Billings council removes duplex incentive from draft land-use options

The Billings City Council voted in a special work session to remove from consideration a proposed housing incentive that would have made duplexes a permitted use in lots currently limited to single-family homes.

Staff presented a list of eight or nine incentive options tied to recent state requirements; council debate focused on whether Billings should claim credit for earlier code changes or adopt new allowances that could alter neighborhood character. Planning staff said the city has ‘‘already been following’’ several of the items and noted that some standards are limited to the EBird TIF district.

Council discussion turned to the duplex option (item A). Council member Aspen Leiter objected: “This this one for me is a hard no,” saying the change ‘‘creates density probably in areas where we don't want density, and it opens the door to a lot more conflict with neighbors and neighborhoods.’’ Other members, including Council member Nees, argued the city should ‘‘check the box’’ and claim credit for prior recode changes rather than add new policy.

Council member (speaker 3) moved to reconsider the prior recommendation and to not approve the duplex incentive; because this was a work session the motion did not require a formal second. After members expressed their positions, the assembly recorded a tally during the session and the motion passed. Staff announced the city would not allow duplexes as a permitted use where single-family dwellings remain the default under the current draft.

The council did not adopt any formal ordinance during the work session; staff will incorporate the direction into the next draft of the Billings 2045 materials and present any formal code amendments later in the process. The council also asked staff to document where recent code changes already align with state requirements for presentation to state reviewers in May.

Next steps: staff will reflect the council’s direction in the draft materials brought forward with the formal future land-use map and will include the council’s rationale for the state review.