Commissioners approve zone change for 547 Johnson Lane after residents raise drainage and traffic concerns

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners voted July 25 to approve a zone change at 547 Johnson Lane that rezones about 4 acres to general commercial (C-3) along Johnson Lane and roughly 9 acres to mixed residential (NX1) on the east side, after a public hearing in Lockwood.

The change, recommended unanimously by the Zoning Commission, was presented by county planning staff, who said the proposal aligns with the Lockwood growth policy and meets the county’s 11 review criteria for zone changes. Anna Vickers, the applicant’s agent with IMEG, told the board the commercial frontage is intended to align with existing nearby commercial development and that any traffic and drainage issues would be addressed later in subdivision and site-plan reviews.

Several nearby residents spoke at the hearing, raising concerns about chronic drainage and stormwater runoff onto Mauser Street and about increased traffic if the land is developed. "There's water that comes off that agricultural land that moves through that whole area, and now it floods the street instead of going into a ditch," said John Olsen, a nearby resident. Jacqueline Robinson described historic drainage routes that she said have been altered and reported recent local flooding.

One resident, Josh Harris, expressed categorical opposition to denser residential zoning, arguing it would change neighborhood character and lead to problems he associated with apartment development. His remarks were emotional and framed personal concerns about safety and quality of life.

County planning staff responded to the questions about runoff and traffic by noting that the subdivision and development process requires engineering designs so "the development of the land cannot add additional drainage to adjacent properties," and that traffic access and any required mitigation would be identified and addressed during subdivision review.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve Zone Change 719 with the Zoning Commission recommendations and adoption of findings based on the 11 review criteria; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The approval authorizes the zoning change only; future subdivision, site-plan and zoning-compliance permits will be required and may include conditions to manage stormwater and traffic stemming from development plans. The public hearing record remains open for some items that were continued to Aug. 8, when other zone-change matters will be heard by the full commission.