The 15.62 acre property is located at the south west end of the existing Mountain Shadow Drive.  This Preliminary Plat includes the second phase of residential development in the Copper Ridge Estates Subdivision.  Currently there are 78 platted residential lots in the first phase of development. This phase of the subdivision will extend Mountain Shadow Drive an approximate distance of .3 miles.  The right-of-way is 2.28 acres in size.   

The property is currently zoned R-S, Suburban Residential District.  The proposed lots do not meet the minimum size requirements for an R-S District.  As part of the approval process the developer will propose a zoning map amendment from R-S, Suburban Residential District to R-1, Single Family Residential District in the future. The rezoning shall be completed prior to the City Council acting on the Final Plat for this land area. Minimum lot size in the R-1, Single Family District is 6,000 s.f. The average lot size of the proposed subdivision is .45 acres (19,754 s.f.).  All proposed lots meet the minimum width of 50 feet.  There are four (4) drainage tracts proposed. Tract A, Block 3, Tract B, Block 5, Tract C, Block 6 and Tract D, Block 8.  In total this amounts to 2.91 acres of drainage which will be dedicated to the City of Gillette. The overall proposed street network meets the required connectivity index as required in the Subdivision Regulations.

Water, sewer, storm drainage, electrical, street, and sidewalk utilities will be required to be extended as part of the Final Plat submittal process.

The Parks and Beautification Board recommended the Developer pay a fee-in-lieu of any parkland dedication.  The Parks and Pathways Master Plan does not indicate the need for additional parkland in this area.  The interconnectivity of streets, sidewalks and pathways, provide residence with access to the Westover Park which, in total is over 6 acres in size.  The Subdivision Regulations require a $350 per lot fee be assessed when parkland area is not required as part of the Parks and Pathways Master Plan.  For the proposed 23 residential lots, this fee amounts to $8,050 which will be required to be paid prior to obtaining a Permit to Construct.  These monies are collected and deposited in an account for the construction of larger regional parks which serve a greater population.  Furthermore, this reduces the number of small “pocket parks” located throughout the City, which increase cost for upkeep and maintenance.

This case was approved by the Planning Commission during their May 26, 2020, meeting with a vote of 4/0.