Building our Future Together - Development Code Update
Updated draft text as of Oct 29, 2024
Updated Draft zoning map reflecting updated text draft
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!
Updated draft text as of Oct 29, 2024
Updated Draft zoning map reflecting updated text draft
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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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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All about the proposed R-A district
Share All about the proposed R-A district on Facebook Share All about the proposed R-A district on Twitter Share All about the proposed R-A district on Linkedin Email All about the proposed R-A district linkWe’ve been fielding lots of questions about what the draft development code and proposed zoning map might mean for Bozeman neighborhoods. The R-A district is the proposed district that may replace what is currently zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-S.
The R-A district would allow up to 8 dwelling units in a single building subject to several limiting standards. That has been concerning for many, and we’ve been balancing that concern with what we’ve been hearing about the need to provide more housing options for Bozeman residents.
We understand that taller and larger buildings are alarming to some. Our city has changed over the last ten years of rapid growth. We recognize that it's important to think about our neighborhood character and reduce impacts on surrounding neighbors as best we can. That’s why we’ve included several of the requirements that maintain space for yards and open space, limit height, and provide parking for these additional units. Here are some specific requirements in the proposed R-A district:
- Yards: all the buildings (including garages) may only take up 40% of the total lot area (Building coverage standard)
- Open Space: not less than 100 sq. ft. of open space must be provided for each home (Amenity space standard)
- Height: 3 stories are allowed (as it already is today), and the roof must begin to taper at 25’ (Wall plate height for established neighborhoods)
- Parking: is required for each home, allowed with restrictions within any of the required setbacks (Parking location standards)
Find all the details on the proposed R-A district in the draft code and view where this district would exist as compared to existing districts on the proposed zoning map.
You can provide your comments all the way through the public review process by writing to agenda@bozeman.net, or attending any of the upcoming Community Development Board meetings and City Commission meetings in person or online! See the Key Dates section for upcoming meetings.
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Monday Sep. 18 Community Development Board Meeting
Share Monday Sep. 18 Community Development Board Meeting on Facebook Share Monday Sep. 18 Community Development Board Meeting on Twitter Share Monday Sep. 18 Community Development Board Meeting on Linkedin Email Monday Sep. 18 Community Development Board Meeting linkThe project team will be at the Community Development Board meeting on Monday, September 18th at 6:00pm for a public hearing to present the draft development code and proposed zoning map, and schedule of future public hearings leading toward adoption of the new code. You can join remotely via the city website (External link), or in-person at City Hall, to learn more about the proposed development code and stay involved. Thank you!
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Reminder: Community Development Board Meeting Monday, Sep. 11
Share Reminder: Community Development Board Meeting Monday, Sep. 11 on Facebook Share Reminder: Community Development Board Meeting Monday, Sep. 11 on Twitter Share Reminder: Community Development Board Meeting Monday, Sep. 11 on Linkedin Email Reminder: Community Development Board Meeting Monday, Sep. 11 linkThe project team will be at the Community Development Board special meeting next Monday, September 11th at 6:00pm, to present the draft development code and zoning map, and schedule of future public hearings leading toward adoption of the new code. The project team will also be available to answer questions asked by the board.
Feel free to join remotely via the city website (link), or in-person at City Hall, to learn more about the proposed development code and stay involved. Thank you!
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Updated Public Review Draft Available
Share Updated Public Review Draft Available on Facebook Share Updated Public Review Draft Available on Twitter Share Updated Public Review Draft Available on Linkedin Email Updated Public Review Draft Available linkThe latest version of the draft development code is now available! Revisions were made primarily to address typographical errors or omissions from the August 14th version of the draft code - these changes have been noted at the beginning of the latest document.
Click here to access the latest draft of the code.
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Recording and slides from the Virtual Open House
Share Recording and slides from the Virtual Open House on Facebook Share Recording and slides from the Virtual Open House on Twitter Share Recording and slides from the Virtual Open House on Linkedin Email Recording and slides from the Virtual Open House linkMissed the Open Houses on the draft code? No worries!
- Check out the recording from the virtual open house
- Flip through the slides
- We got lots of great questions from attendees at all three of the Open Houses, check out the FAQs on the right side of the page, or view the document.
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How to share your feedback on the draft code
Share How to share your feedback on the draft code on Facebook Share How to share your feedback on the draft code on Twitter Share How to share your feedback on the draft code on Linkedin Email How to share your feedback on the draft code linkStaff and the project team have completed the draft code and are getting the word out to the public through open houses ahead of the public review process. The public review process includes the presentation and discussion of the draft code to the Community Development Board and City Commission in a series of public meetings and public hearings.
From this point on, your input can be shared directly with these decision makers. The Community Development Board has the authority to act as the city's Zoning Commission and Planning Board. The final decision maker on the UDC is the City Commission after they consider recommendations from the Community Development Board and your public comment.
Submit public comment by emailing agenda@bozeman.net or attending a meeting virtually or in person to provide your comment in real time. All of the information and meeting details for upcoming Community Development Board and City Commission meetings are at bozeman.net/meetings.
See the "Key Dates" section for upcoming meetings on the right side of this page!
The formal public notice that has been published in the newspaper and city website is also in the "Code Documents" section.
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Open Houses This Week!
Share Open Houses This Week! on Facebook Share Open Houses This Week! on Twitter Share Open Houses This Week! on Linkedin Email Open Houses This Week! linkThe public review process will kick off with a series of Open Houses – two this week, and one virtual session next week, where folks can learn more about the overall code update process and how to stay involved:
- Aug 23rd – Fire Station 3 Community Room, 1705 Vaquero Way, 5:30-7:30pm
- Aug 24th – City Hall (City Commission Room), 121 N. Rouse, 11:30am-1:30pm
- Aug 28th – Virtual - Join Zoom meeting 6:00-7:00pm
A big thanks to the Bozeman community for all of the time and energy that has gone into this project!
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Updated Development Code Draft Available for Review!
Share Updated Development Code Draft Available for Review! on Facebook Share Updated Development Code Draft Available for Review! on Twitter Share Updated Development Code Draft Available for Review! on Linkedin Email Updated Development Code Draft Available for Review! linkThe project team is pleased to announce that the Draft Development Code and updated Zoning Map are available for review!
The public process will kick off with a series of events in the next few weeks, where you'll be able to learn more about the overall code update process and how to stay involved:
- Aug 23rd – Fire Station 3 Community Room, 1705 Vaquero Way, 5:30-7:30pm
- Aug 24th – City Hall (City Commission Room), 121 N. Rouse, 11:30am-1:30pm
- Aug 28th – Virtual: click here to join (External link), 6:00-7:00pm
A big thanks to the Bozeman community for all of the time and energy that has gone into this project!
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Upcoming Open Houses!
Share Upcoming Open Houses! on Facebook Share Upcoming Open Houses! on Twitter Share Upcoming Open Houses! on Linkedin Email Upcoming Open Houses! linkA new development code is taking shape! Join the City of Bozeman Community Development staff and the Code Studio project team at an upcoming Open House to get acquainted with the proposed layout, new zoning districts & map, transition standards, as well as the upcoming adoption process and schedule.
- Aug 23rd – 1705 Vaquero Way (Fire Station 3) Community Room, 5:30-7:30pm
- Aug 24th – City Commission room, 121 N. Rouse Ave, 11:30-1:30pm
- Aug 28th – Virtual: Click here to join the meeting, 6:00-7:00pm
Over the next few months, you can leave your official comments:
- By emailing agenda@bozeman.net,
- By filling out the city's online form, or
- By speaking at a public meeting.
The code adoption process will formally begin next month with a public hearing by the Community Development Board, followed by the City Commission, with meeting dates available on the city's website. The project team will poste information about those meetings on the project website as well, so be sure to check back often.
For general questions about the project or specific items in the draft code, please visit the "Questions" tab on this project website, where the project team will do their best to provide clarification. Please note that while questions submitted via this Engage.Bozeman site will be monitored, these questions will not be considered official public comment.
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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
this is an upcoming stage for Building our Future Together - Development Code UpdateA revised text draft and zoning map have been prepared to update for 6 ordinances and several zone map amendments and annexation adopted since the last draft was published. The RA district was modified to reflect a consolidation of the current RS, R1, and R2 districts. A several month period of public outreach on the new draft will be held with a follow "deep dive" into identified topics to follow.
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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
- Bozeman UDC Public Review Draft Oct 29, 2024 .pdf (21.5 MB) (pdf)
- Community Engagement Plan Phase 2 (746 KB) (pdf)
- Bozeman UDC Public Review Sep 7 DRAFT (23.7 MB) (pdf)
- UDC Top Edits Handout (137 KB) (pdf)
- UDC Replacement UPDATED Public Notice 9-13-2023 (45.7 KB) (pdf)
- UDC Replacement Public Notice (38.4 KB) (pdf)
- Consolidated Outreach List 9-29-2023.pdf (160 KB) (pdf)
- Bozeman UDC Public Review Aug 14 DRAFT (23.6 MB) (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