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!
Thank you for sharing your comments!
The Comments section is closed, but don't worry - the public review process is still underway! Comments posted here will be compiled with the community input from the duration of this project and included as public comment to Community Development Board and City Commission.
From this point on, please direct all input and comments on the draft code to agenda@bozeman.net.
If you have questions on the draft code, please check out our FAQs section or post a question in the "Questions?" tool which we will be monitoring and responding to throughout the rest of the public review process. Thanks!
-UDC Project Team
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
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Share I'm worried. on Facebook Share I'm worried. on Twitter Share I'm worried. on Linkedin Email I'm worried. link
I'm worried.
by Greg Beardslee, about 1 year agoMy wife and I have lived in Bozeman for 43 years. Our children were born and raised here. Our daughter elected to stay here, have children and is a community member of great value. Our son can’t afford to come home. I hope that our home can be passed on to our children, that our dream won’t be wrecked by adjacent towers blocking sun and views. R2 zoning has protected our dream.
Newcomers stream into Bozeman, continuing to drive property values and taxes skyward, inadvertently driving working class residents out, eroding the very fabric and soul of Bozeman. Established residents... Continue reading
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Share Stop destroying Bozeman in the name of unattainable "affordable housing" on Facebook Share Stop destroying Bozeman in the name of unattainable "affordable housing" on Twitter Share Stop destroying Bozeman in the name of unattainable "affordable housing" on Linkedin Email Stop destroying Bozeman in the name of unattainable "affordable housing" link
Stop destroying Bozeman in the name of unattainable "affordable housing"
by RP, about 1 year agoWriting as a frustrated Bozeman resident of 19+ years. The Bozeman City Commission seems to have completely sold out its long time residents to Developers and outside demand to destroy our farmlands and neighborhoods - in the name of “affordable housing” - which will NEVER come to fruition.
No desirable town/city has EVER built their way to affordable housing. EVER. Name one. You can't. And they will destroy what makes this place special in their efforts to retroactively meet outside demand. There are so many building projects happening that Developers are importing foreign labor - creating even more housing competition!
... Continue reading
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Share Against the changing of residential zoning. Pro - truly affordable housing. on Facebook Share Against the changing of residential zoning. Pro - truly affordable housing. on Twitter Share Against the changing of residential zoning. Pro - truly affordable housing. on Linkedin Email Against the changing of residential zoning. Pro - truly affordable housing. link
Against the changing of residential zoning. Pro - truly affordable housing.
by John Hosking, about 1 year agoOf the many ways that changes (development) have hurt the quality of life and community in Bozeman in the last decade: Changing, damaging or congesting our beautiful and human residential districts - would be the worst idea yet.
This is also not an answer to housing that is actually affordable to service workers and young families. The city has not shown that it is capable of addressing that problem. Much less actively limiting growth because our quality of water will soon be in danger.
Wake up. If you want to build a "tax value" urban center somewhere, don't ruin... Continue reading
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Share confusing on Facebook Share confusing on Twitter Share confusing on Linkedin Email confusing link
confusing
by brian gallik, about 1 year agoGood Afternoon
I work in the area of land use, along with planners and engineers. You website is confusing and not user friendly.
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Share all new construction on Facebook Share all new construction on Twitter Share all new construction on Linkedin Email all new construction link
all new construction
by Valerie , about 1 year agoThere is so much new building going on.Why not require builders to post signs on the projects? -
Share Sustainability: Water and Open Space on Facebook Share Sustainability: Water and Open Space on Twitter Share Sustainability: Water and Open Space on Linkedin Email Sustainability: Water and Open Space link
Sustainability: Water and Open Space
by dcsalmo, almost 2 years agoAllowing cash in lieu of water and cash in lieu of open space/parkland is not sustainable in the face of climate change. Hence, these allowances should be removed from the UDC, and each new development project, regardless of zoning, should be required to provide a combination of onsite water and onsite open space sufficient to completely offset the development's carbon footprint.
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Share Sustainability Measures on Facebook Share Sustainability Measures on Twitter Share Sustainability Measures on Linkedin Email Sustainability Measures link
Sustainability Measures
by JamieRD, almost 2 years agoOn the topic of sustainability, I’d like to see water resources addressed in the UDC codes, given we are rapidly nearing a water crisis in Bozeman. I’d like to see requirements added to the UDC for water catchment systems, grey water use, and landscaping with drought tolerant plants, rain gardens, permeable surfaces, etc. The city has a great incentive program for homeowners, but we need to implement strict water wise requirements from the start with building codes.
In addition to electric vehicle charging station requirements in new buildings, I would also like to see requirements for rooftop solar built into... Continue reading -
Share Comm. Dev. Dept unaware of Interpol leaflets on Facebook Share Comm. Dev. Dept unaware of Interpol leaflets on Twitter Share Comm. Dev. Dept unaware of Interpol leaflets on Linkedin Email Comm. Dev. Dept unaware of Interpol leaflets link
Comm. Dev. Dept unaware of Interpol leaflets
by MMK, almost 2 years agoHi team-
I just wanted you to know that when I dropped off my filled out Interpol booklets at the Community Development Department today, the reception staff and department assistant were flummoxed. They had not seen or heard of the booklets or the Interpol project, were suspicious of me and the booklets, and seemed reluctant to take them from me. It was an unwelcome reception. If I had been a shy person I might have walked away, but instead, I persisted. Apparently, the mailing address on the booklets should have included an attention to the UDC update staff.
I think... Continue reading
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Share Zoning Districts and Building transition comments on Facebook Share Zoning Districts and Building transition comments on Twitter Share Zoning Districts and Building transition comments on Linkedin Email Zoning Districts and Building transition comments link
Zoning Districts and Building transition comments
by MMK, almost 2 years agoHi -I just finished reviewing the video recording of the city commission's second UDC work session on building transitions and zoning consolidation and would like to add the following comments:
-There are some areas that are not conducive to the highest residential use allowable (under the Future Land Use Map -FLUM) such as land near restricted roads and wildlife corridors like along Bridger Canyon, for example.
- Because of the this, I believe there is a disconnect between the FLUM and what's actually happening on the ground. For example, in Urban Neighborhoods all residential zoning from RS to R5 is... Continue reading
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Share Housing for aging and for mobility-challenged citizens also needed on Facebook Share Housing for aging and for mobility-challenged citizens also needed on Twitter Share Housing for aging and for mobility-challenged citizens also needed on Linkedin Email Housing for aging and for mobility-challenged citizens also needed link
Housing for aging and for mobility-challenged citizens also needed
by VC Wald, almost 2 years agoI'm hopeful those involved in development policy will finally recognize that Bozeman badly needs not only "affordable" housing (which of course it does) but hundreds more one-story units of all sizes, types, and cost levels - condos, apartments, single-family units - that are, or can easily be converted to, mobility- and handicap-friendly design for our growing aging population. Removal of barriers such as stairs and shower-pan thresholds, elevators for multi-story buildings, and HOAs that provide community services such as snow removal on the properties and surrounding public streets, allow many more people to age in place successfully and HAPPILY.
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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