HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-19 Public Comment - J. Pape - Community Housing Action PlanFrom:Jay Pape
To:Agenda
Subject:Community Housing comments
Date:Monday, November 18, 2019 6:10:55 AM
I would like to comment on the Bozeman Community Housing Action Plan.
Specifically the section relating to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and Flexible
Development standards as they apply to affordable/attainable workforce housing
within what was once the “core” of Bozeman.
In the case of ADU’s, the current limitation to 600 sq ft, on a single level with 1
bedroom is quite profitable as a rental unit for the owners, however it hardly
represents adequate living space for a couple or small family of the working class.
Since this space is not adequate or desirable, these structures often revert to highly
profitable vacation rentals, legal or otherwise.
Progressive, growing cities such as Portland and Seattle have developed ADU
regulations to include structures up to 800 sq ft and 2 bedrooms and multi-level
designs. In addition, a footprint of 600 or 800 sq ft for a structure of 2 levels easily
yields a more livable, 1200 or 1600 sq ft home.
Current code limits ADU’s to a single level. Why not consider a 600-800 sq ft footprint
with an egress basement or a story and half? One need only look at successful small,
livable housing developments by Seattle architect, Ross Chapin and his award
winning “pocket neighborhoods” for unique, intelligent designs that provide
livably designed small homes.
Bozeman’s current ADU requirements while easy to evaluate for compliance, lack
vision and creativity by a city that people believe to be unique and desirable. Our
codes and housing action plan would benefit from focusing on what should be built
rather what CAN be built.
Another case in point is the award winning affordable and wildly successful housing
built in Alabama by Samuel Mockbee’s Rural Studio program of Auburn University’s
School of Architecture. The challenges of the Rural Studio are similar to those of
Bozeman- providing housing for the working class poor- in our case service workers,
trades people and local/state/federal employees.
To summarize, please consider the following:
· ADU footprints of 600-800 sq ft but also allowing for multiple levels.
· Flexibility in the size of a lot for a single family home. A standard 7000 sq ft
lot in my NE neighborhood could easily split in half to accommodate a well
designed, small footprint home.
Regards,
-- Jay Pape
514 N Ida Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715