HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-21 Public Comment - D. Burgess - Ordinance 2070PROOF Architecture
PO Box 11483 Bozeman, MT 59719 (406) 570-3235
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Dean Burgess, AIA
Principal
PROOF Architecture LLC
PO Box 11483
Bozeman, MT 59719
dburgess@proofarch.com
(406) 570-3235
April 12th, 2021
City of Bozeman
Zoning Commission & City Commission
Alfred M. Stiff Professional Building
20 East Olive St.
Bozeman, MT 59771
RE: Support for Ordinance No. 2070 Dear Zoning Commission & City Commission,
I am writing to voice our support for the proposed Ordinance No. 2070 and specifically for the proposed increase
in allowable building heights and the reduction of roof pitch categories.
We support these changes for several reasons:
• The proposed changes will accommodate the current multi-family industry standard of 9’ ceiling heights instead
of the older 8’ ceiling height standard. Zoning height limits have driven the use of 8’ ceilings in local multi-family
design in the past, even when architects and developers would have preferred to provide taller ceilings. An
increase from 8’ to 9’ ceilings, and the associated potential for taller windows, may be the most critical feature
contributing to the perceived quality of a dwelling, increasing daylighting and directly impacting the wellbeing and
quality of life of residents.
• 9’ ceilings have become the standard for the greater NW mountain region. When working with regional lenders,
their internal lending standards often require 9’ ceilings as a quality baseline. While lenders have relaxed their
standards for the Montana area to accept 8’ ceilings in recognition that the local market still accepts this, it is clear
that the greater regional market has moved to taller ceiling heights.
• The proposed height limits will accommodate modern building techniques and systems, which require slightly
taller floor-to-floor heights. These include the use of open web floor trusses instead of I-joists, improved
floor/ceiling soundproofing systems, and the development of larger modular framing and drywall sizes. These
systems directly contribute to living standards and the quality, longevity, and life cycle of the built environment.
• Reducing the number of roof pitch categories will encourage attractive and appropriate building form and massing,
particularly at the rooflines.
• The City of Bozeman’s Unified Development Code contains excellent strategies for creating visually pleasing
building forms and breaking down larger massing. Section 38.530.040.C Building Massing & Articulation and
38.530.040.F Roofline Modulation encourage vertical building articulation. Vertical articulation is one of the best
methods for balancing the composition and proportion of form and breaking down larger massing to bring it to a
human scale and create visual interest. The proposed changes to height limits and reduction of roof pitch
categories allow the architect to use vertical modulation to design visually pleasing forms. The resulting designs
will be more attractive, benefitting the overall community and urban fabric.
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As Bozeman continues to develop, we believe it is essential that both building methodology and standards of living for our
residents keep pace with our greater region. Both the existing community and future multi-family residents benefit from
improved development quality. The proposed changes will favorably impact multi-family design from both quality of life
and aesthetic perspectives.
Sincerely,
Dean Burgess, AIA
PROOF Architecture