Preapplication for Ruby View Subdivision considered

The Madison County Planning Board reviewed a preapplication for the Ruby View Subdivision in Sheridan.

This subdivision was first brought up in the March meeting during discussion regarding the Sheridan Growth Policy, primarily in the sense that the board was not considering this subdivision when reviewing the Policy as the planning office had only just received the preapplication before the Policy discussion.

This subdivision would contain 45 lots on an 18.59-acre property between Water and Poppleton Streets. Park space and an open space plot are anticipated as part of the development, and it would be served by existing water and sewer systems.

With the considerable number of lots, conducting a full traffic impact study was brought up by Alex Hogle, planning director, to the applicants. Additionally, a will-serve letter was identified as a way to certify water and sewer capacity for these additional units. Three different types of water rights exist on the property, which would also need to be sorted out before next steps are taken.

The board and applicants had a conversation about the parkland space, Hogle noting that the location of the parkland in the development might be awkward for residents to access if not living immediately adjacent to the lot. There was also concern about maintenence by the Town of Sheridan of a new parkland space.

Board member April Gerth suggested using in lieu money for the park space—calculating how much money the land is worth and designating that to the Town for park upkeep, rather than adding another space in need of money and time. Sheridan Mayor Bob Stump was keen on the idea.

“I would love that. We would love that,” Stump said.

Preapplications are not binding components of subdivision review. Board members brought up the fact that it is nice to have preliminary decisions and sort through different issues before a preliminary plat is embarked upon.

The board also heard two public hearings for different subdivisions, both owned by the Yellowstone Club (YC).

Big Spring Village Phase II was a preliminary plat proposal that contains 50 units of residential condos in 15.43 acres, along with four multi-family lots in 1.84 acres. It would be served by existing roads and water and sewer systems. The split development is due to the smaller lot containing a potentially new fire station for the YC, providing more centralized access and equal response time through the Club.

The board brought up concern about wildlife and were told a new wildlife report was being worked on for the area. Consolidated density is the goal for keeping impacts to wildlife low in this second part of the Big Springs Village Overall Development Plan (ODP) and Planned Unit Development (PUD).

The board approved the findings of fact and recommended approval of the standard and project specific conditions for Big Springs Village Phase II.

Pioneer Point Subdivision Phase II, a first minor subdivision also located in the YC, contains two duplex condo buildings in 4.41 acres. This is a continuation of the first part of Pioneer Point Subdivision and existing infrastructure will be utilized.

The board approved the findings of fact and recommend approval of the conditions for Pioneer Point Subdivision Phase II.

Before the regular meeting at 6 p.m., the board reviewed the first batch of subdivision regulation updates provided by the Subdivision Regulations Review Committee. The board approved the updates and will present batch two at a later meeting.

Before presentation to the Madison County Board of Commissioners, the batches will be up for a public hearing. Different updates from this legislative season will come into play as the committee reviews batch two, including requirements for developers and applicants when submitting applications.