Building our Future Together - Development Code Update

Many 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 30^th 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

Curious 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.

We’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.

The 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!

The 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!

The 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.

Missed 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.

Staff 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.

The 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!

The project team is pleased to announce that the Draft Development Code and updated Zoning Map are available for review!

Draft Development Code

Draft Revised Zoning Map

Guide to Key Changes

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!