FAQs

An Area plan is a more general planning document that applies the themes and objectives of the Bozeman Community Plan to a specific geographic area within the city’s growth boundary. The area plan will provide guidance on future land uses, transportation connections, infrastructure needs, parks and open space, and environmental considerations for that area.

The Gooch Hill Area Plan will guide how this area develops over time.

The area plan and the lift station engineering design are separate but related efforts.

The lift station is included in the City’s long-range Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) to support future growth. The area plan focuses on how land use and development should occur within the service area if and when infrastructure becomes available.

No. The area plan does not approve specific development projects.

Instead, it provides guidance for future development as property owners choose to develop and as infrastructure becomes available. Development would still require numerous separate applications, reviews, and approval through the City’s formal processes. Future development relies on the timing of necessary infrastructure.

Certain parameters are already established, including:

• The project boundary
• The requirement to comply with the Montana Land Use & Planning Act
• Required conformance with the Bozeman Community Plan and other adopted municipal plans
• Completion of the plan by the end of 2026

Land use details, transportation connections, parks, and other elements will be shaped through the planning and engagement process.

The Bozeman City Commission is the final decision-making body responsible for adopting the Gooch Hill Area Plan.

Before adoption, the draft plan will be reviewed by several advisory boards and presented at public meetings where community members may provide comment.

Public input will be documented and summarized throughout the process. Engagement results will help shape revisions to draft plan materials and will be presented to advisory boards and the City Commission prior to adoption.

The goal is to ensure the final plan reflects community values while aligning with adopted City plans and policies.

The area plan itself does not change property taxes. It is a planning document that provides guidance for future development. Any future infrastructure or development proposals would go through separate review and funding processes.

Project updates, meeting materials, and engagement opportunities will be posted on this Engage Bozeman page throughout the planning process.

You may also contact the project team listed above with questions.