HomeMy WebLinkAbout200317_BozemanCommunityPlan_PBDraft_V9.1BOZEMANMT
2019 COMMUNITY PLAN
17 MARCH 2020
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PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 I
BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION
_________________________
Mayor Chris Mehl
Deputy Mayor Cyndy Andrus
Commissioner Terry Cunningham
Commissioner I-Ho Pomeroy
Commissioner Michael Wallner
BOZEMAN PLANNING BOARD
Henry (Hap) Happel, Chair
Chris Mehl, Commission Liaison
Cathy Costakis
Mark Egge
Jennifer Madgic
Gerald (Jerry) Pape, Jr.
Paul Spitler
George Thompson
SIGNATURE PAGE
This certifies that the Bozeman Community Plan has been duly adopted by the Bozeman City
Commission by City of Bozeman Resolution No. ____, dated ___________.
II CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY OF BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSIONMayor Chris Mehl
Deputy Mayor Cyndy Andrus
Commissioner Terry CunninghamCommissioner I-Ho PomeroyCommissioner Michael WallnerCommissioner Jeff Krauss, Past Member
CITY OF BOZEMAN PLANNING BOARDHenry (Hap) Happel, Chair
Chris Mehl, Commission Liaison
Cathy CostakisMark EggeJennifer MadgicGerald (Jerry) Pape, Jr.
Paul Spitler
George Thompson Brianne Dugan, Past Member John Lavey, Past Member Lauren Waterton, Past Member
Jordan Zignego, Past Member
CITY OF BOZEMAN STAFF
Martin Matsen, Director of Community DevelopmentChris Saunders, Community Development ManagerTom Rogers, Senior Planner
CONSULTANT TEAMLogan SimpsonLeland Consulting
Special thanks to the community members who participated in the process and contributed to the development of the Community Plan.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 III
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
01 | BASICS 3ORGANIZATION 3PLANNING AREA 5
PLANNING TIME HORIZON 5
PUBLIC OUTREACH 5EXISTING CONDITIONS 6RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS 9BASIC PLANNING PRECEPTS 10
02 | THEMES 13
03 | FUTURE LAND USE 39IMPORTANCE 39
LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS FOR USE ON THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP 41
Correlation with Zoning 46THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP 47
04 | IMPLEMENTATION 49IMPORTANCE 49SHORT-TERM ACTION LIST 50
MONITORING AND UPDATES 50
05 | AMENDMENTS + REVIEW 53
PLAN AMENDMENTS 53
REVIEW TRIGGERS, AMENDMENTS, AND AMENDMENT CRITERIA 54Subdivision Review 56ZONING AMENDMENT REVIEW 60
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PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 1
00INTRODUCTION
The City of Bozeman is set in an expansive valley,
surrounded by several towering mountain ranges,
and intersected by blue ribbon waterways. Over
the last 150 years, Bozeman has grown from a
small town supported by agriculture to one of
the most livable micropolitan areas in the United
States. Desirable amenities, such as immediate
access to year-round recreation, high-quality
education, and a growing high-tech culture,
have all contributed to increasingly high rates
of development, employment, and population
growth; all managed by thoughtful and forward-
thinking City policies.
Bozeman now has a population of approximately
50,000 people, which is up from 22,660
people in the year 1990. It is the fourth largest
city in Montana. The City is home to Montana
State University with research and contract
expenditures from state, private and federal
sources totaling 138.8 million in 2018-2019; is
a growing regional healthcare hub; serves as
the major trading center for much of western
Montana; has a sophisticated and growing high
tech industry; and is a renowned summer and
winter recreational center that attracts thousands
of visitors annually.
Bozeman’s high rate of growth and changing
economics, rapid development in surrounding
Gallatin County, and the state statute mandating
communities keep their community plans up
to date, all make it necessary to draft a new
Community Plan. Without guided growth and
development, the community’s identity and overall
quality of life could be diminished by congestion
and pollution. The City has had five community
plans dating back to 1958, the most recent being
its 2009 plan. Each plan builds upon the others,
reflecting the community’s vision and needs at a
given point in time.
This Community Plan (the Plan) is a fundamental
policy document guiding further growth and
community development in Bozeman. The Plan
reflects the community’s shared values and
priorities. The Plan is the City’s long-range growth
policy (or comprehensive plan) that meets the
statutory requirements per MCA 76-1-601. It sets
forth Bozeman’s future growth policy for land
use and development. The purpose of the Plan
is to guide the City’s community planning and to
evaluate and prioritize the City’s actions moving
forward.
This Plan helps guide citizens, City staff, and
elected officials’ decisions. Its measure of success
is continuation of the Bozeman tradition – a
flourishing place to reside, visit, build a business,
and raise a family. The City, as an institution,
will undertake many actions to implement the
Plan as well as track the progress of the Plan’s
implementation through established indicators.
These indicators will help determine the
objectives that are working, where they can be
improved, and the objectives that need to be
reevaluated. The citizens and businesses in the
City, through their aspirations and hard work, will
carry out the Plan. The Plan brings land use policy
into larger community discussions on many issues
addressed by the City.
Gallatin County Population and Employment Projection
Gallatin County Change 2017 - 2045
2017 2020 2030 2040 2045 Total Annual Growth Rate
Population 105,000 111,700 133,100 151,200 159,900 54,900 1,961 1.5%
Employment 80,400 85,600 101,900 115,800 122,500 42,100 1,504 1.5%
Source: Economic & Planning Systems
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PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 3
01
01 | BASICS
ORGANIZATION
The Plan is organized into five main sections: Basics, Themes, Land Use Map, Implementation, and
Amendments and Review, along with Appendices that provide additional details.
01 | Basics outlines the organization of the Plan, describes the Planning Area and the Planning
Period, provides an overview of the public outreach process and existing conditions. Most
importantly, the recommendations of the Plan are summarized and discussed within the context of
the issues most important to Bozeman citizens.
02 | Themes sets forth Plan goals and objectives, existing conditions, and framework maps that
show key opportunity areas related to each theme.
03 | Future Land Use sets forth and discusses Bozeman’s Future Land Use Map.
04 | Implementation details a monitoring program that will be used to track progress toward
meeting the community’s vision through key progress indicators.
05 | Amendments + Review contains the Plan’s proposed amendment information, proposed
zoning amendments, and the subdivision review process.
4 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: ENGAGEMENT AND PROCESS TO CREATE THE PLAN
Appendix A details the outreach and engagement process that helped shape the Community Plan. The
four-phase process used in-person and digital approaches to engagement to capture the community’s
voice.
Phase One (Foundation) engaged the community and determined what people love about Bozeman,
what people believe could be improved about Bozeman, and their vision for Bozeman’s future.
Phase Two (Analysis and Vision) built upon the high levels of engagement in Phase One and refined
the six themes that were developed based upon Phase One community comments. Furthermore,
participants were asked to consider opportunities that can help the City realize its vision.
Phase Three (Opportunities and Choices) outreach involved a community event held at the
Bozeman Public Library and an online questionnaire that were designed to gather community input
on the specific opportunities that coincide with each of the six Themes.
Phase Four (Draft and Final Plan), the final phase in the Community Plan Update process was
conducted over the course of several months to ensure community satisfaction and acceptance of
the Plan. Community comments provided throughout the first three phases were incorporated into
the final Plan, which includes specific goals, objectives, and designated indicators that monitor and
measure success of each goal.
APPENDIX B: INFRASTRUCTURE AND SPECIAL TOPIC PLANS
Appendix B references the City’s key infrastructure plans, with descriptions of, and links to each plan
document. Included plans detail future and existing plans for transportation, storm water, wastewater,
parks and open space, public safety, economic development, housing, and other topics.
APPENDIX C: INVENTORY REPORT
Appendix C details the history of the City of Bozeman, along with highlights of existing conditions and
the direction it’s trending. Statistics and text in this section are taken directly from the 2018 Demographic
and Real Estate Market Assessment prepared by Economic and Planning Systems (EPS report).
Demographic information highlights the existing population’s total count, income, and age, as well as
housing, employment, and commercial and industrial statistics.
APPENDIX D: PROJECTIONS REPORT
Projections shown in Appendix D have been extracted from the EPS report. Projections include
population, employment, and housing growth, and demand projections for land, housing, and
commercial and industrial space.
APPENDIX E: INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN PER 76-1-601(4)(C) MCA
The law authorizing growth policies allows additional items to be added to a growth policy. One of those
items is a discussion on how infrastructure is expanded, the consequences of that expansion, and how
negative effects of the expansion can be mitigated.
APPENDIX F: GLOSSARY
Defines specific terms used in the Plan.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 5
PLANNING AREA
Bozeman’s Planning Area, is generally the area
of the City’s future municipal water and sewer
service boundary. It includes the City of Bozeman
as well as a half-mile to two-mile area around,
but outside, the City in the Gallatin County
jurisdictional area. The Planning Area is nearly
70.8 square miles. The City’s current footprint
is 20.4 square miles. This Plan encourages
development within the municipal boundaries
where City services are available and thoughtful
development in the Planning Area guided by the
Plan’s goals and policies.
PLANNING TIME HORIZON
The time horizon for this Plan is 20 years- until 2040. This time horizon is referred to in the Plan as the
“Planning Period.” The future land use map and other elements (i.e. plans for water, sewer, transportation,
and parks) look further into the future to envision a long-term future that is not predicted to occur over
any particular timeframe.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Developing Bozeman’s Community Plan involved a lengthy public outreach period and the Planning
Board and City Commission provided guidance throughout the process. Development of the Plan
included four distinct phases. The community was provided many opportunities throughout the
process to voice their opinion including large-scale community events, small group listening sessions,
stakeholder interviews, and a series of progressive, easy-to-use online surveys. Events were advertised
through print media, social media, as well as on the City’s website and calendar. Additionally, postcards
and flyers were handed out and posted throughout the community to encourage high levels of
participation and to increase overall awareness. Appendix A details the City and its citizens’ process to
develop this Plan.
Current City Limits
Growth Policy Boundary (Proposed)
1.5 0 1.50.75 Miles ¯
For the Love of Bozeman
Foundation
Project Branding
One-on-One Interviews
Listening Sessions
Community Social
+ Questionnaire
Bozeman Talks
Analysis + Vision
Existing Plans Review
Existing Conditions Analysis
Community Values Identification
Community Workshop
+ Questionnaire
Bozeman Thinks Big
Opportunities + Choices
Opportunities
Identification
Land Use Options Development + Refinement
Community Events + Open House
Bozeman The Plan
Plan Development + Approval
Draft Plan Development
Community Open Houses + Questionnaire
Draft Plan Review
Final Plan Development
Formal Adoption Hearings
City of Bozeman Current City Limits and Growth Policy Boundary
Community Plan Process and Outreach, 2018 - 2020
6 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
EXISTING CONDITIONS
POPULATION
Bozeman’s estimated 2018 population (48,105)
was more than double the City’s population in
1990 (22,660). The median age of Bozeman
citizens is 27.9 years old, which can partially
be attributed to the enrollment of over 16,900
students at Montana State University. Over 55
percent of City citizens have a bachelor’s degree
or higher, in comparison to the national average
of 30 percent. The City is projected to grow by
nearly 27,000 people through the year 2045.
Net migration accounted for 75 percent of Gallatin
County’s population change between 2010 and
2017. A high rate of net migration indicates that an
area is a desirable place to live and is a sign of a
thriving economy.
EMPLOYMENT
Bozeman’s largest employer is Montana State
University (MSU), with over 3,000 full and part-
time employees. Gallatin County experienced an
employment growth rate over four percent per
year since 2010 - adding 12,000 jobs. 80 percent
of this growth occurred in the City of Bozeman.
INCOME
The median household income in Bozeman
is $49,217; however, the Bozeman median
household income is $79,662 for homeowners
and $35,012 for renters. This disparity may reflect,
to some extent, the impact of MSU students on
Bozeman statistical averages.
HOUSING
About 45 percent of households in the City own
their homes, up from 43.5 percent in 2010. The
median sale price of homes, including single-
detached homes, townhomes, and condominiums,
was $385,000 in 2018, an increase of 75 percent
since 2012. During this same period, the consumer
price index rose 10 percent and the cost of homes
nationwide rose 38 percent.
According to the American Community Survey
there are 18,539 total households in Bozeman.
24 percent of homeowners are “cost burdened”,
which means they are paying 30 percent or more
of their income towards mortgage payments. 55
percent of renters in Bozeman are cost-burdened.
In the United States as a whole, 22.5 percent of
homeowners were cost-burdened in 2017, the last
year statistics are available.
Between 2010 and the fall of 2018, 43 percent of
homes built were multi-unit (3+), 41 percent were
single-detached, 14 percent were townhomes
and duplexes, and two percent were accessory
dwelling units (ADUs). 41 percent of homes in
Bozeman are single-detached, compared to nearly
70 percent in Montana and 62 percent nationally.
There is an estimated demand for over 12,700
new residences in Bozeman by the year 2045 to
compensate for current shortfall in housing stock
and the projected population increase.
TRANSPORTATION
Bozeman citizens have access to a range of
transportation options, including an extensive
sidewalk and trail system, the six citywide routes
offered by Streamline Bus service, Skyline Bus
service to Big Sky, Galavan transportation service
for seniors and disabled individuals, taxi service
and rideshare, and the bike network, which
consists of 18 miles of bike routes, 33 miles of bike
lanes, and 23 miles of shared-use paths.
70 percent of Bozeman commuters drive alone,
16 percent walk or ride a bike, six percent work
from home, and less than one percent use public
transit. The average commute time, which has
been increasing, is approximately 14.5 minutes,
compared to the state average of 18 minutes and
the national average of 26 minutes.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 7
GROWTH
Bozeman’s land area and its population is
growing. Since 1988, Bozeman has annexed, at
landowners’ request, more than 6,650 acres of
land, about 10.3 square miles– more than doubling
its size. Bozeman’s annexation policy guides this
process.
The projected land demand over the Planning
Period, based on estimated population growth,
ranges from 3,820 acres to 5,716 acres,
depending largely on levels of density in future
residential developments. Faster rates of
population growth will require additional land
area.
For complete details on projections, see Appendix
D. A more detailed description of Bozeman’s
existing conditions can be found in Appendix C.
COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES
Compared to five other communities around the
west, Bozeman has the highest percentage of
renters, but also is home to a student body that
makes up almost 35 percent of its population,
also explaining the lowest median age of the
cities in the comparison. Each of the communities
employment sectors were focused on education
services, health care, and social assistance jobs
but the main difference between the Montana
and Colorado communities was that in Montana,
a larger percentage of jobs were in the retail
field and in Colorado there were jobs under the
professional, scientific, and technical umbrella.
Bozeman also had the greatest percentage of
units from single-attached through buildings with
5 to 9 units, potentially indicating higher levels of
density and fewer single-detached homes. The
percent of housing developments with 10 or more
units in Bozeman is lower than both Fort Collins
and Boulder. The table below highlights how
the communities compared to one another on
measures such as percentage of renters, student
body as a percentage of the total population, and
housing stock.
8 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES
Bozeman, MT Billings, MT Missoula, MT Fort Collins,
CO Boulder, CO Bend, OR
Demographics
Population (2018)48,532 109,550 74,428 167,830 107,353 97,590
Median Age (2017)28 37 32.7 29.2 28.6 38.2
% Renters (2018)55.9%37.1%52.8%45.6%51.8%41.8%
Household Income $49,217 $55,585 $43,602 $60,110 $64,183 $60,563
Employment
# of Jobs 25,928 56,218 39,677 86,913 59,101 44,182
Top 3 Sectors (1) Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance (2) Arts, Accommodation, and Food Services (3) Retail Trade
(1) Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance (2) Retail Trade (3) Arts, Accommodation, and Food Services
(1) Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance (2) Arts, Accommodation, and Food Services (3) Retail Trade
(1) Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance (2) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (3) Arts, Accommodation, and Food Services
(1) Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance (2) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (3) Arts, Accommodation, and Food Services
(1) Educational Services, Health Care, and Social Assistance (2) Retail Trade (3) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Housing Stock
1 Unit (detached)40.3%61.4%50.6%56.9%40.9%68.6%
1 Unit (attached)14.1%6.0%4.9%8.0%7.9%4.7%
2 Units 8.2%5.6%6.8%2.4%2.7%4.6%
3 to 4 Units 13.5%5.7%10.7%5.4%6.3%5.4%
5 to 9 Units 9.1%5.0%7.3%7.1%9.0%3.3%
10 to 19 Units 4.8%3.0%5.9%8.2%8.9%3.0%
20 or more Units 6.5%6.8%9.9%9.4%21.2%5.4%
Mobile Home 3.4%6.3%3.8%2.5%3.1%4.8%
Boat, RV, Van, etc.0.0%0.2%0.2%0.0%0.1%0.2%
Total Units 19,972 48,950 32,755 64,038 45,424 38,970
Higher Education
Major Colleges/Universities Montana State University Montana State University University of Montana Colorado State University University of Colorado Oregon State University
Enrollment 16,766 4,288 10,962 33,413 33,246 1,204
% of Total Population 34.5%3.9%14.7%19.9%31.0%1.2%
Source: US Census
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 9
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
The Bozeman Strategic Plan is the overarching policy statement for the City. It was adopted by the City
Commission on March 5, 2018 after a 24-month process of community discussion and evaluation. The
Strategic Plan provides direction for this Community Plan primarily through its Vision Statement entitled A
Well-Planned City. This Vision Statement focuses on balanced growth, high quality planning and design,
strategic infrastructure choices, districts, and neighborhood centers. The Strategic Plan also provides
direction through its Vision Statements entitled A Sustainable Environment, An Innovative Economy, and
A High Performance Organization. The six Themes in this Plan further the goals of the Strategic Plan (see
table at right) and have been carried through from prior plans, demonstrating a level of consistency in
community values over time.
The Community Plan is also influenced by, and will influence, a number of other local plans, guidelines,
policies, and manuals. These are intended to be used together to achieve a set of community goals
while minimizing redundancies. They include the Transportation Master Plan, neighborhood plans such
as the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan, and the City’s various water-related plans. See Appendix
B for a more detailed description of individual plans. Given the City’s extensive operations, several plans
are reviewed and updated each year. Please consult the most recent version of each plan.Future Land Use MapA City of NeighborhoodsA City Bolstered by Downtown and Complementary DistrictsA City Influenced by our Natural Environment, Parks, and Open SpaceA City that Prioritizes Accessibility and MobilityA City Powered by its Creative, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial EconomyA City Engaged in Regional CoordinationCovered by Other Plans4 | A Well-Planned City
4.1 Informed Conversation on Growth ••••••
4.2 High Quality Urban Approach •••••••
4.3 Strategic Infrastructure Choices •••••••
4.4 Vibrant Downtown, Districts & Centers •••••••
4.5 Housing and Transportation Choices ••••••
EXISTING PLANS
Affordable Housing Action Plan - 2019
Bozeman Creek Enhancement Plan –
2012
Bozeman Creek Neighborhood Plan
– 2005
Community Climate Action Plan – 2011
Community Transportation Safety Plan
– 2013
Downtown Improvement Plan – 2019
Drought Management Plan – 2017
Downtown Strategic Parking
Management Plan – 2016
Economic Development Strategy
Update – 2016
Fire and EMS Master Plan – 2017
Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan
and Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (draft) – 2019
Gallatin Triangle Planning Study –
2014
Housing Needs Assessment – 2019
Integrated Water Resources
Implementation Plan – 2013
Integrated Water Resources Plan –
2013
Midtown Action Plan – 2017
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
District (NCOD) – 2019
Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and
Trails Plan – 2007
Stormwater Facilities Plan – 2008
Stormwater Management Plan – 2019
Transportation Master Plan – 2017
Urban Forestry Management Plan –
2016
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan
Update – 2015
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
10 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
BASIC PLANNING PRECEPTS
PRINCIPLES APPLIED IN THIS PLAN
Drawing on best land use practices, community input, Bozeman’s land use planning experience, and
the ideas discussed in the Themes, the City used the following principles to prepare the policies, goals,
objectives, land use designations, and future land use map in this Plan:
• Urban design should integrate residential and commercial land use activities, multimodal
transportation, and open spaces.
• Variety in housing and employment opportunities is essential.
• Land use designations must respond to a broad range of factors, including infrastructure, natural, and
economic constraints, other community priorities, and expectations of all affected parties concerning
private development.
• Transportation infrastructure is vital in supporting desired land use patterns. Therefore, the two
must be coordinated. Future infrastructure should favor interconnected multimodal transportation
networks (i.e. infrastructure for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes of transport in addition to
automobiles).
• Development should be compact and serve a variety of housing needs.
• Diverse uses of land should occur relatively close to one another.
• Bozeman intends to create a resilient and sustainable community by incorporating a holistic
approach to the design, construction, and operation of buildings, neighborhoods, and the City as a
whole. Further, development should be integrated into the neighborhood and larger community.
• The needs of new and existing development coexist and they should remain in balance; neither
should overwhelm the other.
• Infill development and redevelopment should be prioritized, but incremental compact outward
growth is a necessary part of City growth.
• Gathering places and open spaces including parks and trails, should be in convenient locations to
those they serve. Quality and function is superior to quantity alone.
The growth policy forms the foundation of the land development process.
Subdivision/ Site Plan
Apply development standards to a specific piece of property prior to physical construction
Zoning Map Amendment
Selection of one zoning district and associated development standards on one or more distinct properties
Growth PolicyBroad policy and coarse geographic detail with
multiple zoning district to implement
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 11
CITY RESPONSIBILITIES
The City’s primary function is to provide a safe,
healthy, and high-quality environment that
supports the physical, social, and economic
welfare of its citizens . For the Bozeman
community to continue to prosper, all citizens
need equitable access to opportunities to
advance their well-being regardless of their
circumstances. The way a community is shaped
through development patterns, infrastructure,
transportation systems, housing options,
economic opportunities, and green spaces can
contribute to the well-being of citizens or can
make it harder for people to live healthy and
successful lives.
COMMUNITY DESIRES
People who have participated in this plan
have consistently stated a desire for safe and
accessible streets that support and encourage
a variety of transportation preferences including
walking, bicycling, transit, and driving. They
want to live in walkable neighborhoods where
they have easy access to everyday services,
employment opportunities, healthy and affordable
food, recreation, and social gathering places.
Housing affordability is a concern; citizens of
all ages, abilities, and income levels require a
diversity of housing types to meet their specific
needs. Open space, parks, trails, and the
preservation of local agricultural lands and view
sheds were also priorities. A description of public
participation is presented in Appendix A.
CITY’S ROLE
Development occurs most efficiently, and with
best results, when the public and private sectors
work together to achieve mutually compatible
goals. It is worth emphasizing that the vast
majority of the future built environment will be
designed, paid for, and constructed by the private
sector. The City provides the foundation of these
goals by providing infrastructure, public services,
and implementing design standards to shape the
fabric of the community.
GROWTH
Bozeman’s employment, population, and built
environment have been growing rapidly. This
has created community benefits including a
strong local economy, increased diversity, and
innovation. It has also led to growing pains—
higher housing costs and increased traffic to name
a few. The City’s response to this is to pursue
policies that mitigate these growing pains. Policies
are described above and throughout this Plan.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Housing affordability is a critical issue for the
community and has been an ongoing concern
since it was identified as an issue in the 1972
community master plan. The positive attributes
that make Bozeman a desirable place to
live include job growth, increased university
enrollments, and geographic location. These
attributes have also contributed to housing
demand. The sale price of homes have more than
fully recovered for all housing types. The median
sale price of homes, including single-households,
townhomes and condominiums, increased 75%
since 2012. This is an average increase of 10% per
year.
Bozeman has taken the issue of housing seriously
and developed the housing needs assessment in
2019, hired a housing coordinator, and released
the Community Housing Action Plan in October
2019. The Housing Action Plan objectives include
the following: i.) ensuring community housing
serves the full range of incomes without losing
sight of safety net programs for extremely low
income and homeless families; ii.) producing
community housing at a rate that exceeds or
at least matches job growth; and iii.) striving
to produce community housing at a rate that
12 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
matches the spectrum of community housing needs. The Housing Plan identifies 19 priority action
strategies to be evaluated and, where appropriate, utilized over the next five years in an effort to
accomplish the objectives. Because affordable housing is the subject of the detailed Housing Action
Plan, this Plan does not address affordable housing issues in detail.
However, zoning and land use regulations are processes that influence the cost of housing and are
addressed in this Plan. This Plan supports housing regulations that allow for a range of housing types
intermixed with one another in a given neighborhood, denser development, and efficiencies of various
types that can help reduce housing costs while not jeopardizing public safety and other community
priorities.
According to the Bozeman Housing Needs Assessment, an estimated 5,405 to 6,340 housing units for
residents and employees are needed by 2025, or an average of about 770 to 905 units per year. This
figure includes housing for employees, units needed to open up the current tight rental and ownership
markets, provides choices to households, housing for employees filling jobs vacated by retirees, workers
filling new jobs, plus related non-employee citizen housing needs.
More housing, and more diversity in housing, is needed at prices that citizens can afford. This will
provide choices, the ability to move as life circumstances change, allows employers to fill jobs, recruit,
and retain employees, supports businesses, and supports citizen and student growth.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 13
02
02 | THEMES
Six Themes describe the community-derived desired outcomes. The Themes contain objectives and
actions to guide the City towards its vision, evolve as the City grows, and allow the City to incorporate
new objectives as needed. The Themes are:
A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS;
A CITY BOLSTERED BY DOWNTOWN AND COMPLEMENTARY DISTRICTS;
A CITY INFLUENCED BY OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, PARKS, AND OPEN SPACE;
A CITY THAT PRIORITIZES ACCESSIBILITY AND MOBILITY;
A CITY POWERED BY ITS CREATIVE, INNOVATIVE, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL
ECONOMY;
A CITY ENGAGED IN REGIONAL COORDINATION.
14 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
THEME 1 | A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS
Our City desires to be diverse and inclusive, defined by our vibrant neighborhoods,
quality housing, walkability, excellent schools, numerous parks and trails, and
thriving areas of commerce.
IMPORTANCE
Bozeman is indeed a city of neighborhoods. From the traditional neighborhoods north and south of
Bozeman’s downtown, to the developments of more recent times, Bozeman’s neighborhoods are as
diverse as the periods of time in which they were built. This eclectic mix of housing opportunities within
differing geographic parts of town helps define who we are, where we came from, and where we’re
going.
There is strong public support for development and maintenance of old and new neighborhoods; these
areas are sometimes defined as “complete communities.” These neighborhoods or communities offer a
mix of housing, needed services, and opportunities within close proximity of each other. The idea is to
promote walking or short commutes to the things in life we value and depend on including jobs, schools,
places of worship, friends, goods and services, open spaces, trails, community gardens, and more.
Neighborhoods help improve community safety and overall community health.
The City supports policies that maintain and build neighborhoods designed to provide equitable access
to amenities and opportunities for all. Housing type diversity within neighborhoods helps ensure
community benefits are available to households of different size, income, and age. Mixed neighborhoods
can help provide the density of people needed to support nearby commercial activities.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 15
Neighborhood
ElementsServices
Parks and R e c r e a tio nJ obsSocial Netw
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S e n s e o f Identity
GeographySchoolsServices HomesKey elements of neighborhoods
16 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal N-1: Support well-planned, walkable neighborhoods.
N-1.1 Promote housing diversity
N-1.2 Review increasing required minimum densities in
residential districts.
N-1.3 Review and reassess the zoning map to lessen areas zoned for single-type housing.
N-1.4 Promote development of accessory dwelling units
(ADUs)
N-1.5 Encourage neighborhood focal point development with functions, activities, and facilities that can be sustained over time. Maintain standards for placement of community focal points and services within new
development.
N-1.6 Review and where appropriate, revise block and lot design standards throughout City neighborhoods.
N-1.7 Install, replace, and maintain missing or damaged sidewalks, trails, and shared use paths.
N-1.8 Ensure multimodal connections between adjacent
developments
N-1.9 Increase connectivity between parks and neighborhoods through continued trail and sidewalk development. Prioritize closing gaps within the network.
Goal N-2: Pursue simultaneous emergence of commercial
nodes and residential development through diverse
mechanisms in appropriate locations.
N-2.1 Ensure the zoning map identifies locations for
neighborhood and community commercial nodes early in the development process.
N-2.2 Encourage zoning to support higher intensity residential districts near schools, services, and transportation.
N-2.3 Investigate and encourage development of commerce
concurrent with, or soon after, residential development.
N-2.4 Evaluate design standards. Buildings are to be capable of serving an initial residential purpose and be readily converted to commercial uses when adequate market
support for commercial services exists.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 17
Goal N-3: Promote a diverse supply of quality housing units.
N-3.1 Review and reassess the zoning map to lessen areas zoned for single-type housing.
N-3.2 Evaluate establishing standards for provisions of diversity of housing types in a given area.
N-3.3 Review zoning districts to assess the range of housing
types in each district.
N-3.4 Promote construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
N-3.5 Encourage distribution of affordable housing units
throughout the City with priority given to locations near
commercial, recreational, and transit assets.
N-3.6 Incentivize development of affordable housing through coordination of funding for affordable housing and infrastructure.
N-3.7 Discourage private covenants that restrict housing
diversity or are contrary to City land development policies.
N-3.8 Include adequate residentially-designated areas for anticipated future housing in the future land use map.
Goal N-4: Continue to encourage Bozeman’s sense of place.
N-4.1 Through civic action, continue to recognize and honor the unique history and buildings that contribute to
Bozeman’s sense of place.
N-4.2 Encourage incorporating features, in both public and private projects, to provide organization, structure and landmarks as Bozeman grows.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Bozeman Creek Neighborhood
Plan – 2005
Downtown Improvement Plan –
2019
Housing Needs Assessment –
2019
Midtown Action Plan – 2017
Neighborhood Conservation
Overlay District, Final Policy
Direction – 2019
18 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
THEME 2 | A CITY BOLSTERED BY DOWNTOWN AND
COMPLEMENTARY DISTRICTS
Our City is bolstered by our Downtown, Midtown, University and other
commercial districts and neighborhood centers that are characterized by higher
densities and intensities of use.
IMPORTANCE
Thoughtful city planning provides a host of advantages from economic vitality to environmental health to
overall quality of life. Many of Bozeman’s neighborhoods have a concentration of housing with a variety
of housing types that support nearby commercial centers. The City intends to look inward by prioritizing
infill. Concentrated development uses land more efficiently, and reduces the overall amount of road
surface and need for parking lots, improving overall access to parks, schools, and shops. Access is
ultimately improved and places are connected through a variety of transportation options.
Concentrated development makes sense for our pocketbooks and overall health. When it comes to
promoting a walkable, bikeable, safe, affordable, and energy-efficient community, density and design
matter. Preventing sprawl and increasing resource efficiency depend on an intensity of urban life found
in our commercial centers. Innovative design and planning include ideas like pocket neighborhoods,
smaller housing, green alleys, community gardens, and creativity in our public spaces.
Sources: ESRI, USGS, NOAA
OAK
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BRIDGER
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SPRINGHILLLakes
Rivers
City and Private Parks
County Park
Interstate 90
Major Roads
Local Roads
Fowler District
Downtown District
Cottonwood District
City Limits
Baxter/Cattail District
Midtown District
Montana State University District
North 19th District
Story Mill DistrictBase LayersFramework Layers0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Ü
Story Mill District
N 19th
Midtown District
Downtown District
Montana State University District
Baxter/CattailDistrict
Cottonwood District
FowlerDistrict
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 19
This Diagram is for illustrative purposes, and is conceptual only.
20 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal DCD-1: Ensure multimodal connectivity within the City.
DCD-1.1 Expand multimodal accessibility between districts and throughout the City as a means of
promoting personal and environmental health, as well as reducing automobile dependency.
DCD-1.2 Identify missing links in the multimodal system, prioritize those most beneficial to complete, and pursue funding for completion of those links.
DCD-1.3 Identify major existing and future destinations for biking and walking to aid in prioritization of route planning and completion.
DCD-1.4 Support implementation of the Bozeman Transportation Master Plan strategies.
DCD-1.5 Encourage increased development intensity in commercial centers.
DCD-1.6 Evaluate parking requirements and methods of providing parking as part of the overall transportation system for and between districts.
Goal DCD-2: Support urban development within the City.
DCD-2.1 Evaluate alternatives for more intensive development in proximity to high visibility corners, services, and parks.
DCD-2.2 Remove regulatory barriers to infill.
DCD-2.3 Work with state regulatory agencies and the legislature to remove disincentives in state law
and regulations to municipal development.
DCD-2.4 Update the Unified Development Code (UDC) to reflect density increases or minimums within key districts.
DCD-2.5 Develop informational materials for how to effectively manage construction on small footprint sites to lessen impacts on adjacent properties.
DCD-2.6 Document existing policies and practices and develop additional policies, if needed, to appropriately address issues for infill development.
DCD-2.7 Identify underutilized sites for possible redevelopment.
DCD-2.8 Investigate expansion of or creation of new urban renewal areas to encourage redevelopment of key properties.
DCD-2.9 Coordinate infrastructure construction, maintenance, and upgrades to support infill development, reduce costs, and minimize disruption to the public.
DCD-2.10 Collaborate with Montana State University School of Architecture to develop educational materials and opportunities for local architects and citizens on how to do quality urban design for infill and greenfield sites.
DCD-2.11 Promote mixed-use developments with access to parks, open space, and transit options.
DCD-2.12 Support University efforts to attract development near campus.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 21
DCD-2.13 Pursue annexations consistent with the future land use
map and adopted facility plans at urban intensity.
DCD-2.14 Prioritize the acquisition and/or preservation of open space that supports community values, addresses gaps in functionality and needs, and does not impede development of the community.
DCD-2.15 Pursue acquisition and development of a diverse
portfolio of water sources and resources.
Goal DCD-3: Encourage growth throughout the City, while
increasing a pattern of community development oriented
on centers of employment and activity. Support a gradual
increase in intensity within developed areas.
DCD-3.1 Coordinate infrastructure development and other goals
with community planning.
DCD-3.2 Support higher density development along main corridors and high visibility street corners to accommodate population growth and support businesses.
DCD-3.3 Review and update minimum development intensity
requirements in residential and non-residential zoning districts.
DCD-3.4 Evaluate revisions to maximum building height limits in multi-household, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use
zoning districts to account for revised building methods,
building code changes, and the effect of incremental changes on meeting goals of this Plan.
DCD-3.5 Identify and zone appropriate locations for neighborhood-scale commercial development.
DCD-3.6 Evaluate and pursue coordinated improvements and
facilities to mitigate development impacts for multiple developments rather than requiring each site to be fully self-supported.
DCD-3.7 Encourage convergence of public transit routes and the
placement of higher density housing developments.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Downtown Improvement Plan –
2019
Midtown Action Plan – 2017
Northeast Neighborhood Urban
Renewal Plan - 2005
22 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
THEME 3 | A CITY INFLUENCED BY OUR NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT, PARKS, AND OPEN SPACE
Our City is home to an outdoor-conscious population that honors and protects our
natural environment and our well-managed open space and parks system.
IMPORTANCE
Surrounded by mountains, within close proximity to world-class rivers and Yellowstone National Park,
Bozeman’s natural environment is hard to beat. It’s the foundation of our healthy tourist economy and the
reason why many people move here, start businesses, and raise their families. It’s also the reason behind
the City’s prioritization of parks, trails, and open space. And while Bozeman citizens value and enjoy
many forms of outdoor recreation, community members also understand and appreciate the need for
maintaining and protecting the natural resources that support a healthy ecosystem.
Protecting our immediate and regional ecosystem requires diligence and careful planning as Bozeman
and Gallatin County continue to grow. Responding to climate change, invasive plants and animals,
protecting the health of our water systems and air quality, and grappling with the impacts of increased
human population, are some of our challenges.
Base LayersFramework Layersn
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Sources: Esri, USGS, NOAA
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Bozeman CreekEast Gall
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HIGHLANDCHURCH Parks and Open Space
BRIDGER
ROUSEBAXTER
VALLEY CENTER
SPRINGHILLLakes
Rivers
Trails
City and Private Parks
County Park
n Schools
Interstate 90
Major Roads
Local Roads
City Limits
0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Ü
For additional information, please visit: https://gisweb.bozeman.net/Html5Viewer/?viewer=gvlt
Peet’s Hill Park
Snowfill Recreation Area
Glen LakeRotary Park
Kirk Park
Bozeman Pond
Gallatin CountyRegional Park
Valley West Park
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 23
This Diagram is for illustrative purposes, and is conceptual only.
24 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal EPO-1: Work to ensure that development is responsive to natural features.
EPO-1.1 Activate our connections to waterways by creating points of engagement bringing people
to water’s edge.
EPO-1.2 Work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep wetlands mitigation within the Gallatin Valley rather than locating to other watersheds.
EPO-1.3 Inclusion of community gardens as part of open spaces outside of watercourses and wetlands in subdivisions is encouraged where there are good soils.
Goal EPO-2: Prioritize strategic acquisition of parks to provide a variety of recreational
opportunities throughout the City.
EPO-2.1 Coordinate the location of new and future parks to create opportunities for larger and more functional parks. Prioritize quality locations and features in parks over quantity of parks.
EPO-2.2 Collaborate with partner agencies and organizations to establish sustainable funding
sources for ongoing acquisition, construction, and operations of City parks, trails, and open space.
EPO-2.3 Incorporate unique recreational and artistic elements into parks.
EPO-2.4 Research and implement multi-use features within parks to promote increased use and visitation.
EPO-2.5 Work with partner organizations to identify and reduce impacts on at-risk, environmentally sensitive areas that contribute to water quality, wildlife corridors, and wildlife habitat.
EPO-2.6 Upon completion of an update to the City’s park master plan, review standards of the UDC for adequacy and update, as needed, to coordinate with development review standards and practices.
Goal EPO-3: Address climate change in the City’s plans and operations.
EPO-3.1 Ensure complete streets and identify long-term resources for year-round bike and multi-use paths’ maintenance to improve utilization and reduce annual per capita vehicle miles
traveled.
EPO-3.2 Support development of maintenance standards including sidewalk clearing, sidewalk surfaces, bike lanes, and procedures for consistent implementation.
EPO-3.3 Support water conservation, use of native plants in landscaping, and development of water reuse systems.
EPO-3.4 Review and update landscape and open space standards for public and private open
spaces to reduce water use. Likewise, review and update standards for reuse systems.
EPO-3.5 Update land development standards to implement the Integrated Water Resources Plan.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 25
EPO-3.6 Review and revise stormwater standards to address
changing storm profiles.
EPO-3.7 Review and update development regulations to implement facility and service plans when those plans are updated.
EPO-3.8 In coordination with the sustainability division, provide
public education on energy conservation, and
diversified power generation alternatives.
EPO-3.9 Integrate climate change considerations in development standards.
Goal EPO-4: Promote uses of the natural environment that
maintain and improve habitat, water quantity, and water
quality, while giving due consideration to the impact of these
regulations on economic viability.
EPO-4.1 Eliminate reliance on private maintenance of public infrastructure, including public parks, trail systems, and stormwater facilities. Identify a sustainable and reliable public funding source for this infrastructure.
EPO-4.2 Update regulations that protect the environment.
EPO-4.3 Pursue an inter-jurisdictional effort to establish baseline information on air quality trends and enhance monitoring facilities.
EPO-4.4 Collaborate with other Montana cities working with
regulatory agencies to establish fair and technologically
feasible water treatment standards.
EPO-4.5 Identify, prioritize, and preserve key wildlife habitat and connectivity.
EPO-4.6 Complete the update for an integrated Hazard
Management and Mitigation Plan.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Bozeman Creek Enhancement
Plan – 2012
Cemetery Master Plan Update –
2018
Community Climate Action Plan –
2011 (currently being updated:
Drought Management Plan –
2017
Integrated Water Resources
Implementation Plan – 2013
Integrated Water Resources Plan
– 2013
Parks, Recreation, Open Space,
and Trails (PROST) Plan – 2007
Stormwater Facilities Plan – 2008
Stormwater Management Plan
(City of Bozeman and MSU) –
2019
Urban Forestry Management Plan
– 2016
Wastewater Collection Facilities
Plan Update – 2015
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
26 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
THEME 4 | A CITY THAT PRIORITIZES ACCESSIBILITY AND
MOBILITY CHOICES
Our City fosters the close proximity of housing, services, and jobs, and provides
safe, efficient mobility for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers.
IMPORTANCE
The best transportation plan is a good land use plan. Transportation systems impact the following: 1)
livability (in terms of traffic congestion, but also noise, pollution, safety, and aesthetics); 2) affordability
(after housing, transportation is the second largest expense for most households); and 3) sustainability
(transportation accounted for more than one third of Bozeman’s 2016 greenhouse gas emissions). An
affordable, livable, sustainable city should grow with reduced reliance on driving alone to reach daily
destinations.
Active transportation increases daily physical activity, improving health and lowering healthcare costs.
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in our country. Designing
streets to prioritize safety (rather than speed) significantly reduces fatal injuries for all users and
promotes active transportation.
Living in housing that’s far from daily destinations usually means the only reasonable transportation
choice is your personal car. Thoughtful community planning provides citizens and visitors with a wide
range of transportation options. Appropriately designed trails, sidewalks, crossings, and bike lanes help
us move around our neighborhoods and promote safe, efficient passage to our destinations.
MSU Strand Union
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HIGHLANDCHURCHAccessibility and Mobility
BRIDGER
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VALLEY CENTER
SPRINGHILLLakes
Rivers
City and Private Parks
County Park
n Schools
Interstate 90
Major Roads
Local Roads
Bicycle Facilities
City LimitsBase LayersFramework LayersMajor Streamline Hubs
0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Ü
For additional information, please visit: https://www.bozeman.net/visitors/bike-routes
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 27
This Diagram is for illustrative purposes, and is conceptual only.
28 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal M-1: Ensure multimodal accessibility.
M-1.1 Prioritize mixed-use land use patterns. Encourage and
enable the development of housing, jobs, and services
in close proximity.
M-1.2 Make transportation investment decisions that recognize active transportation modes and transit as a priority.
M-1.3 Develop service standard levels for multimodal travel.
M-1.4 Develop safe, connected, and complementary transportation networks for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other personal mobility devices (bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, powered wheelchairs, etc.).
M-1.5 Identify locations for key mobility hubs (e.g. rideshare
drop off/ pick up areas, bike/scooter share, transit service, bike, and pedestrian connections).
M-1.6 Integrate consideration of autonomous vehicles, rideshare, and other mobility choices into community
planning regulations.
M-1.7 Encourage development of a trunk network, connecting high-frequency, prioritize this in areas of high or increasing density.
M-1.8 Establish standards and procedures for placement of
bus shelters in City rights of way.
M-1.9 Prioritize and construct key bicycle infrastructure, to include wayfinding signage, connections, and enhancements with emphasis on completing network connectivity.
M-1.10 In conjunction with the transportation plan, work to
develop a core network of “AAA” (appropriate for all ages and abilities) bike routes covering at least 75 percent of households and 75 percent of jobs within ½ mile of the network.
M-1.11 Prioritize and construct key sidewalk connections and
enhancements.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 29
M-1.12 Eliminate parking minimum requirements in commercial
districts and affordable housing areas and reduce
parking minimums elsewhere, acknowledging that demand for parking will still result in new supply being built.
M-1.13 Work with community partners to expand the Main
Street to the Mountains network and integrate the
larger community recreational travel network.
Goal M-2: Ensure multimodal safety.
M-2.1 Work with Public Works, Police, and other partners to
provide education on safe travel behaviors and rules.
M-2.2 Review and, as appropriate, update the City’s complete streets policy.
M-2.3 Work with School District #7 and other community partners in planning and operating safe routes to local
schools.
M-2.4 Encourage the design of school sites to support walking and biking.
M-2.5 Build streets that prioritize the safety of users.
M-2.6 Develop safe crossings along priority and high
utilization pedestrian and biking corridors.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Bozeman Community
Transportation Safety Plan – 2013
Downtown Strategic Parking
Management Plan – 2016
Transportation Master Plan –
2017
30 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
THEME 5 | A CITY POWERED BY ITS CREATIVE, INNOVATIVE,
AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ECONOMY
Our City benefits from an expanding economy that is powered by the talents of
its citizens, a dedicated and engaged business community, and strong regional
partnerships.
IMPORTANCE
Bozeman’s economy is diverse and expanding, with a mix of businesses and industries centered on
technology, healthcare, education, recreation, and tourism. This is one of the City’s great strengths.
Bozeman has access to cutting edge education and research opportunities from Montana State
University. With an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, the University hosts ten colleges that includes
subjects such as Engineering, Agriculture, Business, and Nursing. Graduates have created offshoot
industries that foster competencies in several national industries, including opto-electronics, biofilm, and
outdoor gear.
The City’s commitment to broadband availability through its Economic Development division has
improved availability of national-level broadband speeds in key areas of the City, making distant
consultants available locally. Additionally, immediate and short-distance proximity to various outdoor
recreation opportunities provide significant daily mental and physical health benefits to both citizens and
employers, making Bozeman one of the most desirable innovation centers in the country.
Bozeman’s growing economy makes possible its increasing dynamism, diversity, and wealth. Each of the
major sectors of our economy – education, technology, outdoor recreations, tourism, health care, and
regional services – benefits from and reinforces the others. The growing economy provides the money
that enables the City to pursue its priorities.
Base LayersFramework LayersMontana State University
Bozeman Health
Cannery District
HotelBaxter
Gallatin Valley Mall
Sources: ESRI, USGS, NOAA
Ferguson Farm
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HIGHLANDCHURCHFinancial and Economic Areas
BRIDGER
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VALLEY CENTER
SPRINGHILLLakes
Rivers
City and Private Parks
County Park
Interstate 90
Major Roads
Local Roads
Northeast Neighborhood Urban Renewal District
North Park Urban Renewal District
Midtown Urban Renewal District
Downtown Tax Increment District
City Limits
South Bozeman Technology District
0 0.25 0.5 1 Miles Ü
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 31
This Diagram is for illustrative purposes, and is conceptual only.
32 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal EE-1: Promote the continued development of Bozeman
as an innovative and thriving economic center.
EE-1.1 Support the goals and objectives outlined in the Bozeman Economic Development Strategy.
EE-1.2 Invest in infrastructure projects identified in the capital improvement Plan (CIP) that will strengthen business
and higher education communities.
EE-1.3 Continue to facilitate live/work opportunities as a way to support small, local businesses in all zoning districts.
EE-1.4 Support employee retention and attraction efforts by encouraging continued development of attainable
housing in close proximity to large employers.
EE-1.5 Support expansion of current and emerging infrastructure technologies including fiber optic service and other communication infrastructure.
EE-1.6 Update the zoning map to correct deficiencies identified
in the annual land use inventory report.
Goal EE-2: Survey and revise land use planning and
regulations to promote and support economic diversification
efforts.
EE-2.1 Ensure the future land use map contains adequate areas of land for anticipated diverse users.
EE-2.2 Review and revise, or possibly replace, the Business Park Mixed Use zoning district to include urban
standards and consider possible alterations to the allowed uses.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 33
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Economic Development Strategy
Update – 2016
Transportation Master Plan –
2017
Wastewater Collection Facilities
Plan Update –2015
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
34 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
THEME 6 | A CITY ENGAGED IN REGIONAL COORDINATION
Our City, in partnership with Gallatin County, Montana State University, and
other regional authorities, addresses the needs of a rapidly growing and changing
population through strategic infrastructure choices and thoughtful decision-making.
IMPORTANCE
Cooperation between agencies makes sense. The jurisdictional lines between city and county, state land
and local land, are important in helping define the roles of various public agencies. Conflicting decisions
and lack of trust between agencies can create complications, uncertainty, adversely affect our overall
public health and safety, and drive up costs. A good working relationship between city and county officials
and staff can reduce conflicts, improve our overall infrastructure, lower taxpayer costs and ultimately
create a safer, healthier community. Regional coordination creates and maintains a coherent land use
pattern that supports the needs of existing and future citizens and the desire to protect community
character and amenities. Cooperation between jurisdictions supports development patterns that do not
compromise the ability of municipalities to grow in the future or expand necessary infrastructure.
Belgrade, Bozeman, and Gallatin County have mutually agreed they will coordinate land use in the area
of overlapping jurisdictions known as the Triangle to achieve:
• Compact, contiguous development and infill to achieve an efficient use of land and infrastructure,
reducing sprawl and preserving open space, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, and water resources;
• Well-planned transportation systems, consistent with the overall growth management vision, support
the development of multi-modal and public transportation networks;
• Community cores that have adequate transportation, utility, health, educational, and recreational
facilities. Residential areas that provide healthy surroundings; and
• Opportunities for agriculture, industry, and business, while minimizing conflict between adjacent land uses.
Bozeman commits to Gallatin County to work together in pursuit of these goals utilizing the Planning
Coordinating Committee and other appropriate means.
Norris Rd
I-90 Bridger Canyon RdJackrabbit LnI-90
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Waterways
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Major Roads
2.5 0 2.51.25 Miles Ü
City of Bozeman
Hwy 191City of Belgrade
City of Bozeman
Belgrade
Planning Area
Four Corners
Area
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 35
This Diagram is for illustrative purposes, and is conceptual only.
36 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
Goal RC-1: Improve communication, and coordination with Gallatin County, the City of
Belgrade, and other regional public entities regarding community planning and associated
matters.
RC-1.1 Consider regional impacts when making policy decisions affecting areas outside the City.
RC-1.2 Coordinate planning activities to promote consistency throughout the region for parks, transportation, bus service, and other community infrastructure.
RC-1.3 Research, understand, and collaboratively construct infrastructure and transportation
improvements that benefit the region.
RC-1.4 Participate in regularly scheduled coordination meetings with Gallatin County and the City of Belgrade planning departments and boards to coordinate planning issues.
RC-1.5 Implement the Triangle Policy Plan in coordination between Bozeman, Belgrade, and Gallatin County.
RC-1.6 Prepare for establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Organization, anticipated to be required after the completion of the 2020 US Census.
Goal RC-2: Continue and build on successful collaboration with Gallatin County, neighboring
municipalities, and other agencies to identify and mitigate potential hazards and develop
coordinated response Plans.
RC-2.1 Work to discourage development in environmentally-sensitive or hazard-prone areas.
RC-2.2 Identify effective, affordable, and regionally-appropriate hazard mitigation techniques through the Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection Plan and other tools. As a group, annually review the Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and
determine the need for updates and enhancements.
RC-2.3 Along with non-profit and agency partners, identify, map, and utilize geographic information systems (GIS) data to locate and monitor developments on environmentally sensitive and
hazard-prone areas.
RC-2.4 Encourage review of land use regulations and standards that affect the wildland urban interface (WUI) to provide adequate public safety measures, mitigate impacts on public health, and encourage fiscal responsibility.
RC-2.5 Through coordination with non-profit and agency partners, identify and prioritize key areas for acquisition or conservation easement to lessen development in environmentally sensitive areas and/or preserve areas consistent with the other priorities of this growth policy.
Goal RC-3: Collaborate with Gallatin County regarding annexation and development patterns
adjacent to the City to provide certainty for landowners and taxpayers.
RC-3.1 Establish standard practices for sharing development application information and exchanging comments between the City and County.
RC-3.2 Develop shared information on development processes.
RC-3.3 Prioritize annexations that enable the incremental expansion of the City and its utilities.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 37
RC-3.4 Work with Gallatin County to keep rural areas rural
and maintain a clear edge to urban development that
evolves as the City expands outwards.
RC-3.5 Establish interlocal agreements, when appropriate, to formalize working relationships and procedures.
RC-3.6 Provide education and information on the value and
benefits of annexation, including existing un-annexed
pockets surrounding the City, to individual landowners and the community at large.
RC-3.7 Encourage annexation of land adjacent to the City prior to development and annexation of wholly surrounded areas.
RC-3.8 Work with Gallatin County to create compact,
contiguous development and infill to achieve an efficient use of land and infrastructure, reducing sprawl and preserving open space, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, and water resources.
RC-3.9 Coordinate with Gallatin County for siting, development,
and redevelopment of regional parks, emergency services, fairgrounds, transportation facilities, interchanges, or other significant regional services.
Goal RC-4: Ensure that all City actions support continued
development of the City, consistent with its adopted Plans
and standards.
RC-4.1 Enhance collaboration between City agencies to ensure quality design and innovation across public and private areas.
RC-4.2 Further develop reasonable and relevant metrics for
community development within the City’s Planning Area
to determine whether the intent of this Plan is being accomplished.
RC-4.3 Prioritize human well-being and health in the creation and implementation of land development standards.
Update the Unified Development Code (UDC) to:
• Implement a twice-yearly code revision cycle.
Identify and make revisions to optimize the UDC
current conditions.
• Incorporate development minimums in designated
growth areas.
• Revise the zoning map to harmonize with the future
land use map.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Bozeman Strategic Plan – 2018
Fire and EMS Master Plan – 2017
Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation
Plan and Community Wildfire
Protection Plan (Draft) – 2019
Gallatin Triangle Planning Study
– 2014
Transportation Master Plan –
2017
Triangle Community Plan (in
development)
Wastewater Collection Facilities
Plan Update – 2015
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
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PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 39
03
03 | FUTURE LAND USE
IMPORTANCE
Future land use is the community’s fundamental building block. It is an illustration of the City’s desired
outcome designed to accommodate the complex and diverse needs of its citizens. Part of Bozeman’s
appeal is its distinct character. Its character comes from the natural setting and also includes the sense of
place created by constructed landmarks such as Downtown and the MSU campus. Preserving Bozeman
as a unique place rather than “Anywhere, USA” is important. There is increasing evidence that sense of
place is an important influence on economic development and overall community health.
Bozeman’s physical landscape provides citizens and visitors variety when moving amongst its streets,
bike paths, and trails. This variety is often noted as an important part of Bozeman’s unique character – to
experience open, agricultural, and recreational spaces just minutes from dense, urban corridors from
40 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
the seat of a bike or car, the bus, or when walking. As Bozeman continues to evolve, promoting this
landscape diversity will be important to maintaining the “Bozeman feel” that people know and love.
Community development oriented on centers of employment and activity shorten travel distances and
encourage multi-modal transportation, increase business synergies, and permit greater efficiencies in the
delivery of public services.
City activities all require continuous thoughtfulness and planning. Capital improvements, maintenance
programs, and plan implementation tools must be regularly evaluated and updated. Ensuring a
consistent set of guiding principles provides a higher level of service to citizens, minimizes contradictory
or conflicting policies that waste resources, and enable a more accurate evaluation of public policies.
All of these are reflected in, and shaped by, the way land is used. The character of our well-planned
City is defined by urban edges, a varied skyline, centers of employment and activity, pedestrian-friendly
streetscapes, and easy access to the natural world.
The land use map sets generalized expectations for what goes where in the community. Each category
has its own descriptions. Understanding the future land use map is not possible without also reading
the category descriptions. Each category description can be implemented by multiple zoning districts.
The land use categories and subsequent descriptions provide a guide for appropriate development and
redevelopment locations for civic, residential, commercial, industrial uses, and others. The Future Land
Use designations are important because they aim to further the vision and goals of the City through
promoting sustainability, citizen and visitor safety, and a high quality of life that will shape Bozeman’s
future development.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 41
LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS FOR USE ON THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP
The Future Land Use Map for the Planning Area is an indispensable part of this Plan. It utilizes nine
land use categories to illustrate and guide the intent, type of use, density, and intensity of future
development. The map does not always represent existing uses but does reflect the uses that are
desired. Although Gallatin County has final approval authority on land development outside the City
of Bozeman, land annexed by the City is under the City’s authority. The City has adopted facility plans
that enable coordination with Gallatin County. If one or more intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are
developed that address areas outside City limits, development would need to meet the terms of all
relevant agreements. While the land use categories are not regulatory, each description also identifies
appropriate zoning categories that implement the intent. The categories are as follows:
1. URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD.
This category primarily includes urban density homes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and intensities. Large areas
of any single type of housing are discouraged. In limited instances, an area may develop at a lower gross
density due to site constraints and/or natural features such as floodplains or steep slopes. Complementary
uses such as parks, home-based occupations, fire stations, churches, schools, and some neighborhood-
serving commerce provide activity centers for community gathering and services. The Urban Neighborhood
designation indicates that development is expected to occur within municipal boundaries. This may require
annexation prior to development.
Applying a zoning district to specific parcels sets the required and allowed density. Higher density residential
areas are encouraged, but not required, in proximity to commercial mixed use areas to facilitate the provision
of services and employment opportunities without requiring the use of a car.
Near Enterprise Blvd. and Graf St.Northeast NeighborhoodsNear N. Black Ave. and E. Beall St.
42 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
2. RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE.
This category promotes neighborhoods substantially dominated by housing, yet integrated with small-scale
commercial and civic uses. The housing can include single-attached and small single-detached dwellings,
apartments, and live-work units. Residences should be included on the upper floors of buildings with ground
floor commercial uses. Variation in building mass, height, and other design characteristics should contribute to
a complete and interesting streetscape.
Secondary supporting uses, such as retail, office, and civic uses, are permitted on the ground floor. All uses
should complement existing and planned residential uses. Non-residential uses are expected to be pedestrian
oriented and emphasize the human scale with modulation in larger structures. Stand alone, large, non-
residential uses are discouraged. Non-residential spaces should provide an interesting pedestrian experience
with quality urban design for buildings, sites, and open spaces.
This category is appropriate near commercial centers. Larger areas should be well served by multimodal
transportation routes. Multi-unit, higher density, urban development is expected. Any development within this
category should have a well-integrated transportation and open space network that encourages pedestrian
activity and provides ready-access within and adjacent development.
Cannery District Northeast NeighborhoodsNear Enterprise Blvd. and Graf St.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 43
3. COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL MIXED USE.
The Community Commercial Mixed Use category promotes commercial areas necessary for economic health
and vibrancy. This includes professional and personal services, retail, education, health services, offices,
public administration, and tourism establishments. Density is expected to be higher than it is currently in
most commercial areas in Bozeman and should include multi-story buildings. Residences on upper floors,
in appropriate circumstances, are encouraged. Urban streetscapes, plazas, outdoor seating, public art, and
hardscaped open space and park amenities are anticipated. This will appropriately design for urban character.
High density residential areas are expected in close proximity.
Developments in this land use area should be located on one or two quadrants of intersections of the arterial
and/or collector streets and integrated with transit and non-automotive routes. Due to past development
patterns, there are also areas along major streets where this category is organized as a corridor rather than a
center. Although a broad range of uses may be appropriate in both types of locations, the size and scale is to
be smaller within the local service areas. Building and site designs made to support easy reuse of the building
and site over time is important. Mixed use areas should be developed in an integrated, pedestrian friendly
manner and should not be overly dominated by any single use. Higher intensity uses are encouraged in the
core of the area or adjacent to significant streets and intersections. Building height transitions may be required
for compatibility with adjacent development.
Smaller neighborhood scale areas are intended to provide local service to an area of approximately ½-mile to
one mile radius as well as passersby. Densities of nearby residential development need to support this scale
with an average of 14 - 22 dwellings per net acre. These smaller centers support and help give identity to
neighborhoods by providing a visible and distinct focal point as well as employment and services.
Northeast Neighborhoods Ferguson FarmsCannery District
44 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
4. TRADITIONAL CORE.
The traditional core of Bozeman is Downtown. This area exemplifies high quality urban design including
an active streetscape supported by a mix of uses on multiple floors, a high level of walkability, and a rich
architectural and local character. Additionally, essential government services and flexible spaces for events
and festivals support opportunities for civic and social engagement. The intensity of development in this
district is high with a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) well over 1. As Bozeman grows, continued evolution is necessary
for long-term resilience. Challenges do exist, particularly around keeping local identity intact, balancing growth
sensitively, and welcoming more transportation modes and citizens. Underdevelopment and a lack of flexibility
can threaten the viability of the land use designation. Future development should be intense while providing
areas of transition to adjacent neighborhoods and preserving the character of the Main Street Historic District
through context-sensitive development.
5. REGIONAL COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES.
Regionally significant developments in this land use category may be developed with physically large
and economically prominent facilities requiring substantial infrastructure and location near significant
transportation facilities. Due to the scale of these developments, location, and transition between lower-
density uses is important. Residential space should be located above the first floor to maintain land availability
for necessary services. Development within this category needs well-integrated utilities, transportation,
and open space networks that encourage pedestrian activity and provide ready-access within and adjacent
development. Large community scale areas in this land use category are generally 75 acres or larger and are
activity centers for several surrounding square miles. These are intended to service the overall community as
well as adjacent neighborhoods and are typically distributed by a one-to-two mile separation.
Main St.Mendenhall St.Main St.
Valley Center Highland Blvd.Valley Center
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 45
6. INDUSTRIAL.
This classification provides areas for manufacturing, warehousing, technology industries, and transportation
hubs. Development within these areas is intensive and is connected to significant transportation corridors.
Uses that would be harmed by industrial activities are discouraged from locating in these areas. Although use
in these areas is intense, they are part of the larger community and standards for architecture and site design
apply. In some circumstances, uses other than those typically considered industrial have been historically
present in areas that were given an industrial designation in prior growth policies. Careful consideration must
be given to public policies to allow these mixed uses to coexist in harmony.
7. PARKS AND OPEN LANDS.
All recreational lands, including parks, are included within this category, as well as certain private lands. These
areas are generally open in character and may or may not be developed for active recreational purposes. This
category includes conservation easements or other private property which may not be open for public use.
Northeast Neighborhoods Northeast NeighborhoodsNortheast Neighborhoods
Meadowlark Elementary SchoolBozeman Public Library, Main St.
Sourdough Trail Area
8. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS.
The land in this classification is owned by a public entity. A variety of activities are undertaken in this land use
classification. Schools are a dominant use including Montana State University. Other typical uses are libraries, fire
stations, and publicly operated utilities. A significant portion of Bozeman’s employment occurs within this category.
Story Mill Park Meyers Lake
City Hall
46 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
CORRELATION WITH ZONING
pplicable zoning categories are shown in relation to each future land use category in the below table.
Implementing Zoning Districts
Plan Category R-SR-1R-2R-3R-4R-5R-OREMURMHB-1B-2B-2MB-3UMUM-1M-2BPNEHMUPLI1. Urban Neighborhood ●●●●●●●●●●
2. Residential Mixed Use ●●●●●●●●
3. Community Commercial Mixed Use ●●●●●●●●
4. Community Core ●●●
5. Regional Commercial and Services ●●●●
6. Industrial ●●●●●
7. Parks and Open Lands ●
8. Public Institutions ●
9. No City Services*
* This classification by no means suggests the City does not want a property to develop, rather it simply states city services are not available or currently planned over the term of this Plan to serve urban development.
9. NO CITY SERVICES.
This category designates areas where development is considered inappropriate over the 20-year planning
horizon of this growth policy because of natural features, negative impacts on the desired development
pattern, or difficulty providing urban services. As a result, the City does not anticipate building infrastructure to
serve these lands at any time during the Planning Period. As the City’s growth policy is updated, some areas
currently classified as No City Services may be reclassified.
Suburban or rural density subdivisions in these areas are discouraged because they impede an orderly and
cost effective expansion of the City.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 47
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0 1 20.5 Miles Ü
Growth Policy Boundary
!!!!!Current City Limits
n Schools
Land Use Description
Parks and Open Lands
Urban Neighborhood
Traditional Core
Residential Mixed Use
Regional Commercial and Services
Community Commercial Mixed Use
Industrial
Public Institutions
No City Services
THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP
Due to the large scale of the map, any useful review will require
access to its digital version, which can be expanded to show
details. The City’s web viewer displays the most current digital
version of the map at all times. It is available at https://gisweb.
bozeman.net/Html5Viewer/?viewer=planning.
Outward development of the City is strongly connected to
locations of municipal water and sewer systems. The City has
planned for eventual utility services to the Planning Area. The
inset map at right shows the location of current City boundaries
and where utility services are presently available. New
development regularly expands this area.
Many mapping resources for utilities, land use, zoning, parks,
transportation, floodplains, and other land use related subjects
are available through the City’s web portal at https://www.
bozeman.net/government/gis-mapping.
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PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 49
04 | IMPLEMENTATION
IMPORTANCE
The Plan is intended to be a living document used daily by the City. Monitoring determines how well the
City’s initial objectives are working, where they can be improved, and what is not working. Monitoring
will take place at specified intervals based on information availability. Measuring the Plan’s efficacy (or
outcomes) is a main tenant of the Plan and; therefore, successful implementation of the Plan requires
monitoring.
A series of indicators have been identified for each theme, in order to track progress and setbacks. For
example, one indicator under the neighborhoods-based theme addresses housing stock diversity, looks
at square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and taxable value. A diverse housing stock
is indicative of a City that is more accessible and affordable to those of all incomes.
The implementation effort will largely be accomplished through a consolidated list of action items listed
below and referred to in more detail in Chapter 2 as objectives and actions. Implementation will work in
coordination with the City’s Strategic Plan, Capital Improvements Program, and other relevant plans and
documents guiding the City. Some of the actions may already be underway while others are estimated to
occur in the future. Successful implementation of this plan will require dedication, engagement, and hard
work from the community.
04
50 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
SHORT-TERM ACTION LIST
This Plan identifies many actions and objectives to address the listed goals. Many actions are ongoing
activities. Some are specific shorter term actions to implement this Plan. The following list is drawn from
those shorter term actions listed in Chapter 2.
1. Review potential upzoning to implement goals N-1.1, N-1.2, and N-1.4.
2. Evaluate zoning map changes needed to implement goal N-1, and objectives N-1.2 and N-1.4
consistent with factors identified in Chapter 5, Zoning Amendment Review.
3. Evaluate design standards as identified in objectives N-1.6 and N-2.4. Buildings are to be capable
of serving an initial residential purpose and be readily converted to commercial uses when
adequate market support for commercial services exists.
4. Identify missing links in the multimodal system, prioritize those most beneficial to complete, and
pursue funding for completion of those links. (see objectives M-1.4, M-1.9, and M-1.11)
5. Evaluate parking requirements and methods of providing parking as part of the overall
transportation system for and between districts as noted in objective M-1.12.
6. Update the UDC to reflect density increases or minimums within key districts. (see objectives DCD-
2.4, EPO-2.6, and RC-4.3)
7. Evaluate revisions to maximum building height limits in multi-household, commercial, industrial, and
mixed-use zoning districts to account for revised building methods, building code changes, and the
effect of incremental changes on meeting goals of this plan. (see objective DCD-3.4)
8. Update land development standards to implement the Integrated Water Resources Plan as
identified in objective EPO-3.5.
9. Revise current intersection level of service design standards to multimodal level of service or traffic
stress for people walking, biking, and using transit. (see objective M-1.3)
10. Prepare for establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Organization, anticipated to be required after
the completion of the 2020 US Census. (see objective RC-1.6)
11. Establish standard practices for sharing development application information and exchanging
comments between the City and County. (see objective RC-3.1)
12. Revise the zoning map to harmonize with the future land use map as noted in objectives N-1.3,
N-2.1, N-3.1, EE-1.6, and RC-4.3.
MONITORING AND UPDATES
Tracking and monitoring the Plan’s intent is critical. Each theme has one or more identified indicators,
which use data to measure success towards the goal. Each indicator listed below identifies a source—
where the data should be drawn, frequency—defines how often the data is available, and notes
describing key considerations.
The development of indicators require the City to establish where we are now in relation to each
indicator. This provides a baseline from which to track changes over time. Indicators were selected to
be replicable, effective, and where possible, of a similar scope and nature for indicators with peer cities.
A target, or where we want to go, will be established for each indicator. In some cases the process
of setting a target will itself require substantial effort. The targets listed below are to give a general
indication of intended trend; further refinement will follow. If an indicator shows over time that the City
is getting farther from, rather than closer to, the intended target it may be necessary to modify targets,
policies, or standards. The process for revising the growth policy is described in Chapter 5. Development
of specific targets for each indicator should be completed within a year of Plan adoption. After that first
year, an annual report on the status of each indicator should be provided to the community.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 51
A City of Neighborhoods
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Commercial Accessibility City of Bozeman, GIS Annually Percent of citizens/households within one mile of commercial activity
Increase
Housing Cost Burden US Census, ACS Annually Percentage of households spend-ing more than 30% of income on housing costs
Lower
Housing Stock Diversity State of Montana Department of Revenue, MLS
Real-time data analyzed and published annu-ally
Square footage, number of beds, and number of baths, normalized by taxable market value, medium listing and selling price, days on market,
Maintain or increase
Intersection Density City of Bozeman, GIS Annually Trail networks may be considered in addition to roadways Maintain or increase
Population Density US Census Annually Increase
Residential Density State of Montana, Department of Revenue
Real-time data analyzed and published annu-ally
Gross dwelling units per acre of residentially-zoned and devel-oped land by zoning district
Increase
Walk Score Walk Score®Annually Ability to meet basic needs within walking distance Increase
A City Bolstered by Downtown and Complementary Districts
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Commute Mode Share US Census, ACS Annually Increase
Development vs. Redevelopment City of Bozeman, CDD Real-time Development within subdivisions platted more than and less than 35 years ago
Increase redevelop-ment
Residential Units City of Bozeman, BD Real-time Number of residential units added as compared to overall job growth (district vs. Citywide)
Increase
A City Influenced by Our Natural Environment, Parks, and Open Space
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Air Quality City of Bozeman, SD Real-time Climate Action Plan coordination – efficient land use patterns and construction
Maintain
Greenhouse Gas Emissions City of Bozeman, SD Annually Climate Action Plan coordination – efficient land use patterns and construction
Reduce
Park Accessibility City of Bozeman, GIS Real-time Percentage of citizens/house-holds within ½-mile walking distance to open space or trails.
Increase
Vehicle Miles Traveled MDOT Annually Per capita Reduce
52 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
A City that Prioritizes Accessibility and Mobility Choices
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Bike Accessibility City of Bozeman Annually Percent of jobs and citizens within ½-mile of an All Ages & Abilities (AAA) route. AAA/LTS 1: protected facility or low-speed, low volume road, e.g. buffered bike lane, cycle track, bicycle boulevard
Increase
Bike and Pedestrian Safety NHTSA– Fatality Analysis Report-ing System (FARS)
Annually Annual fatal and severe injuries Decrease
Transit Accessibility Streamline Bi-Annually Percent of jobs and citizens within ¼-mile of a bus route or ½-mile of a high frequency ex-press service route, and exclud-ing routes with headways greater than 30 minutes
Increase
Traffic Safety NHTSA–Fatality Analysis Report-ing System (FARS)
Annually Annual fatal and severe injuries Decrease
A City Powered by its Creative, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial Economy
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Land Use Availability City of Bozeman, Community De-velopment Divi-sion, GIS Division
Annually Availability of land not for eco-nomic activity based on annual land use inventory
Maintain
A City Engaged in Regional Coordination
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Acres Wholly Surrounded but Unannexed City of Bozeman, GIS Division Annually Number of acres of annexations of land wholly surrounded by the City but unannexed (i.e. enclaves)
Reduce
City Expansion City of Boze-man, Commu-nity Development Division; Gallatin County Planning Staff
Annually Number of projects within the Planning Area but outside of City limits that conform to adopted interlocal agreements
Maintain
Implement the Triangle Plan Planning Coordi-nating Committee Annually Plan is in review Increase
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 53
05
05 | AMENDMENTS + REVIEW
PLAN AMENDMENTS
NEED FOR BALANCE
A growth policy must balance consistency with responsiveness to the needs of the community. If the
policy is not consistent, it will have little value as a planning tool, nor provide an adequate basis for
implementation actions, nor have the confidence of the community. If the policy is not responsive,
policies and actions are continued that no longer address community needs, and less than optimal
guidance for future actions is provided.
This Plan was prepared based on information and circumstances as understood at this time. The nature
of planning for the future is imprecise. As situations change it is important that the Plan be reviewed, and
when necessary updated, to accommodate future events.
54 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
State law requires review and consideration of the
need for amendments through Section 76-1-601(3)
(f), of the Montana Code Annotated which reads:
“(f) an implementation strategy that includes:
(i) a timetable for implementing the growth policy;
(ii) a list of conditions that will lead to a revision of
the growth policy; and
(iii) a timetable for reviewing the growth policy at
least once every 5 years and revising the policy if
necessary;”
Assumptions regarding population growth, land
use, and other subjects are embedded in the Plan.
Significant changes in the rates or the interaction
of these items necessitate a review of the Plan;
although, a review may find that no changes are
needed. Reviews, if properly done, will help to
ensure that the information upon which the Plan
is based remains accurate and timely and that the
goals and objectives of the Plan reflect the desires
of the community.
Evaluating the existing growth policy text and
maps is an essential part of any review. New
inventory maps should be made available for
consideration during the review process if the
new map would display materially changed
information. When updated, the review should
consider the triggers presented below. Periodic
formal and informal review of the implementation
policies as well as the growth policies themselves
are desirable.
REVIEW TRIGGERS, AMENDMENTS, AND AMENDMENT CRITERIA
REVIEW TRIGGERS
REVIEW TRIGGERS
The following events require a formal review of
the plan:
1. Passage of five years since adoption of the
Plan by the City Commission.
If a review of the plan is required it should
consider:
1. Are the community’s goals current and valid?
2. Have the community conditions or legal
framework materially changed?
3. Where have problems appeared since the
last review?
4. Does the Plan meet the current needs of the
community?
5. Can this Plan be modified to better serve the
needs and desires of the community?
This Plan provides progress indicators as
described in Chapter 4. The annual review of
those indicators may inspire interest in conducting
a review prior to the required five year period.
AMENDMENT PROCESS
The Bozeman Community Plan was formed on
the basis of significant community outreach
efforts and the input of many persons and groups.
Alterations, whether the result of a review as
triggered above or another reason, to the growth
policy must provide a significant opportunity for
public participation and understanding of the
proposed changes. Amendments to the growth
policy must meet the same statutory standards as
the original adoption.
Therefore, prior to the adoption of any
amendment to the Plan, a public process must be
provided. A fundamental requirement for public
participation is time for individuals to become
aware of proposed amendments and to study
the proposed changes. A minimum active public
review period of three months is to be expected.
This Plan has been prepared to balance a wide
variety of interests. Changes to the Plan must
continue the balance of needs and interests.
This Plan has been prepared to be internally
consistent. Internal consistency meets one of the
fundamental purposes of community planning—
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 55
coordination between government programs
and policies. All amendments must be carefully
evaluated to ensure that changes do not create
conflicts between goals, maps, or implementation
tools. If a proposed amendment would cause
conflicts within the Plan, additional amendments
must be identified and reviewed so that conflicts
are resolved.
Any proposed changes to either the text or maps
contained in the Bozeman Community Plan must
comply with all of the defined criteria shown
below. The burden of proof for the desirability of a
proposed amendment and its compliance with the
criteria lies with the applicant. Unless all criteria
are successfully met by demonstrable facts, an
amendment may not be approved.
WHO MAY INITIATE AMENDMENTS
1. City Commission; independently or at the
suggestion of the Planning Board or the City
Staff;
2. One or more landowner of property that are
the subject of the amendment to the future
land use map; and
3. Interested members of the public may
suggest modifications to the text.
AMENDMENT CRITERIA
When an amendment to either the text of the Plan
or the future land use map is requested it must be
reviewed against the following 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;
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;
3. The proposed amendment must be
consistent with the overall intent of the
growth policy; and
4. The proposed amendment may not
adversely affect the community as a whole
or significant portion including:
a. Significantly altering land use patterns
and principles in a manner contrary to
those established by this Plan,
b. Requiring unmitigated improvements
to streets, water, sewer, or other public
facilities or services, thereby impacting
development of other lands,
c. Adversely impact existing uses because
of unmitigated impacts on facilities and
services, or
d. Negatively affecting the livability of the
area or the health and safety of the
citizens.
56 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
Subdivisions set the “bones” for a community
by establishing the locations for roads, parks,
and lots for development. How a subdivision is
designed and reviewed can impact Bozeman’s
citizens for many years to come. Review must be
fair to all, allow for identification and resolution of
concerns, and provide meaningful opportunities
for participation.
INTENT AND BACKGROUND
Local governments in Montana must review
proposed subdivisions. Section 76-3-101 et seq.
Montana Code Annotated governs the review
of subdivisions. Section 76-3-501 et seq. MCA
requires all municipal and county governments
to establish subdivision review regulations and
establishes the minimum requirements for those
regulations. In addition, Section 76-1-601 MCA
requires that a growth policy discuss and address
various elements of the subdivision review
process. This section meets the requirement. Title
76, Chapter 3 MCA contains the requirements
and restrictions upon both public and private
parties for subdivision review and platting. For full
information on this subject interested parties are
referred to Title 76, Montana Code Annotated, and
Division 38.240 Unified Development Code, City
of Bozeman municipal code.
Creation of a subdivision often precedes or
accompanies a change in the use of that land. A
subdivision generally remains in perpetuity and
continues to influence the location and intensity of
land uses within and adjacent to the subdivision.
Therefore, subdivisions are strongly connected
to the planning process and may significantly
advance or hinder public goals. Because of this
strong influence, all subdivisions must comply
with the Bozeman growth policy. The subdivision
regulations adopted by the City are to direct and
govern the review and use of land to ensure they
conform to the Bozeman growth policy.
REVIEW PARTICIPANTS
Many agencies and review bodies review
subdivisions. Reviews are to be conducted by
each agency, as needed. The purpose of these
reviews is to verify compliance with the law and
identify concerns which may require mitigation.
These entities may include, but are not limited to
the following:
• City staff
• Recreation and Parks Advisory Board
• Private utilities such as power and
telecommunications
• Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
• Montana Department of Transportation
• Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee
• Irrigation companies
• Planning Board
• Gallatin County
DEFINITIONS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
This section defines the six state established
primary criteria for subdivision review and
provides an overview of how those criteria are
used during the review of subdivisions.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is defined as follows: The cultivation
or tilling of soil or use of other growing medium
for the purpose of producing vegetative materials
for sale or for use in a commercial operation and/
or the raising or tending of animals for commercial
sale or use. Agriculture does not include
gardening for personal use, keeping of house pets
or animals as authorized under Chapter 8 of the
municipal code, service animals as defined by the
Americans with Disabilities Act, or landscaping for
aesthetic purposes.
The following presumptions apply:
1. Property annexed or seeking to be annexed
within the depicted urban area shown on
the future land use map will generally not
be utilized for agricultural purposes over the
long term.
2. Agriculture may be appropriate within
the City in limited areas where physical
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 57
constraints make an area undesirable for the
construction of buildings, or in support of a
commercial business such as a plant nursery
or a common community garden.
3. Urban density development within the City
of Bozeman facilitates the preservation of
agriculture in Gallatin County. It provides a
location for the development of residential
and employment activities in a compact and
efficient manner. This reduces pressure to
convert agricultural lands to non-agricultural
uses in the county.
4. Undeveloped lands within the City not
constrained by physical features should be
developed at urban densities. This enables
infill development and reduces outward
expansion of the City.
AGRICULTURAL WATER USER FACILITIES
Agricultural water user facilities are defined as
follows: Those facilities, which include but are
not limited to ditches, pipes, and other water-
conveying facilities that provide water for irrigation
and stock watering on agricultural lands, with said
lands being defined in MCA 15-7-202
The following presumptions apply:
1. Agricultural uses are not generally urban
uses. The transition of agricultural lands
to urban uses will often remove the need
for agricultural water user facilities within
the urbanized area. Where a need for
protection due to ongoing use for water
conveyance can be demonstrated provision
for protection of the facility must be made.
2. The formal abandonment and removal of all
agricultural water user facilities within the
City must occur in accordance with Montana
law. Should the beneficial use cease in
the future, an easement for protection of
agricultural water user facilities may be
removed.
3. The use of agricultural water user facilities
for stormwater does not constitute beneficial
use for the purposes of presumption 2
above unless agreed to by the facility owner.
Stormwater facilities may require separate
easements or other procedures.
LOCAL SERVICES
Local Services mean all services provided by
governmental bodies for the benefit of citizens.
This includes, but is not limited to, police,
fire, water, recreation, streets, parks, libraries,
schools, wastewater, and solid waste collection
and disposal. Those criteria to which a specific
response and evaluation of impact must be made
are listed within the City subdivision regulations.
The following presumptions apply:
1. When the City assessed needs and
the means of addressing those needs,
subdividers will not be required to duplicate
that work without good cause. If the City
has completed a portion of a required
assessment, the subdivider may be required
to submit the remaining portion of the
necessary information.
2. Capacity and capability in local services
is limited. All development shall equitably
participate in providing adequate services
for itself, including replacement of consumed
reserve capacity. Development shall
meet levels of service and facility design
standards established by the City.
3. Response times, physical space within
facilities, compliance with applicable facility
Plans, and general design of local service
facilities within proposed subdivisions shall
be addressed during the preliminary plat
review and necessary mitigation is to be
provided
4. Lack of adequate service capacity and
capability within local services is grounds for
denial of subdivision approval when impacts
of proposed subdivisions are not mitigated.
58 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
EFFECT ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The natural environment is defined as the
physical conditions which exist within a given
area, including land, water, mineral, flora, fauna,
noise, light, and objects of historic or aesthetic
significance.
The following presumptions apply:
1. The natural environment is fundamentally
linked with our economic development,
as an attraction to new and expanding
businesses, a tourist destination, and a basic
component of Bozeman’s character.
2. The natural environment should be
conserved and development should respect
significant natural features and systems.
Impacts to consider include road locations,
stormwater treatment and discharges,
potential contamination of ground or surface
water, building placement, and others that
may be identified through subdivision,
zoning, data inventories, and other
implementation tools. Mitigation of negative
development impacts is required.
WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
Wildlife means animals that are neither human,
domesticated, nor feral descendants of commonly
domesticated animals. Wildlife habitat means the
place or type of habitat where wildlife naturally
thrives. Habitat excludes areas developed for
human use including agriculture.
The following presumptions apply:
1. Lands within the designated urban area are
typically utilized for development purposes
and will have a minor impact on wildlife
habitat. Watercourse corridors and wetlands
are an exception to this presumption. The
designated urban area includes all lands
except [Present Rural] shown on the future
land use map.
2. The habitat needs of larger and/or predatory
wildlife species such as deer, moose, bears,
coyotes, or similar species will not be met
within urban density development and will
likely be in conflict with people. Therefore,
these types of animals are found to be
undesirable within the City boundaries.
3. Smaller species, especially birds,
are compatible within urban density
development and should be preserved,
including the encouragement of suitable
habitats.
4. High value wetlands, stream corridors,
and similar high value habitats should be
preserved in accordance with the City’s
adopted standards. These provide a variety
of recreational, environmental sustainability,
and safety values such as flood control as
well as habitat.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
Public health and safety means a condition of
optimal well-being, free from danger or injury, for a
community at large, as well as for an individual or
small groups.
The following presumptions apply:
1. Health is a comprehensive subject and
threats to health include chronic as well as
acute hazards.
2. Subdivision design should encourage
physical activity and a healthy community.
3. The creation of hazards to public health and
safety are not acceptable and appropriate
mitigation must be provided.
4. Some level of risk is always present despite
efforts to prevent harm. Developments are
not solely responsible for the correction
of risks common to all. They should
equitably participate in common solutions to
common problems. However, the presence
of common risks, such as inadequate
public services, may prevent approval of
a development until the hazard has been
removed or corrected. The developer of a
subdivision may not accept hazards to public
health and safety on behalf of future citizens
or owners of a subdivision by declaring that
necessary infrastructure improvements or
other actions are unnecessary.
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 59
PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES
An important part of the subdivision review
process is the opportunity to offer comments on
the proposal. Comments may be given by any
interested person. This opportunity is formally
provided by the public comment/hearing process.
Persons for, against, or seeking information
about the proposal may send written comments
to the City for transmittal to the appointed or
elected officials who review the subdivision, or
they may speak at a public hearing. The public
hearing, when one is required by state law, on
a subdivision proposal may be held by either
the Planning Board and/or the City Commission.
Planning Board makes the recommendation to
the City Commission regarding the proposed
subdivision’s compliance with the Bozeman
Community Plan. Regardless of which body
holds a hearing, a similar procedure is required.
Generally, the format for a subdivision public
hearing is as follows:
1. The public hearing will be advertised
as required by state law and Divisions
38.220 and 38.240 of the City of Bozeman
Municipal Code.
2. The public hearing will be conducted at the
time and place advertised.
3. A report on the project by the Department
of Community Development, including
an analysis of compliance with the Plan,
regulatory standards and a recommendation
of approval, denial, or approval with
conditions is given.
4. Presentation by the applicant and the
applicant’s representative(s).
5. Questions from the Commission or Planning
Board to staff or the applicant.
6. The public hearing/comment is opened with
persons able to speak for, against, or to
seek additional information from applicant
or staff. A time limit may be established for
each speaker. The public is encouraged to
provide a factual basis for their support or
opposition to a subdivision and base their
comments on subdivision review criteria.
7. When all persons have had opportunity to
speak, the public hearing/comment will be
closed and the Commission or Planning
Board will then return to its discussion of the
project. They will evaluate the application
materials, the staff report, public testimony,
and the requirements of subdivision law and
regulations. The Commission or Planning
Board may inquire of staff, applicants, or
the public for clarification or additional
information in order to complete their
evaluation.
8. The Planning Board will forward a
recommendation to the City Commission.
9. The City Commission will make their
decision on record during the review of
the subdivision. The record includes all
application materials, staff review, public
comments, and other materials provided
prior to the Commission’s action.
10. When the City Commission has rendered
their decision, the City will prepare findings
of fact which establish the official record and
decision.
11. An approval or denial of a subdivision may
be appealed to the District Court after a final
decision has been rendered. Appeals are
subject to state law requirements.
60 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
ZONING AMENDMENT REVIEW
Zoning establishes many of the standards
and review processes for the use of land.
Amendments to zoning change the rules with
consequence. Therefore, zoning amendments are
reviewed deliberately and in public. Review must
be fair to all, allow for identification and resolution
of concerns, and provide meaningful opportunities
for participation.
INTENT AND BACKGROUND
Sections 76-2-301, et seq., Montana Code
Annotated, authorizes local governments to
adopt zoning. As each community uses zoning
differently, the authorization identifies certain
purposes and processes but leaves most of the
details to each community. Chapter 38, Unified
Development Code, City of Bozeman municipal
code outlines local details.
“76-2-301. Municipal zoning authorized. For the
purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or
the general welfare of the community, the City
or town council or other legislative body of cities
and incorporated towns is hereby empowered
to regulate and restrict the height, number of
stories, and size of buildings and other structures;
the percentage of lot that may be occupied; the
size of yards, courts, and other open spaces; the
density of population; and the location and use of
buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry,
residence, or other purposes.”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ZONED?
It means the City has adopted standards and
procedures for the development and use
of property within the City. Zoning indicates
the character of an area by applying use and
development standards to an individual property.
Essentially, zoning addresses public safety,
public welfare, and compatibility between uses.
Chapter 38 of the Bozeman Municipal Code is
the zoning code. The City applies standards
and procedures to individual properties through
the zoning map. The City will not modify those
standards and procedures without public notice
and participation. The City does not represent
or commit to anyone that the standards and
procedures will not change.
HOW IS ZONING APPLIED TO PROPERTY?
The zoning map shows the designation that
applies to each property. The zoning map
covers the entire area within City boundaries.
The zoning district map assigns a designation
to each property in the City. Once applied, the
standards and procedures for each district apply
to land designated within each district until the
City amends the map or text of Chapter 38. Since
1935, the City has adopted a change to the zoning
map or text over 500 times including replacing
the entire code 19 times. The most recent overall
replacement took effect in March 2018.
WHO CAN CHANGE THE ZONING TEXT OR MAP?
Only the City Commission can approve an
amendment and only after notifying the public of
the possible change and giving people a chance
to participate in the change. As a legislative
action, amendments are made through a process
called a “map” or a “text” amendment. There is a
defined public process for amendments to occur.
See below for a summary of that process. The
process to initiate amendments is established in
38.260, BMC. The City has created a process for
anyone to suggest potential changes.
WHAT IS NEEDED TO JUSTIFY A CHANGE IN A ZONING DISTRICT MAP OR TEXT?
A change to the zoning text or map is a legislative
action. The City Commission can initiate or
approve amendments when they believe they
are appropriate. In determining whether to begin
a City initiated amendment, the Commission can
consider broad legislative factors such as the
passage of time, changes in the needs of the
community, outside actions like court decisions
or new laws, whether the existing map or text is
reaching the intended outcome, and changes like
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 61
installation of new infrastructure. Some examples
include the following:
a. Changes to state or federal law that the
zoning must address or if it is in conflict
with the changes, zoning must address.
b. Court decisions changing the
interpretation of meaning of the law that
interacts with zoning.
c. Change in circumstances including the
current zoning does not comply with the
City’s adopted Community Plan (i.e. its
growth policy), policies within the Growth
Policy have changed, land is annexed, or
infrastructure is newly available.
d. An owner requests the change and the
request meets required standards.
Items a and b are most likely to generate changes
in the text; items c and d are more likely to
generate changes in the zoning map.
In considering zoning map amendments, the City’s
longstanding practice is to consider item d as an
adequate justification for consideration of a zoning
map change. In doing so, the applicant/property
owner must demonstrate the requested change
meets the required criteria and guidelines for an
amendment.
The City’s zoning establishes what responsibilities
exist, such as controlling stormwater, and requires
people to meet those responsibilities. Zoning
also addresses the balance of interests between
adjacent properties by defining districts where
similar uses can be compatible and providing for
transitions and buffers between zoning districts
where the City determines it is necessary to
control impacts and prevent the use of one
person’s property right from inappropriately
impacting another. When such protections are
in place it is appropriate for the property owner
to have an opportunity to ask for changes to
zoning. If an owner does not show that criteria
and guidelines are successfully met the City
Commission can choose not to approve the
change. This does not prevent the City from
initiating a change on its own.
To provide transparency in decision making,
accountability, and public participation the zoning
map or text amendment process requires public
notice and hearings. Before any action to approve
an amendment, the Commission must address
the criteria, which provide guidance in deciding
whether an amendment is acceptable.
WHEN DOES THE CITY INITIATE ZONING CHANGES TO INCREASE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES?
The City Commission may initiate an amendment
to the zoning map to enable additional
development in a specific area. In examining
whether to do so, the Commission may consider
many factors including but not limited to the
following:
• The existing zone district does not match the
growth policy future land use map in Chapter
3.
• 40% or more of the existing uses within an
area are not principal uses within the zone
district presently in place.
• There is 40% or more available sewer capacity
and there is less than 10% vacant land within
the sewer drainage area.
• Proximity to parks that are larger than 1 acre.
• Vacant annexed areas which are 10 acres or
larger in size.
• Areas within ¼ mile of MSU (roughly 4 blocks)
and not in a National Register Historic District.
• Revising zoning boundaries to better follow
preferred dividing lines such as streets or
watercourses.
• Request of multiple landowners in the area.
• Available capacity in the water plant and water
reclamation facilities and permits.
62 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
REVIEW CRITERIA FOR ZONING AMENDMENTS AND THEIR APPLICATION
This section includes the four criteria and five
guidelines for zoning amendments. These are
from state law. This section gives an overview of
how those criteria and guidelines apply during the
review of individual zoning map amendments.
Section 76-2-304 of state law establishes the
criteria, section (1), and guidelines, section (2),
for the creation and amendment of zoning. Due
to the range of subjects, the applicability of
any individual criterion may be of more or less
importance. The City Commission must evaluate
whether the applicable criteria are met, not
applicable, or if the benefits of the change offset
negative impacts. Below is the state statute that
provide the criteria and guidelines for zoning
decisions:
76-2-304. CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR ZONING
REGULATIONS.
(1) Zoning regulations must be:
(a) made in accordance with a growth
policy; and
(b) designed to:
(i) secure safety from fire and other
dangers;
(ii) promote public health, public safety,
and the general welfare; and
(iii) facilitate the adequate provision
of transportation, water, sewerage,
schools, parks, and other public
requirements
(2) In the adoption of zoning regulations, the
municipal governing body shall consider:
(a) reasonable provision of adequate light
and air;
(b) the effect on motorized and
nonmotorized transportation systems;
(c) promotion of compatible urban growth;
(d) the character of the district and its
peculiar suitability for particular uses;
and
(e) conserving the value of buildings and
encouraging the most appropriate use of
land throughout the jurisdictional area.
HOW THE CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES ARE APPLIED
76-2-304(1) criteria.
Under state law, (1) zoning regulations must be “(a)
made in accordance with a growth policy.”
This criterion gives the Commission latitude.
Zoning map amendments’ are to correlate to
the future land use map. Beyond that, policy
statements such as goals and objectives are
weighed. In a text amendment, policy statements
weigh heavily as the standards being created or
revised implement the growth policy’s aspirations
and intent. The City must balance many issues
in approving urban development. Therefore, it
is not unusual if there is some tension between
competing priorities, even if there is no explicit
contradiction of policy.
As shown in the state statute, zoning must also
“(b) be designed to”:
(i) Secure safety from fire and other
dangers;
(ii) Promote public health, public safety, and
the general welfare; and
(iii) Facilitate the adequate provision of
transportation, water, sewerage, schools,
parks, and other public requirements.
For a map amendment, all three of the above
elements are addressed primarily by the City’s
long range facility Plans, the City’s capital
improvements program, and development
standards adopted by the City. The standards set
minimum sizing and flow requirements, require
dedication of parks, provision of right of way for
people and vehicles, keep development out of
floodplains, and other items to address public
safety, etc. It is often difficult to assess these
issues in detail on a specific site.
For example, at the time of annexation, the final
intensity of development is unknown and it may
be many years before development occurs and
the impacts are experienced. The availability of
other planning and development review tools
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 63
must be considered when deciding the degree
of assurance needed to apply an initial zoning at
annexation.
The City’s building codes reduce reliance on
zoning to address other elements of public safety.
For example, requirements for fire sprinklers for
larger buildings are addressed in the building
codes, but not in the zoning code. In addition,
the subdivision review process outline’s the
backbone for public infrastructure. This includes
most water, sewer, stormwater, and street facilities.
Development review under zoning procedures
gives a final check on infrastructure capacity when
there is a known intended intensity of use and
condition of facilities.
Considering what infrastructure is already present,
such as in infill situations, or whether placing one
zoning district next to another may reduce travel
distances and increase walkability, are also factors
that can play into this criterion. It is not only about
production of more, but also of best use of public
facilities. If a proposed change to the map is
contrary to the facility plans, or causes substantial
inadequacy over the long term, then denial of the
amendment may be warranted.
(2) In the adoption of zoning regulations, the
municipal governing body shall consider the
following:
(a) Reasonable provision of adequate light
an air;
Bozeman has established generally
applicable standards for setbacks, park
dedication, on-site open space, and
building design standards to address
this requirement. This is done during the
creation of the zoning text. Therefore,
when considering changes to the map,
this issue is addressed for all districts.
In addition, the building codes have
standards for ingress and egress,
ventilation, and related subjects that
further support delivery of adequate light
and air. Care is needed if the City revises
the standards themselves.
b. The effect on motorized and
nonmotorized transportation systems;
This guideline looks at the anticipated
change that may occur due to the
amendment. It does not require there be
less of an impact than from the existing
condition, whether it be text or map that
is the focus. The City relies upon its long-
range transportation plan to evaluate
transportation needs over the long term
for motorized vehicles as well as bikes
and pedestrians. The park and trail plan
also considers options for extending
the trail network. Plans are periodically
updated to ensure they are applicable to
current conditions.
Review of development proposals such
as subdivisions or site development
look at the transportation, park and
trail, and facility plans, consider existing
conditions, and requires the additional
on and off-site improvements needed to
meet the additional demand expected
from new development. Development
creates or funds many of the City’s
local streets, intersection upgrades,
and trails. Therefore, although a text
or map amendment may allow more
intense development than before,
compliance with the adopted Plans
and standards will provide adequate
capacity to offset that increase. The
City’s development standards require
on-site parking for bicycles and motor
vehicles and pedestrian circulation within
each site. Articles 38.4 and 38.5 of the
UDC regulate parking and circulation. If
the Commission considers a substantial
change to the standards it must examine
the cumulative impacts.
The capacity of a street to handle traffic
can be viewed differently by local
citizens, traffic engineers, and Planners.
The long-range transportation plan
64 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
establishes the standards for what is
“too much” on each class of road. The
impact of additional development is
not excessive so long as the planned
capacity of the road is not exceeded.
New development contributes to the
creation of additional capacity through
dedication of right of way, construction
or reconstruction of streets, payment of
impact fees, and other contributions as
may be applicable to a specific project.
These requirements may mitigate the
impacts of additional development.
Development that is more intense
requires greater transportation capacity.
Therefore, it is good, but not required, to
have more intensive districts near arterial
and collector roads.
c. Promotion of compatible urban growth;
This guideline focuses on what happens
at the edge of the City, as well as what
occurs in the heart of the City. Section
38.700.040, BMC defines the factors
considered in determining compatibility.
This definition explicitly rejects uniformity
as being necessary for compatibility.
Compatibility is considered within and
between districts. The determination
of compatibility takes place at several
levels, including 1) what uses are
allowed within each district, 2) creation
of standards for new development to
lessen impacts to adjacent land/persons,
3) creation of building and site design
standards, and 4) application of future
land use areas through the community
plan and development of the zoning
map.
When the Commission considers a text
amendment, the majority of the focus is
on items 1 - 3, above. What combination
of uses under what conditions can work
well together? There is a wide range of
possible answers for each community
to consider. Some communities take
a highly prescriptive worst-case view
and try to restrain all possible points of
perceived conflict. This tends to create
a very homogenous community with
little interest or scope for creativity.
Bozeman takes a different approach.
The worst-case scenario is recognized
as unlikely, but possible. Development
standards deal with the majority of
cases, while restraining extraordinary
problems. An example is stormwater
management where a certain minimum
level of control is required, but there are
many acceptable alternative methods to
address the issue.
When considering zoning map
amendments, the Commission first
looks at the future land use map
created by the growth policy. See
discussion under Criterion 1(a) above.
The planning process refers to high level
various policies to identify community
priorities. In Bozeman’s case, those
policies consistently emphasize quality
of development, infill in a manner that
allows for additional intensification over
time, connecting land development to
other community priorities like multi-
modal transportation, cost efficient
user-pays provision of facilities, and
reasonable incremental development at
the City edge. These and other policies
influence the layout of the future land
use map.
The City creates standards under
items 1-3; when one district is adjacent
to another and is consistent with the
growth policy, any physical conflicts will
be minimal, if present at all. The City’s
zoning policy encourages continued
development of mixed uses. This is seen
in the older areas of the City, which
were built before zoning. The City uses
the broad scope of its development
standards to enable differing uses to
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 65
be successful near each other. This
shows on the zoning map where districts
providing a wide diversity of uses are
intermixed.
d. The character of the district and its
peculiar suitability for particular uses;
and
The second element of this guideline
reflects the application of the statutory
criteria to a wide diversity of purposes
and communities. Some land has a
unique physical attribute that makes
it more appropriate for one use than
another. That attribute may be inherent
in the land itself or due to proximity to
something else. For example, the City’s
land adjacent to the East Gallatin River
is well suited for the Parks and open
Lands and the Public Institutions districts
because it supports both recreational
functions in Story Mill Park and an
essential water treatment role at the
Water Reclamation Facility.
The character of a district is seen from
two different viewpoints. First, when
considering an amendment to the text,
the integration of a proposed change
is evaluated with the other standards,
purposes, and criteria of site review.
If the new change conflicts with other
text, then the new change should be
rejected, or other revisions made, so
that the overall standards for a given
district support one another. Second,
when considering an amendment to the
zoning map both the actual and possible
built environment are evaluated. If
the amendment is accompanying an
annexation request there is often a
substantial change in use that will occur.
In this case, the Commission must look
at what the growth policy recommends
for the area, as there is less built context
to provide guidance. A zoning district
change for land already within the City
requires greater consideration of the
current actual and possible environment.
Most of Bozeman has zoning that allows
more development than the current
owners utilize. This reflects many
personal preferences and economic
decisions.
There is no specified distance in
state law or local code outside of
the boundary of a map amendment
that describes the “district” to be
considered. The City provides direct
notice to landowners out to 200 feet
from the outer boundary of the area to
be given a new zoning designation by
the map amendment. This is notice, not
the distance that dictates the extent
of the analysis. Impacts from a zoning
change may be less or more than 200
feet depending on the nature of the
change and what already exists. State
law recognizes that persons owning land
within 150 feet have a unique interest in
the decision to rezone and gives them
the ability to protest the zoning. It is
notable that the protest does not stop a
rezoning, but requires a greater majority
of the Commission to approve. If there is
adequate reason for the change, it can
go forward.
Nothing in the zoning amendment or site
review criteria requires the Commission
restrict one owner because an adjacent
owner chooses to not use all zoning
potential. The City is not obligated
to enforce or recognize any privately
imposed restrictions, such as a covenant,
on land. Such restrictions are not subject
to the same public notice or participation
requirements as City actions.
Landowners have both rights and
obligations. To find that an amendment
application should be approved, the
application materials and review need
show the amendment meets the
66 CITY OF BOZEMAN COMMUNITY PLAN
required criteria for approval. This is a
very site specific evaluation and may
consider but is not obligated to give
preference to what adjacent owners
have chosen to do with their property.
When evaluating compliance with criteria
it is appropriate to consider all the
options allowed by the requested district
and not only what the present applicant
describes as their intensions.
The City Commission must consider
several items in its decision on a zone
map amendment. First, the Commission
must consider the nature of the
dominant uses allowed in a district
compared with adjacent properties.
For example, are they both residential
or is one residential and another non-
residential. Bozeman has an existing
pattern of diverse zoning districts in
proximity to each other. Second, the
Commission should consider differences
in allowed intensity between the
districts such as differences in height,
setbacks, or lot coverage. The greater
the difference the more likely conflict
is possible. An incremental change
between two similar districts may, for
example, have the same setbacks and
very similar maximum heights. Next, the
Commission must decide whether a
larger community benefit exists such as
locating a fire station where it will serve
the adjacent property but is different
from the surrounding zoning. Finally, the
Commission must ask what separates
one zone from another. The City strives
to locate zoning boundaries along
visible and natural dividing lines such as
streets, trail corridors, creeks, or parks.
At a minimum, zoning boundaries should
follow property boundaries. The greater
the physical separation, the less likely
there may be a conflict. For example, a
local street, typically 60 feet wide, when
combined with the standards for site
development, is generally considered
an adequate separation- even for
substantially different districts.
e. Conserving the value of buildings and
encouraging the most appropriate use
of land throughout the jurisdictional
area.
There are two elements to this guideline.
First, conserving the value of buildings
applies to changes that may lessen
the functional utility of a property.
Changes that increase opportunities on
a property are unlikely to fail this test.
Some reduction in value can happen
with adequate justification. Requiring a
development to mitigate impacts on its
site that lowers development potential is
acceptable. The need for that mitigation
must be demonstrated.
Assertions that allowing a more intensive
zoning may lessen values on adjacent
properties is best addressed under
the guideline regarding the character
of the district. The financial value of
land changes constantly based on
many factors. Properties considered
undesirable at one time may be sought
after as circumstances change or the
reverse. Value may be primarily in the
eye of the beholder and not supported
by neutral and objective evaluation.
There is no defined decline in financial
value or utility that proves an automatic
failure of this guideline.
Encouraging the most appropriate use
of land connects back to criterion 1(a)
and the growth policy and guideline
2(d) and peculiar suitability for particular
uses. The future land use map and
policies of the growth policy should
merge to establish priorities for land
use that consider whether a given
location is genuinely unique. There are
circumstances where combinations of
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 17 MARCH 2020 67
uses, such as high density housing close
to employment, community amenities,
and transportation, reinforce each other.
PUBLIC REVIEW AND HEARING PROCEDURES
An amendment to the zoning text or map can
be initiated by a property owner or by the City
Commission. Division 38.260, BMC has the
requirements for initiating an amendment. A
general outline of the public hearing process for
an application follows. As a legislative process,
the City Commission has discretion in making their
decision.
An important part of the amendment review
process is the opportunity to offer comments on
the proposal. Any interested person or group
may give comments. The public hearing process
formally provides this opportunity. Persons for,
against, or merely seeking information about the
proposal may submit comments to the appointed
or elected officials who must review the request.
The required public hearings on a zoning
amendment are by the Zoning Commission and
the City Commission. The Zoning Commission
gives a recommendation to the City Commission
regarding the proposed amendment’s compliance
with the review criteria. The typical format for a
public hearing on a zoning amendment follows:
1. The public hearing are advertised as
required by state law and Division 38.220 of
the City of Bozeman Municipal Code. Written
public comments may be submitted to the
City prior to the beginning of the public
hearing.
2. The public hearing will be conducted at the
time and place advertised.
3. A report on the review by the Department
of Community Development, including
an analysis of compliance with the
growth policy, review criteria, and a
recommendation of approval or denial is
provided.
4. Presentation by applicant and applicant’s
representative(s). In the event the
amendment is initiated by the City, this is
usually the same as step 3 above.
5. Questions from the City Commission or
Zoning Commission to staff or applicant.
6. The public hearing is opened with persons
able to speak for, against, or to seek
additional information from the applicant
or staff. A time limit may be established
for each speaker. Commenters may also
submit comments in writing. The public is
encouraged to provide in their comments
a factual basis related to specific review
criteria for their support or opposition to an
amendment.
7. When all persons have had opportunity to
speak, the public hearing will be closed and
the City Commission or Zoning Commission
will then return discussion of the project
to themselves. They will evaluate the
application materials, the staff report, public
written and spoken testimony, and the
amendment review criteria and procedures.
The City Commission or Zoning Commission
may inquire of staff, applicants, or the public
for clarification or additional information in
order to complete their evaluation.
8. A majority of a Zoning Commission quorum
is adequate to render a decision. The Zoning
Commission forwards a recommendation to
the City Commission.
9. After the City Commission has conducted
their public hearing, they make their decision
on the record established during the public
hearing. This includes the application
materials, staff report, Zoning Commission
recommendation, public comments, and all
other relevant material presented during the
review.
10. When the City Commission has rendered
their decision the process for a formal two-
step ordinance adoption as required in state
law is required before any amendment is
final.
An approval or denial of amendment may be
appealed to District Court after a final decision
has been rendered. Appeals are subject to the
requirements of state law.