HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-104 Bridger View GPA staff reportPage 1 of 14
19104, Staff Report for the Bridger View Redevelopment Growth Policy
Amendment (GPA).
Public Hearing Dates:
Planning Board Meeting June 18, 2019 at 6:00pm in the City Commission room, City
Hall, 121 North Rouse.
City Commission Meeting July 15, 2019 at 6:00pm in the City Commission room, City
Hall, 121 North Rouse.
Project Description: A growth policy amendment to revise the future land use map from
Community Commercial Mixed-Use and Residential to Residential Emphasis Mixed
Use on 8.025 acres and the adjacent Bridger Drive right-of-way.
Project Location: The property is located at the southwest corner of Bridger Drive and
Story Mill Road. The property is legally described as a tract of land known as the
Bridger View Mobile Home Court as shown on Certificate of Survey 2547, and a
portion of the adjacent Bridger Drive lying south of said centerline, located within
the SW ¼ of Section 31, Township 1 South, Range 6 East, Principal Meridian, Gallatin
County, Montana.
Planning Board Recommended Motion: Having reviewed and considered the application
materials, public comment, and all information presented, I hereby move to adopt
the findings presented in the staff report and recommend approval to the City
Commission of the growth policy amendment application 19104 with contingencies
and subject to all applicable code provisions.
City Commission Recommended Motion: Having reviewed and considered the
application materials, public comment, Planning Board recommendation, and all
the information presented, I hereby move to adopt the findings presented in the
staff report and to approve the growth policy amendment with contingencies and
subject to all applicable code provisions.
Report Date: June 6, 2019
Staff Contact: Tom Rogers, Senior Planner
Agenda Item Type: Action- Legislative
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Unresolved Issues
None
Project Summary
The Trust for Public Land (landowner) and HRDC (applicant) request to amend the Bozeman
Community Plan (Growth Policy) Future Land Use Map Figure 3-1 designation from
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Residential (3.46 acres) and Community Commercial Mixed Use (4.56 acres) to Residential
Emphasis Mixed Use on one parcel totaling 8.025 acres.
The site is adjacent to the Story Mill Community Park to the west and is part of the larger
vision of the area’s redevelopment in conjunction with the park. The intention of the land
use designation change is to allow the development of a mixed-income residential
neighborhood on property owned by a community land trust. This would provide
affordable housing options on a portion of the site and serve to reestablish a residential
neighborhood after a trailer park was removed in 2008. The application proposes a
designation of “Residential Emphasis Mixed Use” (REMU) on the entire property and half
(1.35 acres) of the adjacent Bridger Drive right-of-way.
There is also a concurrent Zone Map Amendment (ZMA) application that proposes a zoning
designation of R-3, Residential Medium Density District. The combination of a future land
use designation of REMU and a zoning district of R-3 would allow a future residential
neighborhood of one to five-household residential structures. If the GPA and ZMA are
approved, the applicant intends to submit a Planned Unit Development (PUD) that could
also allow some complementary light commercial uses.
Alternatives
1. Approve the application with the recommended contingencies;
2. Approve the application with modifications to the recommended contingencies;
3. Deny the application based on findings of non-compliance with the applicable criteria
contained within the staff report; or
4. Open and continue the public hearing on the application, with specific direction to staff
or the applicant to supply additional information or to address specific items.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 1
Unresolved Issues ................................................................................................................................... 1
Project Summary..................................................................................................................................... 1
Planning Board .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
SECTION 1 - MAP SERIES ............................................................................................................................ 4
SECTION 2 - RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL ........................................................ 4
APPENDIX A - PROJECT SITE ZONING AND GROWTH POLICY ................................................ 11
APPENDIX B - DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND .............................. 13
APPENDIX C – NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT ...................................................................... 14
APPENDIX D - OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF ........................................... 14
19104, Staff Report for the Bridger View Redevelopment GPA. Page 4 of 14
SECTION 1 - MAP SERIES
Future Land Use Map
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Current Zoning Map
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Current Land Use Map
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SECTION 2 - RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
If the Planning Board recommends approval of the application, the following contingencies
are recommended. Please note that these contingencies are necessary for the City to
complete the processing of the proposed amendment.
Recommended Conditions of Approval:
1) The applicant shall submit, within forty-five (45) days of approval by the City
Commission, an 8½- x 11-inch or 8½- x 14-inch exhibit titled “Bridger View
Redevelopment Growth Policy Amendment” to the Department of Community
Development containing an accurate description of the property for which the growth
policy designation is being amended. The exhibit must be acceptable to the
Department of Community Development.
2) The resolution for the growth policy amendment shall not be drafted until the
applicant provides an exhibit of the area to be re-designated, which will be utilized in
the preparation of the resolution to officially amend the Future Land Use Map of the
Bozeman Community Plan.
SECTION 3 - RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE ACTIONS
Having considered the criteria established for a growth policy map amendment, the Staff
recommends approval with contingencies for the application as submitted. The
Development Review Committee (DRC) considered the amendment on April 24, 2019 and
did not identify any concerns with the application.
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on June 18, 2019 to make a recommendation
to the City Commission for the growth policy map amendment. The City Commission will
hold a public hearing on the growth policy map amendment on July 15, 2019. The hearing
will be held at 121 N. Rouse Avenue, Bozeman. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
SECTION 4 - STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Analysis and resulting recommendations are based on the entirety of the application
materials, municipal codes, standards, plans, public comment, and all other materials
available during the review period. Collectively this information is the record of the review.
The analysis in this report is a summary of the completed review.
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In considering applications for approval under this title, the advisory boards and City
Commission shall consider the following criteria. As an amendment is a legislative action,
the Commission has broad latitude to determine a policy direction. The burden of proof
that the application should be approved lies with the applicant.
To reach a favorable decision on the proposed application the City Commission must find
that the application meets all of criteria 1-4 of Section 17.4, Bozeman Community Plan
Amendment procedures. In making these findings, they may identify that there are some
negative elements within the specific criteria with the final balance being a positive
outcome for approval.
Section 17.4, Bozeman Community Plan Amendment Criteria.
1. The proposed amendment must cure a deficiency in the growth policy, or
improve the growth policy, to better respond to the needs of the general
community;
Staff first reviewed the proposal for its ability to cure a deficiency. The current parcel
has a split future land use designation that is the result of a previously proposed project
that did not move forward. The Community Plan states that it is preferable for land use
designation boundaries to follow the parcel boundaries established by recorded plats.
This amendment would serve to do that by designating the entire parcel REMU, thus
correcting a deficiency in the current growth policy.
Staff also reviewed the application to determine whether the proposal would result in
an improved growth policy which better responds to the needs of the general
community. The proposed REMU designation puts a greater emphasis on housing than
the current Community Plan designations, allowing more housing in an appropriate
location adjacent to the Story Mill Community Park and near services. Furthermore, the
designation will require that any new development on the site meet code requirements
that at least 10 percent of the homes be priced at levels that households earning less
than 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI) can afford to purchase. According to the
2018 Demographic and Real Estate Market Assessment (EPS Report), the community
has a need for long-term affordable housing. This GPA would allow for the development
of more mixed-income housing in an area that is appropriate for such growth.
Both the current Community Plan and public input related to the pending plan update
note housing affordability as a high priority goal for the community. Therefore, the
proposed amendment would better respond to the needs of the general community by
providing more affordable housing options.
If approved, the relative certainty of commercial use at the corner of Bridger Drive and
Story Mill Rad is lost. Although there is a commercial area at the Story Mill site it is
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unlikely this location will evolve into a commercial zone serving the general area. The
next proximate commercial area is Cannery District approximately one mile to the
southwest.
Based on these findings, staff concludes that the Plan is an improvement to the growth
policy and better responds to the needs of the general community
2. The proposed amendment does not create inconsistencies within the growth
policy, either between the goals and the maps or between different goals and
objectives.
The proposed amendment to change 8.025 acres from “Community Commercial Mixed
Use” and “Residential” to “Residential Emphasis Mixed Use” does not appear to create
any inconsistencies within the growth policy goals or between goals and maps. The
existing split land use designation is a result of a previously unsuccessful project that
planned to mix commercial uses with residential. The proposed amendment would
return the site back to its historic use of residential. With regards to commercial uses,
the current Community Plan Update is exploring the concept of encouraging
commercial nodes within neighborhoods. The 2018 Demographic and Real Estate
Market Assessment (EPS Report) notes that other communities have reported difficulty
in creating new retail locations without significant housing density to support such uses
(pages 3 and 5). Therefore, it is consistent with current plan updates and previous
study efforts to provide residential uses prior to the creation of a larger commercial
node in the area.
Additionally, there are public utilities located on the site which are consistent with
many of the goals of the Community Plan in determining where it is appropriate for
new locations of residential uses. With the development of Story Mill Park, it is
compatible and appropriate to include residential uses adjacent to this new community
feature. Also, the change in designation allows residential uses in an area that is well
connected with trails which helps support many of the sustainability goals and within
the community plan.
Staff concludes that no substantive contradictions are created.
3. The proposed amendment must be consistent with the overall intent of the
growth policy.
The overall intent of the growth policy is to proactively and creatively address issues of
development and change while protecting public health, safety and welfare (page 1-1).
If approved, the proposed amendment will allow more residential uses on the subject
property which will complement the park and other adjacent uses, while providing a
mix of housing options for residents. The change will allow more space for residential
development that is in demand as the city continues to grow. Additionally, residential
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development on the subject property will increase public use and enjoyment of the park
and support existing and future commercial centers. Housing that provides affordable
options is deemed to be beneficial in the Community Plan, and the Strategic Plan states
that Bozeman should “explore opportunities for partnerships with key business groups
and non-profit organizations.” The proposed amendment does both of these things,
aligning with the overall intent of the growth policy and its goals.
The overall intent of the Bozeman Community Plan is expressed in the seven themes
first presented in the executive summary and expanded upon throughout the
document. These themes interact with all elements of the plan and touch on many of the
same issues as the themes being developed for the Bozeman Community Plan update.
Having considered the intent of the Bozeman Community Plan staff concludes that the
Bridger View Redevelopment GPA is consistent with the intent of the Bozeman
Community Plan.
4. The proposed amendment will not adversely affect the community as a whole
or significant portion by:
a) Significantly altering land use patterns and principles in a manner contrary to
those established by this plan,
No, the proposed map amendment does not significantly alter land use patterns from
those established by the plan. The existing land use designations are Community
Commercial Mixed Use and Residential and the proposed land use designation is
Residential Emphasis Mixed Use, which combines the existing split designations into
one cohesive designation for the entire property with a stronger emphasis on
residential uses. However, uses will be determined by the zoning district applied to
the property.
b) Requiring unmitigated larger or more expensive improvements to streets, water,
sewer, or other public facilities or services, thereby impacting development of
other lands,
No negative impacts to other lands or the community are anticipated as a result of
the proposed growth policy amendment. The site is located at the corner of an
established collector and principal arterial street and is within the planned service
area for municipal utilities. Future development will require municipal review for
any additional impacts and will be evaluated at that time.
c) Adversely impact existing uses because of unmitigated greater than anticipated
impacts on facilities and services,
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No adverse impacts have been identified at this time. Additional review will occur
during site development and mitigation of any potentially adverse impacts will be
addressed at that time, as required by municipal code. The addition of a residential
neighborhood to the east of Story Mill Park is compatible with surrounding land uses
and will place residents near a regional park which is seen as a positive for the
community.
d) Negatively affect the livability of the area or the health and safety of the
residents.
Designation of this site as Residential Emphasis Mixed Use is compatible with
surrounding land uses and should not negatively affect the livability of the area or the
health and safety of residents. The land use change would allow for additional
residential opportunities to meet the expanding demands of the city, in an area that
is appropriate and compatible for such a use.
APPENDIX A - PROJECT SITE ZONING AND GROWTH POLICY
Zoning Designation and Land Uses:
The property is zoned by the City of Bozeman as B-1, Neighborhood Business, R-2,
Residential Single-Household Medium Density, and R-4, Residential High Density. The
Applicant is proposing to change the zoning of this property to R-3, Medium Density
Residential. This request will be reviewed if the City Commission approves the GPA. The
property has historically been used residentially as the Bridger View Trailer Court.
Adopted Growth Policy Designation:
The following designations are applicable to this application.
Existing – Residential. The growth policy states, “This category designates places where
the primary activity is urban density dwellings. Other uses which complement residences
are also acceptable such as parks, low intensity home based occupations, fire stations,
churches, and schools. High density residential areas should be established in close
proximity to commercial centers to facilitate the provision of services and employment
opportunities to persons without requiring the use of an automobile. Implementation of
this category by residential zoning should provide for and coordinate intensive residential
uses in proximity to commercial centers. The residential designation indicates that it is
expected that development will occur within municipal boundaries, which may require
annexation prior to development…All residential housing should be arranged with
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consideration of compatibility with adjacent development, natural constraints such as
watercourses or steep slopes, and in a fashion which advances the overall goals of the
Bozeman growth policy. The residential designation is intended to provide the primary
locations for additional housing within the planning area.”
Existing – Community Commercial Mixed Use. The growth policy states that, “activities
within this land use category are the basic employment and services necessary for a
vibrant community. Establishments located within these categories draw from the
community as a whole for their employee and customer base and are sized accordingly. A
broad range of functions including retail, education, professional and personal services,
offices, residences, and general service activities typify this designation. In the “center-
based” land use pattern, Community Commercial Mixed Use areas are integrated with
significant transportation corridors, including transit and non-automotive routes, to
facilitate efficient travel opportunities. The density of development is expected to be higher
than currently seen in most commercial areas in Bozeman and should include multi-story
buildings…High density residential areas are expected in close proximity. Including
residential units on sites within this category, typically on upper floors, will facilitate the
provision of services and opportunities to persons without requiring the use of an
automobile… Mixed use areas should be developed in an integrated, pedestrian friendly
manner and should not be overly dominated by any single land use. Higher intensity
employment and residential uses are encouraged in the core of the area or adjacent to
significant streets and intersections. As needed, building height transitions should be
provided to be compatible with adjacent development.”
Proposed – Residential Emphasis Mixed Use. The Residential Mixed-Use category
“promotes neighborhoods with supporting services that are substantially dominated by
housing. A diversity of residential housing types should be built on the majority of any area
within this category. Housing choice for a variety of households is desired and can include
attached and small detached single-household dwellings, apartments, and live-work units.
Residences should be included on the upper floors of buildings with ground floor
commercial uses…The category is appropriate near commercial centers and larger areas
should have access on collector and arterial streets. Multi-household higher density urban
development is expected. Any development within this category should have a well
integrated transportation and open space network which encourages pedestrian activity
and provides ready access within and to adjacent development.”
Future Land Use Map. This map is a synthesis of many different ideas, public input,
existing conditions, and existing and desired land use patterns for the future. The map is
the visual representation of the land use patterns and ideas discussed in this chapter, and
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elsewhere throughout this document. The map shows in a very broad manner acceptable
uses and locations throughout the community. It does not represent a commitment by the
City to approve every development proposed within each category. Neither does a
designation indicate that a property is free from constraints to development.
The map and other elements of this plan must be weighed and evaluated in conjunction
with the specific details of a proposed project which are beyond the scope of this plan but
will be addressed through the implementation tools discussed in Chapter 16 and Appendix
I. The provisions of any intergovernmental agreement between the City and County
regarding land use will influence the final development pattern with the defined planning
area.
This plan looks at a twenty-year horizon as well as the current situation, so it is to be
expected that some areas which are not in conformance with the plan will be identified.
This plan recognizes the presence of these uses without specifically mapping or otherwise
identifying them. It is desired that these anomalies be resolved over the term of this plan so
that the land use pattern identified herein may be completed.
APPENDIX B - DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
Project Description
A growth policy amendment proposal to revise the future land use map from Residential and
Community Commercial Mixed Use to Residential Emphasis Mixed Use on 8.025 total acres
plus adjacent public rights-of-way.
The proposal is part of a larger vision of redevelopment for the area which includes Story
Mill Community Park. A portion of the subject property formerly housed a trailer park that
was removed for a larger housing and commercial development proposal that failed to
move forward. The Trust for Public Land acquired the property as part of the larger Story
Mill Community Park purchase to explore the option of returning some affordable homes
on a portion of the site. If the GPA and proposed ZMA are approved, the applicant intends
to submit a Preliminary PUD that would include a mixed-income residential development
and possibly some light complementary commercial uses.
The concurrent Zone Map Amendment application that proposes a zoning designation of R-
3, Residential Medium Density District and the future land use designation of REMU would
allow a future residential neighborhood of single household dwelling units with up to five
attached units. The addition of a residential neighborhood in this area is compatible with
adjacent uses and would serve to activate the edge of Story Mill Community Park, while
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providing the opportunity for residents to live near a great community resource and
enhance livability.
APPENDIX C – NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Notice was sent via US first class mail to all owners of property located inside the site and
within 200 feet of the perimeter of the site. The project site was posted with a copy of the
notice. The notice was published in the Legal Ads section of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on
May 26 and June 2, 2019. The Planning Board public hearing is scheduled for June 18, 2019
and the City Commission public hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2019.
APPENDIX D - OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF
Owner: Trust for Public Land, 901 5th Ave, Suite 1520, Seattle, WA 98164
Applicant: HRDC, 32 South Tracy Ave, Bozeman MT 59715
Representative: Groundprint, LLC, 1262 Stoneridge Drive, Bozeman MT 59718
Report By: Tom Rogers, Senior Planner
FISCAL EFFECTS
No unusual fiscal effects have been identified. No presently budgeted funds will be changed
by this growth policy amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
The full application and file of record can be viewed at the Community Development
Department at 20 E. Olive Street, Bozeman, MT 59715.
Application materials