Building our Future Together - Development Code Update
Click here to view the draft code document
Click here to view the proposed zoning map
If you missed the chance to attend an Open House, check out the slides and recording from the virtual Open House on August 28th. The slides from the September 11th Community Development board are available as well.
This project is all about implementing the vision and goals established in our city’s guiding documents such as the 2020 Community Plan (aka Growth Policy), the Climate Plan, and strategic priorities like affordable housing.
These broad visions, goals, and priorities are implemented through the Unified Development Code or “UDC” or “the code.” The UDC sets forth regulations around what kinds of development can occur in which areas through development standards and zoning districts.
The goal for this engagement effort is to consult the community on how to improve usability of the UDC and how the regulations in the UDC can help us accommodate growth while meeting community goals in our Community Plan, Climate Plan and others.
Throughout the project residents, developers, builders, and the community at large will be consulted on specific topics relevant to how different people interact with the code. Specific focus areas will be:
Formatting, organization of the UDC
Zoning Districts
Sustainability
Parking
Transportation
This project page will be the place to go for updates on how to engage in person, virtually, or on your own time. You can subscribe to email updates specific to this project by clicking “Follow Project” on the right hand side of this page. We're glad you're here!
Click here to view the draft code document
Click here to view the proposed zoning map
If you missed the chance to attend an Open House, check out the slides and recording from the virtual Open House on August 28th. The slides from the September 11th Community Development board are available as well.
This project is all about implementing the vision and goals established in our city’s guiding documents such as the 2020 Community Plan (aka Growth Policy), the Climate Plan, and strategic priorities like affordable housing.
These broad visions, goals, and priorities are implemented through the Unified Development Code or “UDC” or “the code.” The UDC sets forth regulations around what kinds of development can occur in which areas through development standards and zoning districts.
The goal for this engagement effort is to consult the community on how to improve usability of the UDC and how the regulations in the UDC can help us accommodate growth while meeting community goals in our Community Plan, Climate Plan and others.
Throughout the project residents, developers, builders, and the community at large will be consulted on specific topics relevant to how different people interact with the code. Specific focus areas will be:
Formatting, organization of the UDC
Zoning Districts
Sustainability
Parking
Transportation
This project page will be the place to go for updates on how to engage in person, virtually, or on your own time. You can subscribe to email updates specific to this project by clicking “Follow Project” on the right hand side of this page. We're glad you're here!
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October 2024 Update
Share October 2024 Update on Facebook Share October 2024 Update on Twitter Share October 2024 Update on Linkedin Email October 2024 Update linkIn October 2023, the Commission gave residents more time to share their thoughts and learn about the Unified Development Code (UDC) update. The feedback from the community helped shape a revised plan for engagement and the project’s timeline. The Commission is set to keep working on the UDC, with the schedule below showing the steps they’ll take to offer more chances for public input this fall and winter, and to create a final draft for possible approval next year.
There are state-required deadlines and rules that the city has to follow. The city will meet these standards through two projects. The "GP Transition" project will focus on updating the long-term land use plan to comply with new state rules and will start in late winter 2024. The UDC project covers standards for new development and the process for changing regulations. This project started in July 2022 but was paused late last year and will restart in October 2024 with more chances for the public to get involved.
Several state-required rules have raised concerns based on the feedback we’ve received. You can review the current UDC draft on Engage Bozeman. Public input will guide revisions before the code is finalized. Our goal is to blend state-required updates with the goals of our Community Plan in one project. Many elements of the UDC exist today with no change proposed. However, there are several standards that are of particular concern, and we look forward to working with as many members of the community as possible to complete the project. As shown on the graphic, the city must complete transition of the growth policy and adoption of state law compliant regulations (in the UDC) by May 17, 2026.
UDC Draft ScheduleFall 2024 - Winter 2024: Engagement
Winter 2024 - Spring 2025: Drafting and Final Draft
Summer 2025: Hearings & Adoption
Fall 2025 - Winter 2025: Implementation
Winter 2025 - Spring 2026: Legislation Follow-up
MLUPA (382) May 17, 2026 Deadline
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Engagement Update
Share Engagement Update on Facebook Share Engagement Update on Twitter Share Engagement Update on Linkedin Email Engagement Update linkThank you for your continued engagement on this project and to those who attended last week’s commission meeting. We have received lots of public comment on how you want to engage with this project, and we are updating the Community Engagement Plan to reflect those insights and what we heard from the Commission. Some things that we heard were to expand our partners list and to create an engagement toolkit that community members can use to lead conversations around this project.
You can review the draft engagement plan, posted in the Code Documents section. The plan will be presented to City Commission for adoption on Tuesday, October 1. Join us at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. or email your comments to comments@bozeman.net.
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Restart this September
Share Restart this September on Facebook Share Restart this September on Twitter Share Restart this September on Linkedin Email Restart this September linkWe’re now ready for a restart! Thanks for your patience throughout this time. The City will be discussing timing, the future scope of this project, and what the next engagement effort might look like at the Sept. 17 Commission meeting, held at 5 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting will not involve a public hearing or substantive code discussion and is intended only as the first step in “part two” of this project. All are encouraged to come out and have your voice heard on how the UDC moves forward.
The public can expect numerous opportunities to participate in a variety of ways over the coming months. We’ll provide an update on what the upcoming engagement looks like once we have more guidance from the work session.
Thanks to all who have given input on this project – we hope you continue to do so and help us engage with other members of the public as well. This project is made better with each person who gets involved.
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Survey Results
Share Survey Results on Facebook Share Survey Results on Twitter Share Survey Results on Linkedin Email Survey Results linkSurvey results are IN! Please see the links below for all responses in graph format and Excel. The Excel sheet also contains individual written responses to the questions asked about other ideas for reaching people (tab named 'Open Response (comms)'), other ideas for gathering input (titled 'Open Response (eng)'), and other times people can meet (titled 'Open Response (meet)').
The engagement plan is still being formed and we hope to share more information on that soon. For now, thank you for participating and giving so many great ideas on how to reach people. This has been truly helpful in generating new ideas and understanding what options work for people.
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New FAQs + survey reminder!
Share New FAQs + survey reminder! on Facebook Share New FAQs + survey reminder! on Twitter Share New FAQs + survey reminder! on Linkedin Email New FAQs + survey reminder! linkWe've compiled several new FAQs as questions continue to roll in from members of the public. Find the answers to the questions below in the FAQs section on this page.
- What other code updates are in process or being planned for the future?
- Since the UDC project was delayed in the fall, what is the anticipated timeline for the review and adoption of the new code?
- Is the City going to start over on the UDC rewrite, or continue with the current draft of the code?
- Why doesn’t the UDC include provisions to require affordable housing in new developments?
- How will the new code regulate fraternities and sororities?
We've also received over 700 survey responses so far! Can you help us get to 1000?
Please share this email with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues about preferences on communications and engagement approaches for additional engagement on the UDC project. The last day to complete the survey will be Sunday, January 14th.
Please take 5 minutes and complete the survey today!
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Engagement survey is live!
Share Engagement survey is live! on Facebook Share Engagement survey is live! on Twitter Share Engagement survey is live! on Linkedin Email Engagement survey is live! linkThe next step of this project is to gather additional feedback from residents on the draft code. Before we develop the plan on how we'll gather input and start doing outreach, we want to know from you - what are YOUR preferences for communication channels and engagement techniques? Please help us shape how we implement this next communication and engagement effort and fill out the survey! It will remain open through the holidays and close on January 14th. Paper copies will be available for anyone to pick up and return to:
- City Hall on the front desk across from the Finance Office at 121 N. Rouse Ave.
- Community Development front counter on the second floor of the Alfred Stiff Professional Building at 20 E. Olive St.
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What's next in engagement?
Share What's next in engagement? on Facebook Share What's next in engagement? on Twitter Share What's next in engagement? on Linkedin Email What's next in engagement? linkNow that you all have heard the news about the UDC hearing process being delayed, what’s next? While much of this is still to be determined, we can say a few things with certainty:
- This isn’t a restart of the project. We have received lots of great feedback so far from the community to develop the draft code. We will continue to work with this draft and want to hear additional feedback on it from those who may not have had a chance to engage. We will use all of this information in editing the working draft and hope to present an updated draft ahead of the new hearing process. That means you won’t see revisions/an updated draft until after engagement occurs.
- We want your thoughts on how to design our engagement process. In November, we will launch a survey to collect your preferences for how we gather your input and communicate with you. We’ll list a number of achievable options and whichever techniques float to the top will be implemented, so please be sure to weigh in if this is of interest to you!
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Engagement won’t occur until the new year. Before the holidays, we will use results from the engagement and communication preferences survey to create an engagement plan. We want to make sure people have adequate notice and opportunities to participate, so we won’t start any activities until after the first of the year.
Thanks for your patience as we develop the next steps. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and hope we can design a process that our community feels good about. And as always, reach out if you have any questions or concerns!
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Community Development Board Meeting CANCELLED
Share Community Development Board Meeting CANCELLED on Facebook Share Community Development Board Meeting CANCELLED on Twitter Share Community Development Board Meeting CANCELLED on Linkedin Email Community Development Board Meeting CANCELLED linkThe Oct. 30 Community Development Board meeting is CANCELLED! We are no longer having a meeting on this day and will have NO further public hearings on the UDC until after the first of the year.
If you’ve been following this issue closely, you may recall that Commission made an announcement on 10/16 pausing their hearings of the UDC. This pause did not impact the Community Development Board as they were in the middle of their hearing process and there was a desire to begin discussing some of what they’d heard from staff and in public comment.
However, after hearing concerns from the public about the Community Development Board continuing with the public hearing, we decided to pause and postpone this meeting as well. We’ll look to restart the discussion in the new year, and then finish this process after further engagement has occurred.
Stay tuned for more information on our engagement plans. We'll be in touch soon!
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City Commission presses pause on the UDC update
Share City Commission presses pause on the UDC update on Facebook Share City Commission presses pause on the UDC update on Twitter Share City Commission presses pause on the UDC update on Linkedin Email City Commission presses pause on the UDC update linkMany residents have spoken up about wanting more time to give feedback on the Unified Development Code (UDC) draft and proposed zoning map, and we want to let you know that we hear you. On Monday, 10/16, Mayor Andrus announced at a press conference that she and the Commission have decided to hit pause on the timeline. Here's what you need to know:
- We're now looking at a public review timeline that stretches into early 2024 to ensure everyone has their say.
- We'll provide an update in the coming months about additional public input opportunities.
- The City Commission will not consider this topic until next year.
- Community Development Board however will have a special meeting on October 30th to consider the public comment already provided, discuss concerns and alternatives, and identify areas where they would like more information.
The development code update is an important part of addressing issues in our community, like housing and growth. We hope all can join us in helping to improve our code and our community. Read more in the press release here: bit.ly/udcpress
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UDC Update Outreach Efforts
Share UDC Update Outreach Efforts on Facebook Share UDC Update Outreach Efforts on Twitter Share UDC Update Outreach Efforts on Linkedin Email UDC Update Outreach Efforts linkCurious about the outreach we’ve done on this effort so far? Check out our Engagement Report and list of events, meetings, and community spaces where we've gone to gather input from folks. We know that many people are getting engaged for the first time as this project moves into the public review process. We encourage you to dive in and learn more about the what, why, and how behind this effort.
There’s still plenty of opportunity to make your voice heard. Check out the key dates section on the right side of this page for upcoming meetings and as always, submit your public comment to agenda@bozeman.net where it will be reviewed by Community Development Board members, City Commissioners, and the staff and consultants on the project team.
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Project Timeline
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Project Start Date: Summer 2022
Building our Future Together - Development Code Update has finished this stage -
Phase 1: Kick-off & Data Collection (Summer 2022)
Building our Future Together - Development Code Update has finished this stageIn the first phase, the project team will work together to review existing materials, draft an engagement plan, and launch the project.
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Phase 2: Analysis & Framework (Fall 2022 - Spring 2023)
Building our Future Together - Development Code Update has finished this stageIn Phase 2 of the project the team will conduct engagement with stakeholders throughout Bozeman, including the general public, the development and design communities, and through several topic-focused work sessions with the City Commission. This engagement will inform proposed changes to the code.
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Phase 3: Code Drafting (Winter 2022 - Summer 2023)
Building our Future Together - Development Code Update has finished this stageThe project's third phase involves the project team synthesizing public engagement received in Phase 2 with direction from the City Commission, to reorganize the existing UDC and draft new regulations as needed. This phase will end with a legal review of the updated UDC, a period for public review and comment on the draft changes to the UDC, and a final adoption-ready draft.
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Phase 4: Supplemental Public Engagement
Building our Future Together - Development Code Update is currently at this stageIn Phase 4, a supplemental engagement plan will be drafted, adopted by the City Commission, and then carried out. The information gathered will help refine the draft prior to public review and adoption processes.
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Phase 5: Public Review and Adoption (on pause until early 2025)
this is an upcoming stage for Building our Future Together - Development Code Update -
Project End Date: TBD
this is an upcoming stage for Building our Future Together - Development Code Update
Key Dates
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October 01 2024
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September 17 2024
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October 30 2023
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October 16 2023
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October 10 2023
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August 23 → August 24 2023
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August 28 2023
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September 11 2023
We're in the news!
- Fairfield Sun Times: Bozeman looking for feedback on new development code, zoning drafts
- MT Right Now: Bozeman looking for feedback on new development code, zoning drafts
- Billings Fox: Bozeman looking for feedback on new development code, zoning drafts
- Bozeman looking for feedback on new development code, zoning drafts
- Bozeman releases draft of development code rewrite
FAQs
- What is the UDC?
- What can (and can't) the UDC regulate?
- Where does the UDC apply?
- Will there be future updates to the UDC?
- What is the Community Plan?
- What is Zoning?
- Are there other planning and regulatory updates underway?
- Is there any location in Bozeman where R-MH is zoned/allowed?
- What keeps 4 stories from being super tall (like >>50ft in height?)
- For any subdivisions, when/where is the cut-off for vesting to current vs new UDC codes?
- Can you speak to when zoning transitions apply? Common lot lines? Alley?
- 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?
- You mention building heights etc., and I am seeing several different terms such as wall plate height, story height. Will these definitions be clarified?
- 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?
- Do you have consulting provisions for those boundaries between city and county property?
- How will historic district standards and NCOD standards be applied even though increased density will be permitted in some residential districts?
- How are residential zoning districts being consolidated?
- Will Short Term Rental regulations change if residential zoning districts are changing?
- If we have more questions- who do we ask?
- What other code updates are in process or being planned for the future?
- Since the UDC project was delayed in the fall, what is the anticipated timeline for the review and adoption of the new code?
- Is the City going to start over on the UDC rewrite, or continue with the current draft of the code?
- Why doesn’t the UDC include provisions to require affordable housing in new developments?
- How will the new code regulate fraternities and sororities?
- Is the draft prohibiting construction of single detached homes or preventing subdivision for new single home lots?
- What types of housing are being built in Bozeman now?
Code Documents
- Community Engagement Plan Phase 2 (746 KB) (pdf)
- Bozeman UDC Public Review Sep 7 DRAFT (23.7 MB) (pdf)
- Bozeman UDC Public Review Aug 14 DRAFT (23.6 MB) (pdf)
- UDC Top Edits Handout (137 KB) (pdf)
- UDC Replacement Public Notice (38.4 KB) (pdf)
- UDC Replacement UPDATED Public Notice 9-13-2023 (45.7 KB) (pdf)
- Consolidated Outreach List 9-29-2023.pdf (160 KB) (pdf)
Presentation and Participation Materials
- Project Introduction slides (322 KB) (pdf)
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Commission Work Session Materials
- 2-28 Commission Work Session - Parking (7.55 MB) (pdf)
- 2-14 Commission Work Session Slides - Commercial Districts and Transitions (13.5 MB) (pdf)
- 11-15 Commission Work Session Slides - Sustainability (1.43 MB) (pdf)
- 10-18 Commission Work Session Slides - Zoning Districts (17.2 MB) (pdf)
- 9-13 Commission Work Session slides - Formatting (4.65 MB) (pdf)
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Code Connect Presentations
- Code Connect Aug 28 chat with response 8-29-2023.pdf (543 KB) (pdf)
- Virtual Open House slides 08-28-2023 (7.51 MB) (pdf)
- Code Connect Slides_Parking_April 20.pdf (5.5 MB) (pdf)
- Code Connect Slides March 8 - Transitions and Commercial Districts (21.4 MB) (pdf)
- CodeConnect_Sustainability_12-1.pdf (1.98 MB) (pdf)
- Code Connect Slides October 27 (12 MB) (pdf)
- Community Development Board Materials
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Engagement Brochures
- ADUs (591 KB) (pdf)
- B-1 Neighborhood Business Districts (1010 KB) (pdf)
- B2 to B2M (21.7 MB) (pdf)
- Bike Parking (1.97 MB) (pdf)
- Business Park Zoning (2.27 MB) (pdf)
- Corner-Oriented Development (3.86 MB) (pdf)
- Corridor-Oriented Development (5.88 MB) (pdf)
- Employment-Oriented Development (1.01 MB) (pdf)
- EV-Capable Parking (639 KB) (pdf)
- Height Limits (4.11 MB) (pdf)
- Housing Diversity (2.79 MB) (pdf)
- LID Standards (1.41 MB) (pdf)
- Mixed Use Development (25.6 KB) (pdf)
- Neighborhood Scale Retail (2.51 MB) (pdf)
- Planning for Climate Change (841 KB) (pdf)
- School-Oriented Development (2.39 MB) (pdf)
- Solar Power (24.4 KB) (pdf)
- Transitions (872 KB) (pdf)
- Urban Agriculture (24.6 KB) (pdf)
- Vehicle Parking (1.18 MB) (pdf)
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Folletos de Participación
- Agricultura Urbana (500 KB) (pdf)
- B-1 Distrito Empresarial del Vecindario (1010 KB) (pdf)
- B2-a-B2M (21.7 MB) (pdf)
- Cicloparqueaderos (1.96 MB) (pdf)
- Comercial a Escala de Vecindario (911 KB) (pdf)
- Desarrollo de Uso Mixto (703 KB) (pdf)
- Diversidad de Vivienda (835 KB) (pdf)
- Desarrollo Orientado a Corredores (1.14 MB) (pdf)
- Desarrollo Orientado al Empleo (354 KB) (pdf)
- Desarrollo Orientado a Esquinas (1020 KB) (pdf)
- Desarrollo Orientado a la Escuela (645 KB) (pdf)
- Estacionamiento Apto para Vehiculos Electricos (644 KB) (pdf)
- Estandares de Desarrollo de Bajo Impacto (1.41 MB) (pdf)
- Estacionamiento de Vehiculos (1.18 MB) (pdf)
- Generacion de Energia Solar (900 KB) (pdf)
- Limites de Altura (1.02 MB) (pdf)
- Planificacion para el Cambio Climatico (801 KB) (pdf)
- Transiciones de Borde de Zona (873 KB) (pdf)
- Unidades de Vivienda Accesorias (667 KB) (pdf)
- Zonificacion del Parque Empresarial (2.26 MB) (pdf)
- Engagement Reports
Who's Listening
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CS
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Custom
Inform: Giving information to the community
Consult: Asking for the community's input on alternatives