HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-20 Public Comment - R. Krueger - R-O Zone Text AmendmentP: 406.582.8988 f: 406.582.8911 www.intrinsikarchitecture.com 111 North Tracy Ave Bozeman Montana 59715
04 June 2020
Zoning Commission
121 North Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, Montana 59715
Subject: R-O Zone Text Amendment (#19439)
Dear City Zoning Commission Members,
I write today in response to the Residential Office (R-O) Zone Text Amendment that was
submitted by Madison Engineering on behalf of our client Delaney and Company, Inc.
We previously offered comments regarding this proposed text amendment in February via the
online UDC Community Platform public input function (Exhibit A) supporting the text
amendment as drafted by Madison Engineering. We are supplementing these comments to
further clarify our earlier statements.
Speaking directly to the ability to utilize Short-Term Rentals Type 3 within the R-O Zone, we feel
the Growth Policy does not definitively show that the proposed text amendment is not in
accordance with that governing document. Type 3 rental options can and should be developed
as infill projects and in proximity to transportation networks (Objective H-1.1). Short term
rental options for property owners offer a variety of means for supplementing mortgage or loan
payments (Objective H-1.4 & H-3.3). Whereas small R-O Zoned parcels developed with Type 3
rentals may not blend into the surrounding neighborhoods, large undeveloped parcels can
create a neighborhood character all their own (Goal H-1).
In summary, I would like to encourage the Zoning Commission to consider allowing Short-
Term Rentals Type 3 within the R-O Zoning District for developments of larger parcels (Ex. five
(5) acres or more) adjacent to a collector street. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ryan Krueger, AICP, CFM
Senior Planner
Attachments:
Exhibit A – February 2020 UDC Community Platform Public Comments
R-O Zoning Revisions - Summarized Public Input
1.) “These comments are submitted in support of the proposed allowance of Short Term Rentals
Type 3 within R-O zones and the draft R-O Text Amendment dated 10-08-19. The proposed draft
Code bolsters transitional zones and aids in the preservation of neighborhood character of other
residential districts by limiting the utilization of non-owner occupied short term rentals to areas
in proximity to professional offices and businesses. Moreover, this amendment provides
residential owners in R-O zones an opportunity to realize a variety of short term rental options
over the life of property ownership. The proposed amendment therefore offers a tangible
financial benefit for R-O residential property owners, one that may be utilized to offset housing
costs. Finally, this proposal shows alignment with the Bozeman Community Plan and the
Strategic Plan. It is for these reasons that the Proposed R-O Zoning Text Amendment is a sound
recommendation and should be adopted during April 2020 UDC Community Platform update
cycle.”
1.) “These comments are submitted in support of the proposed R-O Zoning Text Amendment, with
a minor requested amendment to Table 38.310.030.B to permit restaurants and bars (Alcohol
sales for on-premises consumption) subject to Note 4 (as is currently allowed in the R-5 Zoning
District).
The allowance of small-scale restaurants and bars, in addition to the current permitted and
proposed uses in the R-O Zoning District, could contribute to the creation of diverse
neighborhood nodes in proximity to moderately dense commercial and residential uses. The
ability to create restaurants, bars, or retail at density appropriate for the zone and with
associated residential uses represents sound community planning. This request addresses the
City's sustainability and Climate Plan goals by potentially decreasing vehicle miles traveled for
nearby residents and employees to reach commercial services. Furthermore, this request aligns
with the goals and objectives included in the Bozeman Community Plan (and Draft Plan) and the
City's Strategic Plan. “