FAQs
What is the UDC?
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.
What can (and can't) the UDC regulate?
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).
Where does the UDC apply?
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.
Will there be future updates to the UDC?
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.
What is the Community Plan?
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.
What is Zoning?
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.
Are there other planning and regulatory updates underway?
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).
Sustainability
What is the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan?
The Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan is an ongoing planning effort in the Bozeman area which will create recommendations for new policy and programs, regulatory tools, funding sources, legislative initiatives, and partnerships related to wildlife and environmental protection throughout Gallatin Valley. This effort include multiple groups and jurisdictions, including the City of Bozeman, and is a separate process from the development code update.
To learn more about the Sensitive Lands Protection Plan, visit the project site here.
Maximum of 5 stories
First floor is 15 feet
Upper floor height of 15 feet
Maximum of 75 feet
Is there any location in Bozeman where R-MH is zoned/allowed?
Yes. The Residential Manufactured Home district (R-MH) is allowed anywhere that the Urban Neighborhood future land use designation applies. A large portion of the city allows the R-MH. Currently there is approximately 123 acres of land zoned R-MH.
Find a side-by-side comparison of existing and proposed zoning districts on the city website.
What keeps 4 stories from being super tall (like >>50ft in height?)
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’.
For any subdivisions, when/where is the cut-off for vesting to current vs new UDC codes?
The State says an application is “vested” when the review body (City of Bozeman) grants adequacy. Adequacy means the review body has all the necessary components and those components have sufficient information to determine that the details of the application meet all applicable City standards and rules. The determination of adequacy is made by all city departments the application may impact such as Engineering, Planning, Sustainability, Parks, Stormwater, Transportation, Forestry, Water Conservation, and others.
Although the schedule may change, we are expecting the new code to be adopted on December 19, 2023 and be in effect on January 18, 2024. Therefore, any subdivision granted adequacy before January 18, 2024 would be reviewed under the code we use today. Anything after that date would be reviewed under the new code.
Can you speak to when zoning transitions apply? Common lot lines? Alley?
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.
If a subdivision got approved for Preliminary Plat, and then UDC gets passed, then can the Final Plat be under NEW UDC, or vests back to City Code from Application Complete, for example?
“Vesting” is granted at the time of the City determining adequacy. State law dictates the review process and the local authority cannot require additional conditions of approval or change the requirements needed to gain final plat approval. Thus the final plat must follow the same version of code the preliminary plat did. However, there is a difference between subdivision and site development. If a subdivision is approved under the current code and a lot within the subdivision submits a Site Plan application after the adoption of the new code then the site must adhere to the standards of the new code.
You mention building heights etc., and I am seeing several different terms such as wall plate height, story height. Will these definitions be clarified?
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.
Example of the REMU District – 38.220.070.A60.B.4, excerpt of dimensional standards below. (page 2-31)
If a site has easements within the frontage area that prohibits the percentage of built frontage listed for in the District Standard, B-2 for example, can relief be provided or clarified in the final code?
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.
Do you have consulting provisions for those boundaries between city and county property?
Yes. The City and County actively coordinate development between the jurisdictions and provide comments on proposed development.
How will historic district standards and NCOD standards be applied even though increased density will be permitted in some residential districts?
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.
How are residential zoning districts being consolidated?
Find the side-by-side comparison of the current zoning districts and proposed zoning districts on the city website.
Current Zone(s) | Proposed zone |
R-1, R-2, R-3 | R-A |
R-4 | R-B |
R-5 | R-C |
Will Short Term Rental regulations change if residential zoning districts are changing?
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.
If we have more questions- who do we ask?
Please drop your questions in the "Questions?" board. Scroll down and click the "Questions?" tab next to the "Project Updates" tab on the left side of this page.