During the recent City Commission meeting in Livingston, Montana, significant discussions centered around a proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a 20-acre parcel currently zoned as R-2. The property, owned by Northtown Subdivision LLC, is situated adjacent to existing single-family residential subdivisions. This proposal marks the developer's first venture into PUD zoning, which aims to create a mixed-use community featuring 240 residential units, including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, alongside approximately 12,850 square feet of commercial space on the first floor.

The intent behind the PUD is to promote efficient land use and enhance public services. City staff indicated that the proposal aligns with six out of seven objectives outlined in the zoning application, although it does not directly provide affordable workforce housing. However, the introduction of 240 rental units is expected to influence market rental rates positively, potentially leading to lower prices.

A notable aspect of the proposal is the commitment to public benefits, with the developer planning to allocate over 63% of the PUD area to open space, significantly exceeding the required 20%. This includes one acre designated for maintained park space and additional passive open areas. In exchange for these benefits, the developer seeks to increase building height to a maximum of 40 feet, which is six feet above the standard limit for the R-2 district. Importantly, the proposed development will yield fewer residential units than what could be achieved under the existing zoning regulations, suggesting a more measured approach to density.

The meeting also addressed conditions associated with the PUD, with a total of 12 conditions now proposed, some of which were revised from previous discussions. The city staff expressed readiness to answer questions and provide further clarification on the proposal's alignment with the community's housing action plan and broader policy objectives.

As the city moves forward with this proposal, the implications for housing availability and community development in Livingston will be closely monitored, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about affordable housing and urban planning strategies.