The City-County Planning Board on May 27 unanimously recommended preliminary plat approval for the Yukon Commercial Minor Subdivision, a 21.36-acre property proposed for division into three commercial-industrial lots and one stormwater lot near Frank Road and Jackrabbit Lane. Staff Planner Emily Martinez presented the application from Frank Road LLC, noting the property sits in a Flex Employment zone alongside the FedEx shipping facility and existing commercial corridor. No new infrastructure improvements are required, as water and sewer lines already border the site. The board found no adverse effects on wildlife, public health, or agricultural resources. Applicant representative Julian Martin of Alpine Surveying and Engineering noted the project "fits in perfectly with the surrounding area." No public comment was offered. Board members called the application straightforward and procedural. The recommendation now goes to Belgrade City Council.
The board also heard a digital billboard variance request from Art Outdoor Advertising, seeking to convert two billboard faces from static to digital displays along Interstate 90. The request followed an April 27 variance that approved relocating and redesigning the billboard while permitting a sign area of 378 square feet per face—far exceeding the 40-square-foot maximum for freestanding signs. Staff recommended denial, citing code violations and noting the applicant had not disclosed plans for digital conversion during the earlier hearing. Applicant Matt Clyde argued that a previous planning director had promised digital conversion would not require a variance, and emphasized that digital billboards carry a 2,000-foot spacing requirement compared to 500 feet for static signs. Gallatin County Deputy Sheriff Dan Maland spoke in support, describing the sign's potential utility for Amber Alerts and traffic advisories. After extended deliberation, the board voted to deny the variance, with members noting the application did not meet variance standards and citing the need to adhere to code requirements.