Bozeman Landmark Program

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The Historic Preservation Program began in the early 1980's when a comprehensive historic architecture survey of the "historic portion" of the city was conducted. Surveying over 3,000 properties provided the foundation to nominate ten National Historic Districts in subsequent years, adopt historic preservation regulations, and create the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) in 1991. Since then, the current regulations in Section 38.340 of the Bozeman Municipal Code have been applied to new development and alterations within the historic districts or the NCOD via the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process. To learn more of the history about the program and the NCOD, check out the FAQS on the right of this page.

Our focus with the Bozeman Landmark Program centers on revising the existing preservation policy and crafting a local landmark program. This project will:

  • Evaluate Section 38.340 of the Unified Development Code - where all things historic preservation and standards for the NCOD reside;
  • Assess the review criteria and standards for certificate of appropriateness applications;
  • Reevaluate the NCOD - determine the effectiveness of the district and its boundary and how it relates to the historic preservation program as a whole since this project is looking at the entire city and not just the NCOD;
  • Create a Landmark Program and nomination process which can identify places of importance that may not be recognized as significant at the National level and can establish its own locally-specific standards and regulations. Learn more about landmark programs in the FAQ on the right.

This project is split up into two phases. The first phase focuses on research, data collection, and community engagement which will be developed into a policy recommendation document that will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Community Development Board, and the City Commission. The second phase will put the recommendations into action and develop the policy and amend code as needed.

This project page will serve as your go-to resource for updates on how to engage in person, virtually, or at your convenience. You can stay informed by subscribing to email updates specific to this project by subscribing on the right-hand side of this page. We appreciate your active participation and involvement in this important endeavor!

The Historic Preservation Program began in the early 1980's when a comprehensive historic architecture survey of the "historic portion" of the city was conducted. Surveying over 3,000 properties provided the foundation to nominate ten National Historic Districts in subsequent years, adopt historic preservation regulations, and create the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) in 1991. Since then, the current regulations in Section 38.340 of the Bozeman Municipal Code have been applied to new development and alterations within the historic districts or the NCOD via the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) process. To learn more of the history about the program and the NCOD, check out the FAQS on the right of this page.

Our focus with the Bozeman Landmark Program centers on revising the existing preservation policy and crafting a local landmark program. This project will:

  • Evaluate Section 38.340 of the Unified Development Code - where all things historic preservation and standards for the NCOD reside;
  • Assess the review criteria and standards for certificate of appropriateness applications;
  • Reevaluate the NCOD - determine the effectiveness of the district and its boundary and how it relates to the historic preservation program as a whole since this project is looking at the entire city and not just the NCOD;
  • Create a Landmark Program and nomination process which can identify places of importance that may not be recognized as significant at the National level and can establish its own locally-specific standards and regulations. Learn more about landmark programs in the FAQ on the right.

This project is split up into two phases. The first phase focuses on research, data collection, and community engagement which will be developed into a policy recommendation document that will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Community Development Board, and the City Commission. The second phase will put the recommendations into action and develop the policy and amend code as needed.

This project page will serve as your go-to resource for updates on how to engage in person, virtually, or at your convenience. You can stay informed by subscribing to email updates specific to this project by subscribing on the right-hand side of this page. We appreciate your active participation and involvement in this important endeavor!

  • Presentation on Overlay Districts

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    At the September meeting of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB), city staff presented an overview of the history of the city’s historic preservation program, the creation and purpose of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD), and a general introduction to overlay districts. This presentation was intended to prepare HPAB for the October work session with the consultant team as part of Phase 1 of the Bozeman Landmark Program.

    There has been significant discussion about the NCOD, its role in this project, and its future. Previous reports from 2015 and 2019 provided recommendations on the NCOD. This project includes evaluating the future of the NCOD and its relevance to the broader historic preservation efforts beyond its current boundaries.

    Bozeman has changed considerably since 1991, and the use of overlay districts has evolved alongside it. Understanding the origins of the NCOD and the role of overlay districts in historic preservation, neighborhood character, and community growth is essential as we progress with this project.

    What is an overlay district?

    A land management tool that allows communities to tailor development regulations to specific areas based on local priorities. These districts often address concerns like historic preservation, environmental protection, contextual development, corridor design, amongst many others, and provide a more nuanced approach to zoning compared to traditional, uniform regulations. The specifics of an overlay district are detailed in zoning codes and can vary depending on the district's goals.

    How does an overlay district differ from a historic district?

    Bozeman's historic districts are part of the National Register of Historic Places, a federal program that recognizes sites of historic significance. This designation is voluntary and does not restrict changes or demolitions unless a local preservation program imposes such restrictions. In Bozeman, both overlay districts and historic districts exist, serving different purposes and functions.

    How is Bozeman's NCOD enforced?

    Bozeman's NCOD is enforced under section 38.340 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. Any changes, new construction, or demolitions within the NCOD require a certificate of appropriateness application. Part of this project involves making amendments to section 38.340 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. These amendments will be based on the outcomes of Phase 1, which includes community engagement, advisory board work sessions, and direction from the City Commission.

    How are overlay districts created?

    Creating an overlay district involves a zone map amendment to establish a boundary and specific regulations for that area. The City Commission ultimately adopts the overlay district.

    For additional information about overlay districts and various models, you can watch the HPAB meeting video.

    At the September meeting of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB), city staff presented an overview of the history of the city’s historic preservation program, the creation and purpose of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD), and a general introduction to overlay districts. This presentation was intended to prepare HPAB for the October work session with the consultant team as part of Phase 1 of the Bozeman Landmark Program.

    There has been significant discussion about the NCOD, its role in this project, and its future. Previous reports from 2015 and 2019 provided recommendations on the NCOD. This project includes evaluating the future of the NCOD and its relevance to the broader historic preservation efforts beyond its current boundaries.

    Bozeman has changed considerably since 1991, and the use of overlay districts has evolved alongside it. Understanding the origins of the NCOD and the role of overlay districts in historic preservation, neighborhood character, and community growth is essential as we progress with this project.

    What is an overlay district?

    A land management tool that allows communities to tailor development regulations to specific areas based on local priorities. These districts often address concerns like historic preservation, environmental protection, contextual development, corridor design, amongst many others, and provide a more nuanced approach to zoning compared to traditional, uniform regulations. The specifics of an overlay district are detailed in zoning codes and can vary depending on the district's goals.

    How does an overlay district differ from a historic district?

    Bozeman's historic districts are part of the National Register of Historic Places, a federal program that recognizes sites of historic significance. This designation is voluntary and does not restrict changes or demolitions unless a local preservation program imposes such restrictions. In Bozeman, both overlay districts and historic districts exist, serving different purposes and functions.

    How is Bozeman's NCOD enforced?

    Bozeman's NCOD is enforced under section 38.340 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. Any changes, new construction, or demolitions within the NCOD require a certificate of appropriateness application. Part of this project involves making amendments to section 38.340 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. These amendments will be based on the outcomes of Phase 1, which includes community engagement, advisory board work sessions, and direction from the City Commission.

    How are overlay districts created?

    Creating an overlay district involves a zone map amendment to establish a boundary and specific regulations for that area. The City Commission ultimately adopts the overlay district.

    For additional information about overlay districts and various models, you can watch the HPAB meeting video.

  • SURVEY CLOSES THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15!

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    What a couple of months of community engagement we have had! We truly appreciate everyone who has participated. Just a reminder, the survey closes on Sunday, September 15. The more data and input we have, the better. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

    What a couple of months of community engagement we have had! We truly appreciate everyone who has participated. Just a reminder, the survey closes on Sunday, September 15. The more data and input we have, the better. Please take a moment to fill out the survey. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

  • Come see us at our final in person engagement event

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    We're wrapping up our community engagement to gather initial feedback on the historic preservation program. Join us for our final in-person event at the Lindley Park Farmers Market on Tuesday, September 3, from 5-8 PM. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

    And don't forget, the survey is open until September 15. We have received over 200 responses so far so thanks to everyone who has taken it. Your input it extremely valuable for the future of this project. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

    We're wrapping up our community engagement to gather initial feedback on the historic preservation program. Join us for our final in-person event at the Lindley Park Farmers Market on Tuesday, September 3, from 5-8 PM. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

    And don't forget, the survey is open until September 15. We have received over 200 responses so far so thanks to everyone who has taken it. Your input it extremely valuable for the future of this project. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

  • Lunch on the Lawn

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    City staff will be at Lunch on the Lawn at the Emerson again tomorrow, Wednesday, July 31 from 11:30am-1:30pm to talk about the project. Come listen to some local music, get some delicious food, and come chat with us about the project. Hope to see you there!

    We hope to be around town throughout August so be on the lookout for more events!

    City staff will be at Lunch on the Lawn at the Emerson again tomorrow, Wednesday, July 31 from 11:30am-1:30pm to talk about the project. Come listen to some local music, get some delicious food, and come chat with us about the project. Hope to see you there!

    We hope to be around town throughout August so be on the lookout for more events!

  • Why Preserve Presentation Video

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    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Back in May, the Historic Preservation Advisory Board took part in historic preservation board training from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC). The Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP) brought three qualified preservation professionals to lead an all day training on different topics related to historic preservation such as preservation planning, identifying historic resources, and why historic preservation is important.

    As part of this training, NAPC has granted us access to the "Why Preserve" presentation hosted by Adrian Scott Fine. This recording is available until September 30 and is about an hour long. You can view the presentation here.

    Back in May, the Historic Preservation Advisory Board took part in historic preservation board training from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC). The Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP) brought three qualified preservation professionals to lead an all day training on different topics related to historic preservation such as preservation planning, identifying historic resources, and why historic preservation is important.

    As part of this training, NAPC has granted us access to the "Why Preserve" presentation hosted by Adrian Scott Fine. This recording is available until September 30 and is about an hour long. You can view the presentation here.

  • We appreciate your input so far! Please take our survey

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    Wow! What a week of engagement! Thank you all who came out to one of our community engagement events this past week. We had some wonderful conversations and loved listening to your stories. The engagement doesn't stop here though. If Bozeman's culture, heritage, and history is important to you and you have 5-10 minutes between now and when the survey closes on September 15, we would really appreciate hearing from you! The survey available in English and Spanish.

    We hope to solidify a few more engagement events in August and will post them on this page. However, don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We are working on having a couple of more engagement events in August and will post them on here once they are solidified.

    Take a look at some of the photos from our events!


    Wow! What a week of engagement! Thank you all who came out to one of our community engagement events this past week. We had some wonderful conversations and loved listening to your stories. The engagement doesn't stop here though. If Bozeman's culture, heritage, and history is important to you and you have 5-10 minutes between now and when the survey closes on September 15, we would really appreciate hearing from you! The survey available in English and Spanish.

    We hope to solidify a few more engagement events in August and will post them on this page. However, don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We are working on having a couple of more engagement events in August and will post them on here once they are solidified.

    Take a look at some of the photos from our events!


  • Community engagement events kick off this week!

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    Community engagement kicks off this week. We have a selection of different ways to participate between this week and next week. Take a look at the key dates on the right for more details. We hope to see you at one of them.

    Also, remember to take our survey! Your input is very valuable. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

    The survey is open until September 15. If you have any questions or issues with it, please reach out to Sarah Rosenberg at srosenberg@bozeman.net

    Community engagement kicks off this week. We have a selection of different ways to participate between this week and next week. Take a look at the key dates on the right for more details. We hope to see you at one of them.

    Also, remember to take our survey! Your input is very valuable. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

    The survey is open until September 15. If you have any questions or issues with it, please reach out to Sarah Rosenberg at srosenberg@bozeman.net

  • Project Survey is live!

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    The project survey is live! We want to hear from residents and the community on what historic preservation means to them. This information will help shape the program as the project moves forward. Responses are confidential and the survey is available in English and Spanish. Survey is open until September 15.

    https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

    The project survey is live! We want to hear from residents and the community on what historic preservation means to them. This information will help shape the program as the project moves forward. Responses are confidential and the survey is available in English and Spanish. Survey is open until September 15.

    https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3409cb6ecc14dccb2e7c426786ee1af

  • July Engagement Opportunities!

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    We are kicking off community engagement for this project in July! Your input is important as it will help shape how the historic preservation program moves forward. Keep an eye out for the following events and engagement opportunities. See the key dates on the right for specific details for the events.

    Thursday, July 11 - Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting

    Wednesday, July 17 - Open House

    • Time: 6-8PM
    • Location: Bozeman Fire Station 3 Community Room, 1705 Vaquero Way

    Thursday, July 18 - Open House

    • Time: 6-8PM
    • Location: Beall Park, 415 N. Black Avenue

    Friday, July 19 - Summer Crazy Days

    • Time: 4-7PM
    • Location: Ellen Theater, 17 W. Main Street

    Saturday, July 20 - Gallatin Valley Farmers Market

    • Time: 9AM-12PM
    • Location: Story Mansion, 811 S. Willson

    Saturday, July 20 - Make Your Own Historic Marker

    Join us to create your own storytelling sign and historic marker. Open to all ages!

    • Time: 12PM-4PM
    • Location: Bozeman Library, 626 E. Main Street

    Tuesday, July 23 - Bozeman Farmers Market

    • Time: 5-8PM
    • Location: Lindley Park, East Main Street

    Wednesday, July 24 - Lunch on the Lawn

    • Time: 11:30am-1:30PM
    • Location: Emerson Lawn, 111 S. Grand Street

    We are kicking off community engagement for this project in July! Your input is important as it will help shape how the historic preservation program moves forward. Keep an eye out for the following events and engagement opportunities. See the key dates on the right for specific details for the events.

    Thursday, July 11 - Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting

    Wednesday, July 17 - Open House

    • Time: 6-8PM
    • Location: Bozeman Fire Station 3 Community Room, 1705 Vaquero Way

    Thursday, July 18 - Open House

    • Time: 6-8PM
    • Location: Beall Park, 415 N. Black Avenue

    Friday, July 19 - Summer Crazy Days

    • Time: 4-7PM
    • Location: Ellen Theater, 17 W. Main Street

    Saturday, July 20 - Gallatin Valley Farmers Market

    • Time: 9AM-12PM
    • Location: Story Mansion, 811 S. Willson

    Saturday, July 20 - Make Your Own Historic Marker

    Join us to create your own storytelling sign and historic marker. Open to all ages!

    • Time: 12PM-4PM
    • Location: Bozeman Library, 626 E. Main Street

    Tuesday, July 23 - Bozeman Farmers Market

    • Time: 5-8PM
    • Location: Lindley Park, East Main Street

    Wednesday, July 24 - Lunch on the Lawn

    • Time: 11:30am-1:30PM
    • Location: Emerson Lawn, 111 S. Grand Street

  • Consultant Visit and Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting

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    We're eagerly looking forward to the commencement of this project. The Community Planning Collaborative team is scheduled to visit Bozeman from November 14 to November 16. In addition to providing them with a comprehensive tour of our delightful community, they will also participate in a meeting with the Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Wednesday, November 15, at 6:00pm. The meeting will take place in the City Commission chambers at City Hall. We extend a warm invitation to the public to attend this meeting and gain deeper insights into the project's scope.

    We're eagerly looking forward to the commencement of this project. The Community Planning Collaborative team is scheduled to visit Bozeman from November 14 to November 16. In addition to providing them with a comprehensive tour of our delightful community, they will also participate in a meeting with the Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Wednesday, November 15, at 6:00pm. The meeting will take place in the City Commission chambers at City Hall. We extend a warm invitation to the public to attend this meeting and gain deeper insights into the project's scope.

Page last updated: 03 Apr 2026, 09:48 AM