HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-18 - Public Comment - C. Naumann, Downtown Partnership - UDC Update, Pile BFebruary 5, 2018
Bozeman City Commission & Bozeman Planning Board
City of Bozeman Department of Community Development
20 East Olive Street
Bozeman, MT 59715
RE: Bozeman UDC Updates – “Pile B” Amendments, #17597
City Commission & Planning Board:
Please accept this letter of public comment in reference to the “Pile B” amendments of the UDC update.
We would like to offer our specific support for amendments 1, 3 and 9 as they will further implement the
goals and objectives of the 2009 Downtown Improvement Plan:
1. Section 38.340.070. Expand deviations from underlying zoning requirements to include new construction
and include neighborhood development pattern as a criterion when determining historic appropriateness
in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
We agree that new construction should be eligible for deviations based on neighborhood development
patterns. This amendment will offer increased flexibility in our most unique part of town which is
especially important as we get ready to apply a new set of city-wide codified design regulations to a
distinct district like Downtown. The Downtown Plan recognizes this important difference: “The City
should adopt a set of regulations that are tailored to downtown… This indicates its importance, that
downtown is different than any other part of the community, and that totally different methods and
standards will be used” (DBIP, Page 38). To avoid confusion, specific definitions should be established
for terms such as “neighborhood” and “appropriateness”.
3. Section 38.360.040.B. Standards for detached Accessory Dwellings Units to exceed the height of the
primary structure.
Allowing additional flexibility to permit more ADUs is an excellent way to efficiently and add rental
housing Downtown which is directly in accordance with adopted Downtown Plan: “The presence of
significant housing is the most critical missing piece of Bozeman’s downtown, and for it to be vital and
sustainable over time, housing should be developed in great numbers and varieties, at all price-points,
both rental and for-sale. This recommendation is a “cornerstone” of this plan…” (DBIP Page 16).
9. Section 38.540.070.A.4. Off-site parking. Increase allowed separation for off-site parking for residential
developments from 100 feet to 300 feet.
This increase in the allowed separation between residential buildings and off-site parking is simply a
more reasonable standard that will contribute to further residential development, which again is the
cornerstone of the Downtown Plan.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chris Naumann, Executive Director