The city government of Billings, Montana, is moving to change zoning regulations in the city to discourage the proliferation of small casinos near residential areas.
City planners and staff have been working for several leaders to revamp zoning laws in a project they dubbed Project Re:Code. Besides discouraging casinos near residential zones, it also frowns on bars and tattoo parlors.
A finished draft was presented to the council in November. December 14, the council approved the first reading by a 9-1 vote.
Before the vote City Administrator Chris Kukulski told the council, “Our economic growth depends on our ability to retain and attract a skilled workforce,” something planners call a “built environment.”
He added, “Design and quality of neighborhoods and business districts help retain and attract citizens, investors and students. We’re in a competition for skilled and talented residents and college students.”
The new regulations won’t force existing casinos to close, but will make them non-conforming uses. They will not be able to expand or alter their footprints, which could lead them to eventually wither on the vine. In the event they are abandoned or destroyed by a fire or other event, they would have to relocate.
