenson and other members described the amendments as aligning permitted uses with residential development goals and allowing specific conditional uses (e.g., mobile homes in R‑3 with conditions). Council recorded unanimous votes on first and second readings for most items.

The Council indicated these changes are intended to manage residential growth, clarify mobile home standards and guide development near downtown corridors. The amendments proceed through statutory readings before becoming ordinance; the Council recorded motions and approvals at both first and second readings throughout September and October.