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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-17 Public Comment - R. Pertzborn - UDC Update, Minimum Lot Width1 22 August 2017 Bozeman City Commission + Tom Rogers, Senior Planner, AICP City of Bozeman Department of Community Development RE: UDC Update SUBJECT: Chapter 3 38.320.030 Table of Form & Intensity Standards Residential Districts Minimum Lot Width (pg. 197) Greetings - I am writing this letter to ask that, as part of the current UDC update and review, you consider revising the attached table relating to minimum residential lot widths. The current and proposed code allows lot widths of 30’ in all residential zoning districts, but only if project will meet affordability standards. See Attachment A. I would ask for consideration for lots, in R3 (medium density) and R4 (high density) districts, to ALSO be allowed to be a minimum of 30’ in width, when adjacent to an alley, regardless of how much the home costs. This is not a density change issue, and other sections of the code ensure minimum lot area, setbacks, lot coverage, height and uses for orderly development. Historically, lots varied in width, and many examples exist around town where modest homes exist on smaller lots, which is a characteristic we strive for in many parts of the existing code. I believe this proposed change would result in quality infill where unique conditions exist around the city and produce models to emulate going forward. In short, the value of a project should not dictate zoning (lot width). Please see the following attachments as reference: A: Current proposed UDC Update table 2 B: Housing site scenarios C: Example image of potential lot Thank you for your careful considerations, Robert J. Pertzborn, AIA 433 North Black Avenue Bozeman, Montana 59715 rpertzborn@intrinsikarchitecture.com 406-580-0422 Attachments 3 Attachment A: Current proposed UDC Update table (pg. 197) 4 Attachment B: Housing site scenarios A comparison of the housing options of a 75’ wide lot (R3) illustrates how mass, scale and density are affected by the code, and a traditional neighborhood development pattern (smaller building foot prints) could be prohibited, while favoring larger buildings. Small Homes / Garages Separate Lots (32’w & 43’w) Only if Affordable Standards Met Large House / Garage 75’ Wide Lot Two Attached Townhomes 37.5’ Wide Lots Three Attached Townhomes 25’ Wide Lots 5 Attachment C: Example image of a potential lot An example of an existing narrow lot exists adjacent to 413 North Black Avenue. This could be a 32’x140’ lot, but only if what is built meets affordability standards. Note: The previous condition of this lot was a 4 unit (14 bedroom) apartment building. The structure was removed and a single-family house with detached garage/ADU was recently completed on the left.