FAQs

The UDC, or Unified Development Code, sets forth regulations around what kinds of development can occur in which areas through development standards, zoning districts, and subdivision rules. 

The ongoing project to update the UDC is an effort to implement the vision and goals established in Bozeman's guiding documents, such as the 2020 Community Plan, the Climate Action Plan, and strategic priorities like affordable housing. We are working to amend the development rules and regulations so that the built environment in Bozeman better reflects our Commission-adopted goals and desired outcomes.

The UDC doesn't control everything. Key aspects of UDC-based regulations include zoning (which regulates things like building height, shape and size, transitions, parking requirements, and land uses), the subdivision of land, the building permitting process, and certain aspects of the public realm, like new sidewalks. 

The UDC does not set City policy, nor does it control tax revenues or City expenditures. The UDC also does not regulate things in the Building Code (like fire safety standards and insulation requirements), transportation planning, or items governed by state and federal law (such as protected wetlands or certain utility standards). The UDC cannot force a person to sell or redevelop their property, and it cannot simply require a developer to build affordable housing (per Montana Code Annotated Sec. 76-2-302).

The Unified Development Code only applies within the limits of Bozeman and has no authority outside of the city limits. Bozeman occupies a smaller space than many expect. This map shows the City limits shaded in blue. Areas outside of Bozeman are regulated by Gallatin County or other municipalities. 

Yes. The current update project is targeted on specific focus areas. The City regularly updates the UDC as laws change, policies are revised, and plans are adopted.

The 2020 Community Plan was adopted by the City Commission and serves as the fundamental policy document guiding further growth and community development in Bozeman. It was adopted after a thorough public engagement process and meets the requirements of Section 76-1-601 of the Montana Code Annotated. The City has had five community plans dating back to 1958, the most recent previous one being the 2009 plan.

Zoning includes the regulations which govern the built form and the private use of land in Bozeman. These regulations utilize zoning districts which are drawn onto a zoning map. Each district has its own allocated physical and land use-related rules. Zoning authority is granted to cities and incorporated towns by the Montana Code Annotated, Sec. 76-2-301.

Yes. The City is currently developing water conservation regulations that will move forward to public review in early 2023. The City is also working on a Sensitive Lands Protection Plan for the broader Gallatin Valley with various public and private partners, and is nearing completion of the Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation master plan update (visit engage.bozeman.net/pratplan for more information). 

The building standards for each zoning district establish the minimum and maximum story height for both residential and commercial use.  For example, Sec. 38.220.020.B (page 2-21), B-1 Lot Standards shows a maximum story height of 4 stories. Subsection 4, Floor Height, lists the story height for residential and commercial activity. Adding these up shows that a 100% residential building maximum height would be 63’. 

Table 38.260.070-1 on page 2-95 lists all the required transitions. Transitions apply to side and rear lot lines, but are not required when the adjacent property has the same zoning as the lot to be developed. Transitions are also not required when there is a street between two different zoning districts. If an alley separates two zones requiring a transition, the transition will be reduced.  

Yes. Generally definitions and rules of interpretation will help explain terms used in the document. Wall plate is described in sec. 38.260.100.B on page 2-108. Story height is detailed in multiple locations including in each zoning district’s building standards and in sec. 38.260.130.A and B. 
 

If we understand the question correctly, relief would not be necessary. However, to accurately answer this question we may need more specifics. We believe this situation is when there is an easement greater than 20’ wide between the primary and/or secondary street that would push the building beyond the maximum setback line allowed by subsection 5 – Setbacks. The frontage would still apply and would not allow parking or drive aisle to be placed between the street and the building. 

Yes. The City and County actively coordinate development between the jurisdictions and provide comments on proposed development. 

There is no change in how the standards of the NCOD or historic districts are applied to an application.  These standards are renumbered from 38.340 in today's code to 38.240 in this draft.  

Starting this fall the City will undertake a project to evaluate and revise the historic preservation program and policies. This includes rewriting Division 38.240, revising the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, and creating a local landmark program.  

The City is undertaking possible changes to the Short-Term Rental (STR) regulations through a separate initiative this fall, as requested by City Commission. City staff and Commissioners will consider and harmonize the outcome of the two projects (STRs and UDC) where they overlap. Please stay tuned for upcoming public hearings on the STR amendments. As always, public comments on any topic may be sent to agenda@bozeman.net. 

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