The Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners voted July 22 to approve County Zone Change 729, rezoning 2602 Rockwood Street from RR3 (Rural Residential 3) to N2 (mid‑density neighborhood residential). The hearing drew sustained public comment from nearby residents who said the N2 classification would allow duplexes, increase traffic, and strain public services.

Tate, City‑County Planning staff, described the request as a change from rural residential to a district that "supports single and 2 family residential development, and provides a predictable transition between the existing zones." Tate said the zoning commission recommended approval under the 11 zone‑change criteria and that the N2 district supports housing choices and compatible infill with surrounding residential areas.

Multiple neighbors raised concerns at the public hearing. Heather Lumen said she opposed the N2 classification because it "allows two‑family homes" and argued the parcel should be N3 or N4 to match adjacent lots. She and others raised traffic and public‑safety concerns tied to Clayton Street, which residents said functions as an easement rather than a full public street. Jay Erickson and Justin Logan echoed objections about density and property‑value impacts; Logan noted he did not oppose development but opposed N2 specifically because it permits duplexes.

Greg Reed, agent for the applicant, provided a conceptual subdivision exhibit showing a possible street connection and said layout, traffic and stormwater will be evaluated during the subdivision review. Planning staff repeatedly told the room that many issues raised by residents — traffic studies, exact lot layouts, connections and needed hydrants — are evaluated during the later subdivision process, not during the zone‑change decision.

Anna, planning staff, clarified procedural questions during the hearing: the quorum rules cited by residents applied to the Board of Adjustments, not to the zoning commission, and historically the county evaluates compatibility as residential‑to‑residential when comparing N2 to adjacent residential zoning. After the public hearing and staff responses, a commissioner moved to approve County Zone Change 729; the motion was seconded and the board voted "aye."

Commissioners and staff told residents they should raise technical concerns again at the subdivision phase, when traffic studies, hydrant placement, lot counts and street connections will be required and reviewed.