Commissioners hold hearing on Yellowstone County junk-vehicle lot at 3324 King Ave. E.; no public comment

The Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners on June 26 held a public hearing on a land-use-contrary-to-zoning application for 3324 King Ave. East, a 9.1-acre county-owned parcel proposed for use as a county junk-vehicle lot.

Tate, a county planning staff member, told commissioners the site is “currently zoned public to public civic and institutions” and described surrounding zoning and uses, including county shops to the north and heavy commercial across I‑90 to the south. Tate said Mike Chino is the agent for the application and displayed aerial and ground photos of the parcel and adjacent properties.

Tate said the purpose of the hearing was “to gather comment on the proposed land use contrary to zoning” and noted that “it is a state law that allows public agencies to use public land contrary to zoning.” Chairman opened the hearing for public comment; no members of the public spoke. The chairman closed the hearing and noted that because the application is a use by a public agency the commission “doesn’t have to take a vote on this. So, it is approved just by holding the public hearing.”

The planning presentation included maps showing nearby residential zoning (large-lot suburban and rural residential), an adjacent paved highway (I‑90) and a shop building partially cut out from the 9.1-acre parcel. County staff did not propose conditions at the hearing; commissioners did not adopt a resolution or ordinance as part of the hearing.

The county did not receive written objections during the hearing and no formal vote was recorded in the meeting minutes; the record shows the hearing was opened, public comment was invited and none was offered, and the hearing was closed per state law procedures for public agencies using public land contrary to zoning.