HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-17 Public Comment - D. Zinn - UDC Update, ADUsFirst Name David
Last Name Zinn
Email Address davidzinnkayaks@gmail.com
Phone Number 4065394333
Comments
To: Mayor Carson Taylor
Deputy Mayor Cyndy Andrus
Commisioners Jeff Krauss, Chris Mehl, and I-Ho Pomeroy
City of Bozeman Planning Dept., Chris Saunders & Tom Rogers
I am writing in regards to potential zoning changes that affect accessory dwelling units,
(ADUs.) I am in favor of encouraging ADUs for several reasons.
ADUs:
-give those of us with small single story houses to add living space for family and friends without massively altering
the principle structure on the property (our house in the BonTon Historic District seems to be one of the few 1050
sq foot homes left with an unfinished one car garage).
-allow for increase population density in the city core and, if done well, can be in context with the character of rest
of the neighborhood without major renovation projects.
-provide an avenue for individuals getting hit with large tax increases due to city valuations an opportunity to
offset the dramatic increases we have seen over the last seven years.
-help the rental housing market.
The changes being considered that I support include:
-changing the lot size for allowing an ADU from 6000 square feet to 5000 square feet
-allowing single story ADUs
I also believe it is necessary to change the part of the ADU code (Sec. 38.22.030. A. 4.) that states “However,
accessory dwelling units shall be permitted to be placed above garages only in subdivisions receiving preliminary
plat approval after January 1, 1997.” We believe this language needs to be struck from the code. I became aware
of this part of the code when our next door neighbor to the south went through the process of designing a
detached garage/ADU structure for their back lot. They went through the entire design process, meeting with the
City Planning Department numerous times, and the project was on the City Commission agenda for a conditional
use permit when they were informed at the last minute that their project was not allowed, due to this rule. (I still
don’t understand how this project was allowed to proceed through this entire process, costing my neighbor time
and money, without anyone at the city pointing out this rule to them until it was put on the City Commission
agenda.) They were pursuing this project as a way to be able to afford to live in their house in an environment of
steeply increasing taxes. What this means is that none of us who are zoned R1 in the older parts of Bozeman has
any legal option to create rental income without drastically altering our historic homes through massive
“renovation” of the primary structure as detached ADUs are not allowed. This will eventually leave you with R1
areas that only the very wealthy can afford. It’s not just low-income housing you need to worry about, you’re
starting to see middle income housing as a pipe-dream as well.
I certainly realize you are balancing a number of interests on issues of growth at the city core and I hope we can
come to a position that helps keep downtown areas within reach for more than just the very wealthy, helps to
minimize suburban sprawl, and maintains the character of downtown Bozeman.
Thank you for your consideration,
David Zinn
722 S Grand Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-539-4333