HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-15-16 Joint PB & ZC Minutes for Approval
City Planning Board and Zoning
Commission
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 6:00 PM
City Commission Chamber – 121 N. Rouse Avenue
Present were:
Zoning Commission
Erik Garberg, Chair
Jordan Zignego
Dan Stevenson
Julien Morice
Chris Mehl, Commissioner Liaison
Planning Board
Paul Neubauer, Chair
Jordan Zignego
Jerry Pape, Jr.
Chris Mehl
Brianne Dugan
06:00:51 PM (00:04:04) Call meeting to order.
06:00:56 PM (00:04:09) Changes to the Agenda. No changes were made to the agenda.
06:01:02 PM (00:04:15) Approve Meeting Minutes from Joint Zoning Commission/Planning
Board Meetings – 5/3/16, 6/14/16, 7/19/16, 9/6/16, 10/4/16
It was moved by Dan Stevenson, seconded by Julien Morice, that the minutes of the joint Zoning
Commission/Planning Board meetings be approved as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.
06:01:36 PM (00:04:49) Public Comment. No comment was received under this agenda item.
Action Items
16380 Stopka Zone Map Amendment (Zoning Commission only)
Zone Map Amendment to rezone four existing lots and adjacent rights-of-way totaling
0.742 acres from R-2, residential two-household medium density district to R-3,
residential medium density district as allowed by Article 38.37 of the Bozeman
Municipal Code. (WerBell)
06:02:39 PM (00:05:52) Mitch WerBell stated this item was continued from last meeting due to lack of
a quorum. The proposal is to rezone four existing lots and adjacent rights-of-way in the Oak Springs
Subdivision from R-2 to R-3. The owner had requested permission to develop three townhouse units;
that is not allowed under the current zoning. Lot 4 is currently split zoned and contains a townhouse
unit. Lots 1 through 3 are currently vacant.
Staff found that this application meets all of the criteria contained in State statute. Two public
comments were received, one of which was question and then a follow-up comment in opposition. The
Development Review Committee reviewed this request and found no issues. Staff is forwarding a
recommendation of approval of the application.
06:09:36 PM (00:12:49) Julien Morice asked if this is the type of development that was planned for this
area.
06:09:47 PM (00:13:00) Mitch WerBell responded that it appears so. He found that the zoning was
initially R-3A zoning and was subsequently changed to R-2. Quite a few of the lots in the area are now
split zoned.
06:10:27 PM (00:13:40) Dan Stevenson noted the staff presentation showed two attached townhouses
could be constructed under the current zoning and asked what the density increase would be under the
proposed zoning.
06:10:45 PM (00:13:58) Mitch WerBell responded that it would simply allow the addition of a third
townhouse unit. He confirmed that the minimum densities for R-1 through R-3 zoning are five units per
net acre; and this zone change would not change that density. The existing lots do not meet the
standards for a detached house; rather, they allow only townhome construction.
06:13:09 PM (00:16:22) The applicant was given an opportunity to address the board but chose not to
do so.
06:13:31 PM (00:16:44) Janice Parker, 1192 Penn Avenue, expressed concern that the R-3 zoning allows
a roof height significantly higher than the R-2 zoning, which would look out of place in the neighborhood
and would impact her view of the Bridgers. Also, the increased density could result in smaller dwelling
units, which could negatively impact the values of other properties in the area.
06:16:03 PM (00:19:16) Erik Garberg asked if an apartment building could be constructed on this site if
the lots were aggregated.
06:16:20 PM (00:19:33) Mitch WerBell responded it would be extremely difficult to do so given the
small site size, coverage requirements and parking restrictions. He addressed the height differences for
the R-2 and R-3 zones, noting there is a maximum six foot difference but that would require an
extremely steep roof pitch. He stated these lots were platted for townhome development; and R-3
zoning has been in place in this immediate area since annexation.
06:17:55 PM (00:21:08) Marty Matson stated appraisal rules do not allow the use of attached home
values in determining values of detached homes.
06:19:52 PM (00:23:05) Sarah Mackey, applicant, stated this is a very tight site with coverage
restrictions and setbacks from three streets; and the proposed buildings will not be any taller than any
other buildings on the block.
06:20:38 PM (00:23:51) It was moved by Julien Morice that, having reviewed and considered the staff
report, application materials, public comment and all information presented, the Zoning Commission
hereby adopts the findings presented in the staff report for Application No. 16380 and recommend
approval of the Stopka Zone Map Amendment with contingencies required to complete the
application process.
06:21:09 PM (00:24:22) The motion was seconded by Jordan Zignego.
06:21:16 PM (00:24:29) Julien Morice stated he feels the site constraints will restrict the development
of these lots.
06:22:20 PM (00:25:33) Dan Stevenson stated he is sensitive to the fact that zoning changes can affect
the character of the neighborhood; however, in this case it is a situation where development was laid
over zoning and he views this is an administrative change.
06:23:16 PM (00:26:29) Erik Garberg stated that he is comfortable with the application.
06:23:35 PM (00:26:48) The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
16404 Billion Auto Plaza Zone Map Amendment (Zoning Commission only)
Zone Map Amendment to rezone eight existing lots totaling approximately 21 acres
and adjacent rights-of-way from BP Business Park to B-2 Community Commercial
district as allowed by Article 38.37 of the Bozeman Municipal Code. (Owens)
06:24:05 PM (00:27:18) Erik Garberg announced this item has been continued to December 6.
Ordinance No. 1962 – B-2M/R-5 Sign Code (This hyperlink applies to items 2-5)
An ordinance amending Article 28, signs, to add B-2M and R-5 to Sec. 38.28.060. (Rice)
06:26:01 PM (00:29:14) Mayana Rice presented the staff report. She stated the City is
undertaking a comprehensive revision to the zone code; however, this and the next three items
need to be acted on immediately rather than waiting for the comprehensive process.
Mayana Rice stated that when the R-5 and B2M zoning designations were created, they were
not added to certain sections of the zone code; and this ordinance remedies that oversight.
She stated this application was reviewed in light of the eleven criteria contained in State
statute, and staff’s findings are contained in the staff report. As a result of that review, staff is
forwarding a recommendation for approval. Also, the Development Review Committee has
reviewed this application and forwards its recommendation for approval.
06:31:03 PM (00:34:16) The public hearing was opened. No public comment was received. The public
hearing was closed.
06:31:28 PM (00:34:41) It was moved by Dan Stevenson that having reviewed and considered the staff
report, application materials, public comment and all information presented, the Zoning Commission
and Planning Board hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report.
06:31:54 PM (00:35:07) The motion was seconded Jordan Zignego.
06:32:02 PM (00:35:15) The motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 1963 – Adding Group Living as an allowable use in the R-5 District.
An ordinance amending Article 22 Standards for Specific Uses to allow Group Living as
an allowable use in the R-5 Zoning District. (Rice)
06:32:42 PM (00:35:55) Mayana Rice presented the staff report. She stated group living is for
eight or fewer people and applies where no other type of housing can meet that standard.
Under this application, group homes would be added to the R-5 zoning district. She stated this
application was reviewed in light of the eleven criteria contained in State statute, and staff’s
findings are contained in the staff report. As a result of that review, staff is forwarding a
recommendation for approval. Also, the Development Review Committee has reviewed this
application and forwards its recommendation for approval.
06:35:47 PM (00:39:00) Paul Neubauer asked about where this is happening in the community.
06:36:10 PM (00:39:23) Mayana Rice responded that a sorority or fraternity or a religious facility or
youth shelter, or other situation where people live in a cooperative situation would be considered a
group living situation. She stated she is now aware of any such living situations at this time.
06:36:58 PM (00:40:11) The public hearing was opened. No public comment was received. The public
hearing was closed.
06:37:18 PM (00:40:31) It was moved by Paul Neubauer that, having reviewed and considered the
staff report, application materials, public comment and all information presented, the Zoning
Commission and Planning Board hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report.
06:37:57 PM (00:41:10) The motion was seconded Julien Morice.
06:38:05 PM (00:41:18) The motion carried unanimously.
Ordinance No. 1964 – Restricting Apartments to the second and subsequent floors in the B-1
District.
An ordinance amending Table 38.10.020, Commercial Uses, apartments and apartment
buildings in the B-1 Zoning District allowed only on the second or subsequent floors.
(Rice)
06:38:19 PM (00:41:32) Mayana Rice presented the staff report. She stated this is a simple
correction to the table of uses, which conflicts with the written provisions in the code. She
noted the table allows residential uses on the ground floor in the B-1 zone, while the written
portion requires that residential uses be on the second and subsequent floors in a commercial
zoning designation. She stated this application was reviewed in light of the eleven criteria
contained in State statute, and staff’s findings are contained in the staff report. As a result of
that review, staff is forwarding a recommendation for approval. Also, the Development Review
Committee has reviewed this application and forwards its recommendation for approval.
06:43:27 PM (00:46:40) Dan Stevenson asked the status of the application made for the residential
building.
06:43:35 PM (00:46:48) Mayana Rice responded that it has been approved, and this amendment will
not affect it.
06:43:55 PM (00:47:08) Erik Garberg noted that under the site plan application, the applicant has two
years to do the project. If it is not done in that period of time, this code revision would impact it.
06:44:30 PM (00:47:43) Paul Neubauer asked how many residential houses are in B-1 are currently
renting first floor apartments and whether those units would be grandfathered in under this zone code
amendment.
06:45:30 PM (00:48:43) Mayana Rice responded they would be. She stated in a building completely
built, the unit would remain a legal non-conforming use. If the building were completely vacant or
rebuilt in that location, then commercial would be required on the ground floor.
06:47:07 PM (00:50:20) Paul Neubauer voiced his reservations about the impacts this amendment
might have on private property; however, he feels the flexibility allowed under grandfathering is
adequate to address his concerns.
06:47:39 PM (00:50:52) Jerry Pape voiced his concern about an applicant taking advantage of an
oversight in the zone code. He is also concerned about the code identifying residential as a secondary
use in a commercial zone, particularly if a building is several stories tall with residential from the second
floor up. He asked that this issue be carefully considered as this application moves forward.
06:50:10 PM (00:53:23) The public hearing was opened.
06:50:17 PM (00:53:30) Heather Davis, Intrinsik Architecture, 111 North Tracy Avenue, stated B-1 is a
vital zoning for the city. As proposed, to only allow residential on second or subsequent floor is an
inflexible standard. If this is applied to all B-1, it will be limiting and potentially stop viable mixed use in
neighborhoods. She suggested it should be amended to allow residential in a mixed use development,
noting that integration of residential and commercial uses and transition areas are important. Possible
alternatives to the proposed language include residential uses shall not exceed 50 percent of ground
floor; require ground floor commercial uses on certain street frontages, like collectors or arterials; allow
for future convertibility from residential to commercial uses on the ground floor when the market
supports it; allow residential on upper or ground floors when they do not use storefront space; allow
residential uses to be subordinate to commercial; or allow residential on first floor with a conditional
use permit. She noted that while the language is simple, it is important to provide flexibility on the
ground floor development.
06:55:21 PM (00:58:34) The public hearing was closed.
06:55:32 PM (00:58:45) Jerry Pape noted that these ordinances are designed to address items that were
overlooked as zone code amendments were done. He cautioned, however, that where buildings have
four or five floors of residential use above a ground floor of commercial uses, residential may not be a
secondary use. He feels language needs to be revised to reflect this change. He cautioned that putting
residential uses adjacent to commercial uses in a building is not very successful and is very hard to sell.
He argued one cannot mandate that residential is secondary to commercial if there are multiple stories
of residential.
06:58:10 PM (01:01:23) Julien Morice noted there are a lot of these nodes and a lot of them are vacant.
As a result, anything we can do to allow someone to build on the site is important. The more people
there are around commercial nodes, the better; and flexibility within the B-1 guidelines to allow creative
thinking is a good thing.
07:00:33 PM (01:03:46) Erik Garberg noted that in the B2M there is a requirement to build ceiling
heights to nine feet.
07:01:08 PM (01:04:21) Mayana Rice stated this was brought as a correction to the code not as a policy
change. If the boards do not wish to forward this change as presented, the motion would be to not
recommend approval of the zone code amendment to the Commission.
07:02:36 PM (01:05:49) Chris Mehl suggested that this amendment could be made to preclude other
potential residential projects from being approved in the B-1 zone, with broader policy consideration to
follow in the comprehensive revision process.
07:04:04 PM (01:07:17) Erik Garberg voiced his preference for voting on the motion as recommended
by staff, recognizing that if it fails, it sends a clear message to the Commission.
07:04:38 PM (01:07:51) Jerry Pape asked if there is any application in the pipeline now that triggers the
need for this amendment or if it is a reaction to the previous application.
Mayana Rice responded that there are no applications at this time. She confirmed that the previous
application was received and approved under the current code provisions and cautioned that if other
applications are submitted, they will also be considered under the existing provisions.
07:05:13 PM (01:08:26) Jerry Pape cautioned that, while he doesn’t like voting for the amendment, he
feels it is important to protect the existing B-1 zoned areas.
07:05:32 PM (01:08:45) Paul Neubauer stated commercial nodes on the west side of town are
important to preventing sprawl. He would like to see it open and flexible and incentivizing development
of these nodes. He feels this is an important concept that needs additional consideration.
07:06:42 PM (01:09:55) Dan Stevenson noted that tonight’s action is to stop the bleeding, but it is
important to come back and address the additional issues.
07:08:23 PM (01:11:36) Erik Garberg stated he recognizes the importance of stopping the bleeding, but
he cannot support the amendment.
07:09:11 PM (01:12:24) It was moved by Dan Stevenson that, having reviewed and considered the
staff report, application materials, public comment and all information presented, the Zoning
Commission and Planning Board hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report.
07:09:24 PM (01:12:37) The motion was seconded.
07:09:35 PM (01:12:48) Paul Neubauer stated he does not believe the B-1 zoned properties are a loss if
they remain undeveloped for twenty years; however, allowing them to be developed would be a loss.
07:10:27 PM (01:13:40) Chris Mehl stated that since the UDC rewrite is underway, he supports approval
of this amendment to preclude other applications being favorably considered under the current code.
07:11:24 PM (01:14:37) Julien Morice stated he is more inclined to vote in opposition because these
boards are making a recommendation to the Commission and making it clearer that these boards are
concerned.
07:13:19 PM (01:16:32) The Zoning Commission motion failed on a 2-2 vote with Zignego and
Stevenson voting Aye and Morice and Garberg voting Nay.
The Planning Board recommended approval on a 4-1 vote with Pape, Zignego, Mehl and Dugan voting
Aye and Neubauer voting Nay.
Ordinance No. 1965 – Adding Parks as an allowable use in multiple zoning districts.
An ordinance amending section 38.09.020, 38.10.020, 38. 22.020, and 38.12.020, Parks
as an allowed use in each of these zoning districts. (Rice)
07:15:35 PM (01:18:48) Mayana Rice stated this was brought to attention through review of an
application and is simply a correction to the code. The code provides greater flexibility in
zoning and greater mix of uses. Parkland is required for all residential use; however, parks are
not allowed in all zoning districts. The goal of this amendment is to allow parks in all of the
zones that allow residential uses. She stated this application was reviewed in light of the eleven
criteria contained in State statute, and staff’s findings are contained in the staff report. As a
result of that review, staff is forwarding a recommendation for approval. Also, the
Development Review Committee has reviewed this application and forwards its
recommendation for approval.
07:18:15 PM (01:21:28) Responding to questions from Brianne Dugan, Mayana Rice stated that in
commercially zoned areas where residential development is allowed, parkland dedication is required for
the residential development, but there would be no place to locate it. This triggers a requirement for
cash-in-lieu payment. She noted that the City’s preference is for parkland rather than a cash-in-lieu
payment.
07:21:38 PM (01:24:51) Jerry Pape stated his concern is requiring parkland dedication from a
development that is very close to an existing park.
07:22:23 PM (01:25:36) Mayana Rice noted all alternatives in lieu of parkland dedication are available
under this amendment.
07:22:55 PM (01:26:08) The public hearing was opened. No public comment was received. The public
hearing was closed.
07:23:20 PM (01:26:33) It was moved by Paul Neubauer that, having reviewed and considered the
staff report, application materials, public comment and all information presented, the Zoning
Commission and Planning Board hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report.
07:23:49 PM (01:27:02) The motion was seconded.
07:24:01 PM (01:27:14) The motion carried unanimously.
Water Part 1 UDC Text Amendment (2D)
UDC revision 2D includes text clean-up and small amendments to Sections 38.26.070
and 38.41.080 of the BMC regarding irrigation system efficiency and site plan submittal
requirements. Applicable in all City-owned rights-of-way, parks, subdivisions and
development city-wide. (Owens)
07:25:19 PM (01:28:32) Rebecca Owens presented the staff report. She stated this is part of a
comprehensive ordinance and text amendments. This is within several water related provisions
and is designed to provide some clarity. Two articles are being updated under this amendment.
The first change applies to public parks and rights-of-way, and the second change applies to site
plan submittals. She stated this application was reviewed in light of the zoning criteria and in
light of the subdivision regulations, and staff’s findings are contained in the staff report. As a
result of that review, staff is forwarding a recommendation for approval.
07:33:11 PM (01:36:24) Paul Neubauer asked if well water will be allowed for irrigation.
07:33:56 PM (01:37:09) Rebecca Owens responded that the use of well water is not prohibited but it is
not required under this amendment. She then noted that the use of treated water is preferred so that
the groundwater supplies are not depleted.
07:34:23 PM (01:37:36) Responding to questions from Paul Neubauer, Rebecca Owens stated that the
issue of not irrigating the public rights-of-way is not a part of this amendment but will be considered in
the future amendments.
Paul Neubauer stated he is an advocate of not requiring irrigation in public rights-of-way.
07:35:58 PM (01:39:11) Responding to Brianne Dugan, Rebecca Owens stated there is no Wetlands
Review Board at this time, but it is important to ensure review of those areas during review of
development applications.
07:39:06 PM (01:42:19) The public hearing was opened. No public comment was received. The public
hearing was closed.
07:39:25 PM (01:42:38) It was moved by Julien Morice that, having reviewed and considered the staff
report, application materials, public comment and all information presented, the Zoning Commission
and Planning Board hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report.
07:39:53 PM (01:43:06) The motion was seconded.
07:39:58 PM (01:43:11) The motion carried unanimously.
FYI/Discussion. No comment was received under this agenda item.
Adjournment – 7:40 p.m. Erik Garberg adjourned the meeting.