HomeMy WebLinkAbout200616_BozemanCommunityPlan_PlanningBoardDraft_V11-CLEANBOZEMANMT 2020 COMMUNITY PLAN
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 16 JUNE 2020
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BOZEMANMT
2020 COMMUNITY PLAN
16 JUNE 2020
BOZEMANMT 2020 COMMUNITY PLAN
PLANNING BOARD DRAFT, 16 JUNE 2020
2
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 ___________.
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
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CITY OF BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION
MAYOR CHRIS MEHL
DEPUTY MAYOR CYNDY ANDRUS
COMMISSIONER TERRY CUNNINGHAM
COMMISSIONER I-HO POMEROY
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL WALLNER
COMMISSIONER JEFF KRAUSS, PAST MEMBER
CITY OF BOZEMAN PLANNING BOARD
HENRY (HAP) HAPPEL, CHAIR
CHRIS MEHL, COMMISSION LIAISON
CATHY COSTAKIS
MARK EGGE
JENNIFER MADGIC
GERALD (JERRY) PAPE, JR.
RICHARD RUDNICKI
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 DEVELOPMENT
CHRIS SAUNDERS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
TOM ROGERS, SENIOR PLANNER
CONSULTANT TEAM
LOGAN SIMPSON
LELAND CONSULTING
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROCESS AND
CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY PLAN.
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
01 | BASICS
ORGANIZATION
PLANNING AREA
PLANNING TIME HORIZON
PUBLIC OUTREACH
EXISTING CONDITIONS
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
BASIC PLANNING PRECEPTS
02 | THEMES
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
03 | FUTURE LAND USE
IMPORTANCE
LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS FOR USE ON THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP
CORRELATION WITH ZONING
THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP
04 | IMPLEMENTATION
IMPORTANCE
SHORT-TERM ACTION LIST
MONITORING AND UPDATES
05 | AMENDMENTS + REVIEW
PLAN AMENDMENTS
REVIEW TRIGGERS, AMENDMENTS, AND AMENDMENT CRITERIA
SUBDIVISION REVIEW
ZONING AMENDMENT REVIEW
06 | APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: ENGAGEMENT AND PROCESS TO CREATE THE PLAN
APPENDIX B: INFRASTRUCTURE AND SPECIAL TOPIC PLANS
APPENDIX C: INVENTORY REPORT
APPENDIX D: PROJECTIONS REPORT
APPENDIX E: INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN PER 76-1-601(4)(C)MCA
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APPENDIX F: GLOSSARY
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INTRODUCTION
The city of Bozeman is set in an expansive valley, surrounded by 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 United States. Desirable attributes such as
immediate access to year-round recreation, high-quality schools, a growing high-tech culture, and
thoughtful and forward-thinking city policies have all contributed to strong population growth, high
employment and rapid development.
Bozeman now has a population of approximately 50,000 people, which is up from 22,660 people in the
year 1990 (refer to Appendices C and D for additional information on population). It is the fourth largest
city in Montana. Bozeman is home to Montana State University, the largest university in the State with a
total enrollment of nearly 17,000 students. Montana State University is one of only 130 universities out
of 4,338 institutions to be designated a very high research activity school. Bozeman 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
many thousands of visitors annually.
Bozeman's high rate of growth and changing economics, the rapid development in surrounding Gallatin
County, and state law mandating that community plans be kept up-to-date, all make it necessary for
Bozeman to adopt 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 over time.
This community plan (the Plan) is a fundamental policy document guiding further growth and
community development in Bozeman. 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. It reflects the community’s shared values and priorities. The
Plan is the City’s long-range growth policy that meets the statutory requirements of Section 76-1-601 of
the Montana Code Annotated.
This Plan helps guide residents, City staff, and elected officials’ decisions. It brings land use policy into
larger community discussions on many issues addressed by the City. Its measure of success is
continuation of the Bozeman tradition— a flourishing, safe, and a vibrant place to reside, 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 residents and businesses in the City, through their aspirations and hard work, will
carry out the Plan.
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01 | BASICS
ORGANIZATION
The Plan is organized into five main sections: Basics, Themes, Land Use Map,
Implementation, and Amendments + Review. Appendices 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, summarizes existing
conditions, and describes the relationship of the Plan to other City planning documents.
Finally, the Plan describes the basic planning principles employed in developing the Plan.
Recommendations are discussed within the context of the issues most important to
Bozeman residents.02 | Themes set forth community desired outcomes and the Plan goals
and objectives to achieve these outcomes. The Themes include 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 information concerning amendment of the Plan, and
the principles involved in the City’s subdivision and zoning review processes.
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.
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 are 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 a description of existing
conditions. 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).
APPENDIX D: PROJECTIONS REPORT
The 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
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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 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
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. Thoughtful development in
the Planning Area is 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 development that is not
predicted to occur over any particular timeframe.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Developing Bozeman’s Community Plan involved a lengthy public outreach period. 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 and 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 residents’ process to develop this 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 residents 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 residents
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
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Bozeman’s largest employer is Montana State University (MSU), with over 3,000 full and part-
time employees. Gallatin County has experienced an employment growth rate of over four
percent per year since 2010—adding 12,000 jobs. Eighty 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
Figures in this section are from the 2019 Housing Needs Assessment performed after the EPS
report was completed. 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.
Twenty-four percent of homeowners are “cost burdened”, which means they are paying 30
percent or more of their income towards mortgage payments. Fifty-five 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). Forty-one 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 residents 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.
Seventy 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.
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.
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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.
A more detailed description of Bozeman’s existing conditions can be found in Appendix C. For
complete details on projections, see Appendix D.
COMPARISON TO OTHER CITIES
As shown in Table 2 on Page 8, 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. 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 more 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 attached units in Bozeman is lower than both
Fort Collins and Boulder.
[Options to represent this information.]
Option A: No table or comparisons.
Option B: Table and comparison cities as part of implementation.
Option C: New table as included below.
City Median
Househ
old
Income
(ACS,20
18)
Median
Housing
Price
(Zillow,
2019)
Media
n
House
Price
to
Media
n
Incom
e Ratio
Population
(ACS,
2018)
City
Land
Area
(Sq.
Miles
)
Pop.
/ Sq.
Mile
Growt
h %
2010 -
2018
(ACS,
2018)
Annualized
Growth Rate
(2010 – 2018)
Bend,
OR
$63,468 $443,400 7.0 97,590 33.0 2956 27.3% 31.%
Billings,
MT
$57,172 $243,700 4.3 109,550 43.4 2524 5.0% 0.6%
Boulder,
CO
$66,117 $793,578 12.0 107,353 24.8 4322 9.9% 1.2%
Bozeman
, MT
$51,896 $440,200 8.5 48,532 19.1 2538 30.1% 3.4%
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Fort
Collins,
CO
$62,132 $393,500 6.3 167,830 55.8 3007 15.9% 2.0%
Meridian,
ID
$68,131 $326,400 4.8 106,804 29.7 3594 38.8% 4.5%
Missoula,
MT
$45,010 $308,800 6.9 74,428 28.9 2575 11.4% 1.4%
Sources: (ACS,2018) U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates.
(Zillow 2019) Zillow.com, Accessed December 1, 2019. City Land Area: Wikipedia
Option D: Existing table.
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
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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
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
The Bozeman Strategic Plan is the overarching policy statement for the City. It was first 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 Plan primarily through its Vision
Statement #4 entitled A Well-Planned City. This Vision Statement focuses on five goals listed in
the table below. The Strategic Plan also provides direction on related issues 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.
The Themes reflect community priorities in prior plans, demonstrating a level of consistency in
community values over time. This Community Plan is also influenced by, and will influence, a
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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.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT 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 COVERED BY OTHER PLANS FUTURE LAND USE MAP STRATEGIC PLAN VISION STATEMENT | A WELL-
PLANNED CITY
1 Informed Conversation on Growth • • • • • •
2 High Quality Urban Approach • • • • • • • •
3 Strategic Infrastructure Choices • • • • • • • •
4 Vibrant Downtown, Districts & Centers • • • • • • •
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
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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
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 are 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).
Diverse uses of land should occur relatively close to one another.
The City 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. Developments should be integrated into their neighborhood and
the 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 the City’s 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.
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 residents. For the Bozeman
community to continue to prosper, all residents need equitable access to opportunities to
advance their well-being regardless of their circumstances. The way a community is shaped
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through development patterns, infrastructure, transportation systems, housing options,
economic opportunities, and green spaces can contribute to the well-being of residents 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; residents 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 foundational work 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
two. The City’s response to this is to pursue policies that mitigate these growing pains. These
policies are described 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 contributed to ever-increasing housing demand.
The sale price of homes has more than fully recovered from the 2008 recession for all housing
types. The median sale price of homes, including single-households, townhomes and
condominiums, has increased 75% since 2012. This is an average increase of almost 10% per
year.
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.
Bozeman has taken the issue of housing seriously. It developed a housing needs assessment in
2019, hired a housing coordinator, and released the Community Housing Action Plan (CHAP) in
October 2019. The CHAP was updated in April 2020. The CHAP objectives include: i.) ensuring
community housing serves the full range of incomes without losing sight of safety net programs
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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 matches the spectrum of community housing needs. The CHAP 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 housing, including affordability, is the subject of the detailed
CHAP, this Plan does not address housing affordability 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.
More housing, in a variety of type, size, and cost, is needed at prices that residents 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.
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02 | THEMES
Six Themes describe community-derived desired outcomes. The Themes contain objectives
and actions to guide the City towards its Vision. Application of the Themes 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.
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.
Neighborhoods or communities that offer a mix of housing, needed services, and opportunities
within close proximity of each other are considered “complete communities”. They 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
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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.
THEME 1 | 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.
N-1.10. Enable a gradual and predictable increase in density in developed areas
over time.
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.
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N-2.4. Evaluate design standards. Encourage development in appropriate
districts of buildings that are capable of serving an initial residential purpose and
be readily converted to commercial uses when adequate market support for
commercial services exists.
N-2.5. Ensure that new development includes opportunities for urban agriculture,
including rooftop and home gardens, community gardens, and urban farms,
where appropriate.
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.
N-3.9. Support compact neighborhoods, small lot sizes, and small floor plans,
especially through mechanisms such as density bonuses.
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
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Housing Needs Assessment – 2019
Midtown Action Plan – 2017
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, Final Policy Direction – 2019
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.
THEME 2 | GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal DCD-1: Support urban development within the City.
DCD-1.1. Evaluate alternatives for more intensive development in proximity to high
visibility corners, services, and parks.
DCD-1.2. Remove regulatory barriers to infill.
DCD-1.3. Work with state regulatory agencies and the legislature to remove
disincentives in state law and regulations to municipal development.
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DCD-1.4. Update the Unified Development Code (UDC) to reflect density increases or
minimums within key districts.
DCD-1.5. Develop informational materials for how to effectively manage construction on
small footprint sites to lessen impacts on adjacent properties.
DCD-1.6. Document existing policies and practices and develop additional policies, if
needed, to appropriately address issues for infill development.
DCD-1.7. Identify underutilized sites for possible redevelopment.
DCD-1.8. Investigate expansion of or creation of new urban renewal areas to
encourage redevelopment of key properties.
DCD-1.9. Coordinate infrastructure construction, maintenance, and upgrades to support
infill development, reduce costs, and minimize disruption to the public.
DCD-1.10. Collaborate with the Montana State University School of Architecture to
develop educational materials and opportunities on how to do quality urban
design for infill and greenfield sites.
[NEW, ALTERNATIVE OPTION WHICH WOULD COMBINE DCD-1.5, DCD-1.6, AND
DCD-1.10 INTO ONE STATEMENT] Develop informational materials and
document existing policies and practices regarding effective and appropriate
infill and greenfield site development.
DCD-1.11. Promote mixed-use developments with access to parks, open space, and
transit options.
DCD-1.12. Support University efforts to attract development near campus.
DCD-1.13. Pursue annexations consistent with the future land use map and adopted
facility plans for development at urban intensity.
DCD-1.14. 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-1.15. Pursue acquisition and development of diverse water sources and resources.
Goal DCD-2: Encourage growth throughout the City, while increasing a
pattern of community development oriented on centers of employment and
activity. Support a gradual increase in development intensity within
developed areas.
DCD-2.1. Coordinate infrastructure development, land use development, and other City
actions and priorities through community planning.
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DCD-2.2. Support higher density development along main corridors and at high visibility
street corners to accommodate population growth and support businesses.
DCD-2.3. Review and update minimum development intensity requirements in
residential and non-residential zoning districts.
DCD-2.4. 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 height
changes on meeting goals of this Plan.
DCD-2.5. Identify and zone appropriate locations for neighborhood-scale commercial
development.
DCD-2.6. Evaluate and pursue joint mitigation of development impacts across multiple
developments.
DCD-2.7. Encourage the location of higher density housing and public transit routes in
proximity to one another.
Goal DCD-3: Ensure multimodal connectivity within the City.
DCD-3.1. 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-3.2. Identify missing links in the multimodal system, prioritize those most
beneficial to complete, and pursue funding for completion of those links.
DCD-3.3. Identify major existing and future destinations for biking and walking to aid in
prioritization of route planning and completion.
DCD-3.4. Support implementation of the Bozeman Transportation Master Plan
strategies.
DCD-3.5. Encourage increased development intensity in commercial centers.
DCD-3.6. Evaluate parking requirements and methods of providing parking as part of
the overall transportation system for and between districts.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Downtown Improvement Plan – 2019
Midtown Action Plan – 2017
Northeast Neighborhood Urban Renewal Plan - 2005
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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 residents 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, protecting the
health of our water systems and our air quality, and grappling with the impacts of increased
human population and invasive plants and animals are some of our challenges.
THEME 3 | GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
Goal EPO-1: Prioritize strategic acquisition of parks to provide a variety of
recreational opportunities throughout the City.
EPO-1.1. Coordinate the location of existing and future parks to create opportunities for
larger and more functional parks. Prioritize quality locations and features in
parks over quantity of parks.
EPO-1.2. 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-1.3. Incorporate unique recreational and artistic elements into parks.
EPO-1.4. Research and implement multi-use features within parks to promote
increased use and visitation.
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EPO-1.5. Work with partner organizations to identify and reduce impacts on at-risk,
environmentally sensitive areas that contribute to water quality, wildlife
corridors, or wildlife habitat.
EPO-1.6. 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-2: Work to ensure that development is responsive to natural
features.
EPO-2.1. Activate connections to waterways by creating locations and amenities
encouraging people to access them.
EPO-2.2. Work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to keep wetlands mitigation
within the Gallatin Valley rather than locating to other watersheds.
EPO-2.3. Identify, prioritize, and preserve key wildlife habitat and corridors.
Goal EPO-3: Address climate change in the City’s plans and operations.
EPO-3.1. Support development of maintenance standards including sidewalk clearing,
sidewalk surfaces, bike lanes, and procedures for consistent implementation.
EPO-3.2. Ensure complete streets and identify long-term resources for the
maintenance of year-round bike and multi-use paths to improve utilization
and reduce annual per capita vehicle miles traveled.
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.
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 into development standards.
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EPO-3.10. Inclusion of community gardens and urban farms as part of open spaces
outside of watercourses and wetlands in subdivisions is encouraged where
appropriate.
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 City 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. 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
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THEME 4 | A CITY THAT PRIORITIZES ACCESSIBILITY AND
MOBILITY CHOICES
Our City fosters the close proximity of housing,
services, and jobs, and desires to provide 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). Notably, the Bozeman Yellowstone International
Airport is the busiest airport in the state. 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 residents
and visitors with a wide range of transportation options. Appropriately designed trails, sidewalks,
crossings, bike lanes, and transit networks help us move around our neighborhoods and
promote safe, efficient passage to our destinations.
THEME 4 | 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 to one another.
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.
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M-1.4. Develop safe, connected, and complementary transportation networks for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other personal mobility devices ( 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. Develop a trunk network of high-frequency, priority transit service connecting
major commercial nodes and coinciding with increased 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.
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 the Public Works Department, Police Department, 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.
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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
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THEME 5 | A CITY POWERED BY ITS CREATIVE,
INNOVATIVE, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ECONOMY
Our City benefits from and desires to further an
expanding economy that is powered by the talents
of its residents, 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, and regional services.
This is one of the City’s great strengths. The City also has many lower wage jobs in service
roles. Bozeman has access to cutting edge education and research at opportunities from
Montana State University. With an enrollment of nearly 17,000 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 businesses in opto-electronics, biofilm, and outdoor gear and other
industries. Continued investment in job training and education is needed to support continued
economic growth.
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
state of the art communications and information from distant consultants available locally.
Immediate and short-distance proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities provides significant
daily mental and physical health benefits to residents 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 RESOURCES THE
MONEY THAT ENABLES THE CITY TO PURSUE ITS PRIORITIES.
THEME 5 | GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS
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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 those infrastructure projects that will strengthen business and higher
education communities as coordinated through the annual capital improvement
plan.
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.
OTHER RELEVANT PLANS
Economic Development Strategy Update – 2016
Transportation Master Plan – 2017
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan Update –2015
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
THEME 6 | A CITY ENGAGED IN REGIONAL COORDINATION
Our City, in partnership with Gallatin County,
Montana State University, and other regional
authorities, desires to address the needs of a
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rapidly growing and changing regional population
through strategic infrastructure choices and
coordinated decision-making.
IMPORTANCE
Cooperation between agencies makes sense. Conflicting decisions and lack of trust between
agencies can create complications and 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 residents 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. The jurisdictional lines between City and County, state land and local
land, are important in helping define the roles of various public agencies.
Belgrade, Bozeman, and Gallatin County have mutually agreed they will coordinate land use in
the area of overlapping jurisdictions known as the triangle, and pursuant to the Triangle
Community Plan, 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 and the City of Belgrade to work together in pursuit of
these goals. The Planning Coordinating Committee will play a key role in coordinating this work.
THEME 6 | GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS
Goal RC-1: Improve communication and coordination with Gallatin
County, the City of Belgrade, public schools, 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.
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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 planning boards to
coordinate planning issues.
RC-1.5. Implement the Triangle Community Plan in coordination between Bozeman,
Belgrade, and Gallatin County.
RC-1.6. Prepare for establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Organization, anticipated
to be required by federal law 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 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
lands for acquisition or placement of conservation easements with the goal of
lessening or eliminating development in environmentally sensitive areas and/or
preserving 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. 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.
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RC-3.2. 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-3.3. Prioritize annexations that enable the incremental expansion of the City
and its utilities.
RC-3.4. Encourage annexation of land adjacent to the City prior to development
and encourage annexation of wholly surrounded areas.
RC-3.5. Establish standard practices for sharing development application information
and exchanging comments between the City and County.
RC-3.6. Develop shared information on development processes.
RC-3.7. 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. Establish interlocal agreements, when
appropriate, to formalize working relationships and procedures.
RC-3.8. 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.
RC-4.4. 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
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Transportation Master Plan – 2017
Triangle Community Plan (in development)
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan Update – 2015
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
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THEME 7: RESILIENCY
Our City desires to be forward thinking,
collaborative, and deliberate in planning and
execution of plans and policies to enable our
community to successfully ride the waves of
change.
IMPORTANCE
Communities and the world around them are constantly changing. Resilient communities
rebound, positively adapt to, or thrive amidst changing conditions or challenges and maintain
quality of life, healthy growth, durable systems and conservation of resources for present and
future generations. Resiliency addresses both short-term or one-time shocks as well as long-
term stressors.
Resiliency is needed to address a wide range of circumstances affecting all elements of the
community and its operations. Stressors include natural disasters, climate change, economic
shocks and transitions, and in 2020, a pandemic. Long term systems and adaptations, not just
initial responses, are needed to maintain a healthy community. Resiliency takes a holistic
approach towards protecting and improving a community. Bozeman is well positioned with
diverse subject plans to address many of the likely areas where stressors occur. The staff and
elected officials work to coordinate between plans and actions. The process of coordination is
integrated with the constant process of updating plans, capital improvement programs, budgets,
and ordinances.
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Goal R-1: Continue to strengthen and develop resilience as a community.
R-1.1 Be reflective: use past experience to inform future decisions
R-1.2 Be resourceful: recognize alternative ways to use resources
R-1.3 Be inclusive: prioritize broad consultation to create a sense of shared ownership
in decision making
R-1.4 Be integrated: bring together a range of distinct systems and institutions
R-1.5 Be robust: well-conceived, constructed, and managed systems
R-1.6 Be redundant: spare capacity purposively created to accommodate disruption
R-1.7 Be flexible: willingness and ability to adopt alternative strategies in response to
changing circumstances
Goal R-2: Pursue community decisions in a manner that supports resilience.
R-2.1 Co-Benefits: Provide solutions that address problems across multiple sectors
creating maximum benefit
R-2.2 High Risk and Vulnerability: Ensure that strategies directly address the reduction
of risk to human well-being, physical infrastructure, and natural systems
R-2.3 Economic Benefit-Cost: Make good financial investments that have the potential
for economic benefit to the investor and the broader community both through direct and
indirect returns
R-2.4 Social Equity: Provide solutions that are inclusive with consideration to
populations that are often most fragile and vulnerable to sudden impacts due to their
continual state of stress
R-2.5 Technical Soundness: Identify solutions that reflect best practices that have been
tested and proven to work in similar regional context
R-2.6 Innovation: Advance new approaches and techniques that will encourage
continual improvement and advancement of best practices serving as models.
R-2.7 Adaptive Capacity: Include flexible and adaptable measures that consider future
unknowns of changing climate, economic, and social conditions
R-2.8 Harmonize with Existing Activity: Expand, enhance, or leverage work being done
to build on existing efforts
R-2.9 Long-Term and Lasting Impact: Create long-term gains to the community with
solutions that are replicable and sustainable, creating benefit for present and future
generations
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Related Plans
Integrated Water Resources Plan – 2013
Integrated Water Resources Implementation Plan – 2013
Climate Vulnerability Assessment/Resiliency Strategy - 2019
Community Climate Action Plan – 2011 (in process of being updated)
Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (draft) – 2019
Drought Management Plan – 2017
Fire and EMS Master Plan – 2017
Affordable Housing Action Plan - 2019
Stormwater Management Plan – 2019
Transportation Master Plan – 2017
Community Transportation Safety Plan – 2013
Water Facility Plan Update – 2017
Economic Development Strategy Update – 2016
Urban Forestry Management Plan – 2016
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan Update – 2015
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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 to accommodate the complex and diverse needs of its residents. Part of
Bozeman’s appeal is its distinct character. Its character comes from the natural setting and
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 residents 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 the seat of a bike or a car, a 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
residents, 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 reading the category descriptions. Each category description can be implemented by
multiple zoning districts. The land use categories and descriptions provide a guide for
appropriate development and redevelopment locations for civic, residential, commercial,
industrial, and other uses. 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.
FUTURE LAND USE MAP - LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS
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
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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 are developed that address areas outside City limits,
development would need to meet the terms of these agreements. Land use categories are not
regulatory. The Correlation with Zoning table shows the existing zoning districts that implement
the intent of each district. 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.
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.
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
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include multi-story buildings. Residences on upper floors, in appropriate circumstances, are
encouraged. The urban character expected in this designation includes urban streetscapes,
plazas, outdoor seating, public art, and hardscaped open space and park amenities. 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 or other
methods of transition may be required for compatibility with adjacent development.
Smaller neighborhood scale areas are intended to provide local service to an area of
approximately one half-mile to one mile radius as well as passersby. These smaller centers
support and help give identity to neighborhoods by providing a visible and distinct focal point as
well as employment and services. Densities of nearby homes needed to support this scale are
an average of 14 to 22 dwellings per net acre.
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 residents. 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 to 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.
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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.
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.
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.
CORRELATION WITH ZONING
Applicable zoning categories are shown in relation to each future land use category in Table 4
below.
IMPLEMENTING ZONING DISTRICTS (LINK TO ONLINE MUNICIPAL CODE ZONING DESCRIPTIONS)
Plan Category R-S R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 R-5 R-O REMU RMH B-1 B-2 B-2M B-3 UMU M-1 M-2 BP NEHMU PLI 1. Urban
Neighborhood ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
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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.
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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04 | IMPLEMENTATION
IMPORTANCE
Implementation of the goals, objectives, and actions of this Plan will require work in coordination
with action items listed below and referred to in more detail in Chapter 2. Implementation works
in coordination with the City’s Strategic Plan, Capital Improvements Program, and other relevant
plans and documents guiding the City. Some of the actions are already underway while others
will occur in the future. Successful implementation of this Plan will require dedication,
engagement, and hard work from the community.
The Plan is intended to be a living document used daily by the City. Successful implementation
of the Plan requires monitoring. 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. Not all factors needed for success are controlled by the City.
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 evaluates housing
stock diversity by looking at square footages, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the
taxable value of homes. A diverse housing stock is indicative of a City that is more accessible
and affordable to those of all incomes.
SHORT-TERM ACTION LIST
This Plan identifies many actions and objectives to address the listed goals. Many actions are
ongoing. Some are specific shorter term actions to implement this Plan. The following list is not
listed in any order of priority and 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. 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 as noted in objective DCD-2.4.Update land development standards to implement
the Integrated Water Resources Plan as identified in objective EPO-3.5.
5. Identify missing links in the multimodal system, prioritize those most beneficial to
complete, and pursue funding for completion of those links as noted in objectives M-
1.4, M-1.9, and M-1.11.
6. 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.
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7. Revise current intersection level of service design standards to multimodal level of
service or traffic stress for people walking, biking, and using transit as identified in
objective M-1.3.
8. Prepare for establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Organization, anticipated to be
required after the completion of the 2020 US Census and noted in objective RC-1.6.
9. Establish standard practices for sharing development application information and
exchanging comments between the City and County as identified in objective RC-3.1.
10. 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-4.4.
11. Update the UDC to reflect density increases or minimums within key districts as noted
in objectives DCD-1.4, EPO-1.6, and RC-4.4.
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—from where the data should be drawn, description, frequency—defines how
often the data is available, and set forth notes describing key considerations.
The development of indicators requires 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 as for
indicators for 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 trends; 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 six months of Plan adoption. After that first year, an annual
report on the status of each indicator should be provided to the community.
QUALITATIVE CITY MEASURES
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
Community perception of City
performance
ACS or
equivalent
Annually Intent to capture citizen quality of
life measures Maintain or
improve
A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS
Indicator Source Frequency Notes Current
Status
Target
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Housing Cost Burden US Census, ACS Annually Percentage of households
spending 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
annually
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
annually
Gross dwelling units per acre of
residentially-zoned and
developed 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
Location of Development City of Bozeman,
CDD
Real-time Development within subdivisions
platted more than and less than
35 years ago
Increase
redevelopm
ent
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 Per
Capita
City of Bozeman,
SD
Annually Climate Action Plan coordination
– efficient land use patterns and
construction
Reduce
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Park Accessibility City of Bozeman,
GIS
Real-time Percentage of
residents/households within ½-
mile walking distance to open
space or trails.
Increase
Vehicle Miles Traveled MDOT Annually Per capita Reduce
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 residents
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
Reporting System
(FARS)
Annually Annual fatal and severe injuries Decrease
Transit Accessibility Streamline Bi-Annually Increase ridership. Increase
Traffic Safety NHTSA–Fatality
Analysis
Reporting 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
Development
Division, GIS
Division
Annually Availability of land not for
economic 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 Decrease
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City but unannexed (i.e.
enclaves)
City Expansion City of Bozeman,
Community
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
Coordinating
Committee
Annually Plan is in
review
Increase
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.
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. Any review of the growth policy should
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consider the triggers presented below. Periodic formal and informal reviews 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. Five years after the plan is adopted it must be reviewed.
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. 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 suggest 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—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.
WHO MAY INITIATE AMENDMENTS
1. City Commission; independently or at the suggestion of the Planning Board or the City
Staff;
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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.
Any proposed changes to either the text or maps contained in this Plan must comply with all of
the criteria described 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.
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 must 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 must not adversely affect the community as a whole or
any significant portion thereof by 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 impacting existing uses because of unmitigated impacts on facilities
and services, or
d. Negatively affecting the health and safety of the residents.
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
residents 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
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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
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
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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.
4. Agricultural Water User Facilities are subject to Section 70-17-112, and Section 85-7-
2211 and 85-7-2212, MCA.
LOCAL SERVICES
Local Services mean all services provided by governmental bodies for the benefit of residents.
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.
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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.
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 [No City Services] 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.
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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
residents or owners of a subdivision by declaring that necessary infrastructure
improvements or other actions are unnecessary.
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.
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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.
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
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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
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:
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The existing zone district does not match the growth policy future land use map in
Chapter 3.
Forty percent 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.
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.”
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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 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 and 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.
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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 residents,
traffic engineers, and Planners. The long-range transportation 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 through 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
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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 through 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 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
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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 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.
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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 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 is 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
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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.