Building our Future Together - Development Code Update

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The City Commission has paused their consideration of this project until next year. See the News Feed for an 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!

The City Commission has paused their consideration of this project until next year. See the News Feed for an 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!

Question and Answer

If you have a specific question about the project, please drop it here. The project team will review questions submitted and respond as quickly as possible. To provide input on the draft code, please provide public comment by emailing agenda@bozeman.net. All of the project team members and decision makers on Community Development Board and City Commission will read public comment on the draft code. 

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  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    This map is problematic and difficult to use. On mobile devices there are no zoom buttons and it's impossible to see how a local area will change. Having to look at the many colors and then reference the legend is also difficult regardless of desktop/mobile. In general I think there needs to be a better way to present the information to citizens. Having to look at the map, decipher the colors and then reference a massive PDF is not inclusive. Every property owner should receive a notice that says " your current zoning is ____ which means ________. Your zoning is changing to _____ which means that _______".

    Josh Gage asked 3 months ago

    We acknowledge the difficulty using a handheld device to scroll the zoning map. The City of Bozeman includes over 19 square miles of area and being able to scroll to individual properties, including a legend, and two separate zone for comparison shows the limitations of small handheld devices. We encourage the use of a larger screen with a full operating system to take advantage of all the tools imbedded in the zoning map to make it easier for you to learn and compare.

    Thank you for your interest and suggestions.

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    In your plan you say that "traditional" use will be used to consider what is appropriate. Does that mean that in the BonTon Historical district where R4 current zoning becomes RB, you will allow 24 unit apartments because of the nearby Evergreen Apartments? On each RB lot? Please explain the 2 years and one day comment from the September 18 meeting which I attended

    ML asked 2 months ago

    In todays code there is no limit to the number of units in a building or the size of apartments in the R-4 zone. The proposed R-B zone limits both the apartment size to 150 feet in width and many unit are allowed in a single building to 24. However, in both todays code and the proposed code there are many other limiting factors that strictly limit the number of units and the size that might be constructed on a given lot.

    Building within a designated historic district such as the Bon Ton District requires compliance with the standards found in the historic district design manual.

    With respect to the two year and a day comment please refer to 38..240.020.H and I for what is involved with the movement or demolition of historic structures or sites.

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    How can we the people STOP this version of the updated development code? We have already spoken at the meeting Please send detailed instructions of the procedure

    Denise Fett asked 2 months ago

    Hi Denise, all public comment provided in person or in writing is considered by staff, the Community Development Board, and City Commission. Your suggestions and opinions are a part of the public hearing and review process. Aside from attending meetings in person or virtually to provide public comment, you can write an email to agenda@bozeman.net. 

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    Hi, how would this apply to any areas being developed west of town? it seems like the biggest issues are actually coming from huge tract home developments with little of their own character, neighborhoods, downtowns and mixed use areas. Building hundreds of single family homes in a field between Bozeman and Gallatin Gateway without providing commercial opportunities local to those developments or requiring them to have density as well will not fix the problems Bozeman is having. Make all new developments have a similar zoning plan, with commercial opportunities and their own neighborhood character. If Bozeman does this no developments should be exempt

    Jacks asked 2 months ago

    The UDC only applies to development that occurs within city limits. Areas developing outside the city such as those along Huffine Lane at Gooch Hill and points west, or 19th Avenue south of Goldenstein Lane are all in unincorporated Gallatin County and outside of the City’s control.  

    As you mentioned, development in these unincorporated areas affects Bozeman. The City works with Gallatin County and other municipalities to address growth issues. Ongoing efforts such as the Planning Coordinating Committee, support intercommunity dialogue  and support shared planning such as the Triangle Community Plan and Triangle Trails Plan for areas of overlapping interest. The City is actively participating in Gallatin Valley Sensitive Land Protection Plan that engages with many other governmental and non-governmental entities to document and evaluate recommendations.  All these, and other actions, support Theme 7, A City Engaged In Regional Coordination, in the Bozeman Community Plan 2020. 

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    What dictates whether an additional dwelling unit built on someone's RA or RB property will be considered an ADU (with sq footage limitations) or a completely separate unit (larger sq footage possible, different parking implications)?

    CP asked 3 months ago

    Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) is a defined term in the code (38.800.020 (page 8-2). Specific standards apply to ADU’s that limit the size and configuration to ensure it is subordinate to the primary structure. If the living unit is too large then it is defined as a second, or third dwelling unit and must meet any applicable standards that apply to multiple dwelling units on a single parcel. ADU standards are listed in section 38.320.120.B on page 3-37. 

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    Montana SB 245 caps off-street parking minimums at one per unit, and became effective on May 17, 2023. Table Table 38.530.040-1 in the draft code indicates parking requirements of 2 parking spaces per two-bedroom or more unit. Am I correct that this section of code revision was drafted prior to the passage of SB 245 and will be updated to reflect the requirements of SB 245? See http://laws.leg.mt.gov/legprd/LAW0203W$BSRV.ActionQuery?P_SESS=20231&P_BLTP_BILL_TYP_CD=&P_BILL_NO=&P_BILL_DFT_NO=LC0624&P_CHPT_NO=&Z_ACTION=Find&P_SBJT_SBJ_CD=&P_ENTY_ID_SEQ=

    Mark Egge asked 4 months ago

    Hi Mark, thanks for the question and for your patience in awaiting a response! The legislature passed many bills affecting zoning and subdivision in the 2023 session. The referenced senate bill 245 becomes effective on the date specified in the bill (Oct 1st) and will be followed, whether the City has amended its regulations or not. Senate Bill 382, the Montana Land Use Planning Act requires that the City follow the requirements in SB 382 and excludes applicability of other portions of state law. Once the new UDC regulations are adopted, which bring the city into compliance with SB 382, the city will follow the parking requirements outlined in the new UDC regulations.

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    Hi, I have the distinct feeling there are parties interested in destroying our existing neighborhoods. Why do you think someone like me might feel this way? Angie

    Angie Kociolek asked 3 months ago

    Hi Angie, please submit comments to agenda@bozeman.net. I'm happy to help clarify any questions about the draft you have here! Thank you. 

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    Hi, this zoning map is cumbersome. Tell me, does the proposed zoning changes retain the Conservation Overlay District of North Tracy?

    Angie Kociolek asked 3 months ago

    Hi Angie, yes - the historic districts and the NCOD will remain - with a slight change to the NCOD's western boundary along 7th Ave between Main St. and Peach. 


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    Hello, where can I find the proposed changes to the code, specifically setbacks and zoning map changes, (if they have been released)? Thanks

    Geoff Stephens asked 4 months ago

    Hello! The draft code will be posted here on August 14th. Check back then, or attend one of the upcoming Open Houses!

    • 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: find the link to join engage.bozeman.net/udc, 6:00-7:00pm
Page last updated: 05 Dec 2023, 07:29 AM