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22125 Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation and Zone Map
Amendment
Public Hearing: Community Development Board meeting is on October 17, 2022
City Commission meeting is on November 15, 2022
Project Description: Annexation application 22125 requesting annexation of 2.05 acres plus
the adjacent right-of-way and zone map amendment of the City Zoning Map for the
establishment of a zoning designation of R-3 (Residential Medium Density District).
Project Location: On the north side of Campbell Road more particularly described as Lot 5,
Block 1, Walker Subdivision, situated in the Northeast One-Quarter (NE ¼) and
Southeast One-Quarter (SE ¼) of Section 26, and Southwest One-Quarter (SW ¼) of
Section 25, Township One South (T1S), Range Five East (R5E) of P.M.M., Gallatin
County, Montana. The annexation and zone map amendment would also apply to the
streets adjacent to the property.
Recommendation: Meets standards for approval with terms of annexation and contingencies.
Recommended Community Development Board Motion: Having reviewed and considered
the staff report, application materials, public comment, and all information presented,
I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for application 22125 and move
to recommend approval of the Walker Subdivision Annexation Zone Map Amendment,
with contingencies required to complete the application processing.
Recommended City Commission Annexation Motion: Having reviewed and considered the
staff report, application materials, public comment, and all information presented, I
hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for application 22125 and move
to approve the Walker Subdivision Annexation, with recommended terms of
annexation, and direct staff to prepare an annexation agreement for signature by the
parties.
Recommended City Commission Zoning Motion: Having reviewed and considered the staff
report, application materials, public comment, recommendation of the Community
Development Board, and all information presented, I hereby adopt the findings
presented in the staff report for application 22125 and move to approve the Walker
Subdivision Zone Map subject to contingencies required to complete the application
processing.
Report: October 12, 2022
Staff Contact: Tom Rogers, Senior Planner
Griffin Nielsen, Engineer
Agenda Item Type: Action – Legislative
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 2 of 32
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is based on the application materials submitted and public comment received to
date. This report addresses both the zoning amendment for Zoning Commission as well as
the annexation and the zoning amendment for the City Commission. Application materials
available at:
https://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=261883
Unresolved Issues
There are no identified conflicts on this application at this time.
Project Summary
The applicant and property owners seek to annex one parcel totaling approximately 2.05 acres
into the City limits and establish initial zoning of R-3 (Residential Medium Density District).
The property is currently zoned RX-MD (Residential Existing Medium Density) within the
Gallatin County Bozeman Area Zoning District. It is interesting to note the County zoning
designation allows only one single-household structure per lot.
The property is wholly surrounded by un-annexed property. However, municipal zoning is in
close proximity ad includes a variety of commercial designations to the south near the
intersection of Frontage Road and Springhill Road, R-1 (Residential Low Density District) to
the east, and R-3 to the west.
The Future Land Use Map in the Bozeman Community Plan (BCP) 2020 designates the
property as “Urban Neighborhood” which includes the R-3 district as an implementing zoning
district. Campbell Road is a dedicated right-of-way for public use although is not constructed
to a minimum standard and therefore, is maintained by the property owners association. There
are no sidewalks adjacent to the property. The proposed annexation would bring in additional
right of way.
There is an existing 8 inch sanitary sewer pipe adjacent to the property to the south in Campbell
Road. A 12 inch water main is installed in adjacent to the property under Campbell Road that
was constructed to address issues related to the solvent site contamination.
In determining whether the criteria applicable to this application are met, Staff considers the
entire body of plans and regulations for land development. Standards which prevent or
mitigate possible negative impacts are incorporated in many locations in the municipal code
but are principally in Chapter 38, Unified Development Code. References in the text of this
report to Articles, Divisions, or in the form xx.xxx.xxx are to the Bozeman Municipal Code.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 3 of 32
No public comment has been received as of the date of production of this report.
November 15, 2022 Meeting Summary
Comr. Coburn moved to add a term of an annexation to state that, “The City of Bozeman
may install a shared use path in front or adjacent to the property in an appropriate location.”
Motion seconded and passed (5:0).
Community Development Board (Zoning Commission) Summary
The Community Development Board acting in their capacity as the Zoning Commission held
a public hearing on October 17, 2022. After considering the staff report, applicant submittal
and presentation the Board voted (8:0) to recommend approval of the requested zoning
designation.
A record of the public meeting video can be viewed at the following link:
https://bozeman.granicus.com/player/clip/1891?view_id=1&redirect=true&h=1892ee7636fd
155514d07bbe3a448bf3
Community Development (Zoning Commission) Alternatives
1. Approve the application with contingencies as presented;
2. Deny the application based on findings of non-compliance with the applicable criteria
contained within the staff report; or
3. Open and continue the public hearing, with specific direction to staff or the applicant to
supply additional information or to address specific items.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 4 of 32
City Commission Alternatives
1. Approve the application with suggested terms of annexation and contingencies necessary
for processing;
2. Approve the application with modifications to the recommended zoning;
3. Deny the application based on the Commission’s findings of non-compliance with the
applicable criteria contained within the staff report; or
4. Open and continue the public hearing on the application, with specific direction to staff
or the applicant to supply additional information or to address specific items.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 5 of 32
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................2
Unresolved Issues................................................................................................................2
Project Summary .................................................................................................................2
Community Development (Zoning Commission) Alternatives...........................................3
City Commission Alternatives.............................................................................................3
SECTION 1 - MAP SERIES:....................................................................................................5
SECTION 2 - RECOMMENDED TERMS OF ANNEXATION.............................................8
SECTION 3 - RECOMMENDED CONTINGENCIES OF ZONE MAP AMENDMENT ...10
SECTION 4 – ADVISORY COMMENTS.............................................................................11
SECTION 5 - RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS.......................................12
Annexation.........................................................................................................................12
Zone Map Amendment......................................................................................................12
SECTION 6 - ANNEXATION STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS.................................13
SECTION 7 - ZONE MAP AMENDMENT STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS............19
Spot Zoning Criteria..........................................................................................................27
PROTEST NOTICE FOR ZONING AMENDMENTS..........................................................28
APPENDIX A - NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT.....................................................29
APPENDIX B - PROJECT GROWTH POLICY AND PROPOSED ZONING....................29
APPENDIX C - OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF.............................31
FISCAL EFFECTS..................................................................................................................31
ATTACHMENTS....................................................................................................................31
Page 6 of 32
SECTION 1 - MAP SERIES:
Map 1: Project Vicinity Map Baxter Lane
Water
Reclamation
Facility
Billings
Clinic
Subject Property
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 7 of 32
Map 2: BCP 2020 Future Land Use Map
Subject Property
Urban
NeighborhoodRegional
Commercial
Mixed Use
Community
Commercial
Mixed Use
Public
InstitutionsResidential
Mixed Use
Urban
Neighborhood
Public
Institutions
Maker Space
Mixed Use
Parks &
Open Lands
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 8 of 32
Map 3: Existing City Zoning
Subject Property
Page 9 of 32
SECTION 2 - RECOMMENDED TERMS OF ANNEXATION
The following terms of annexation are recommended to enable the application to comply with
the City’s Annexation Policy and the requirements of state law for the provision of services.
Recommended terms of annexation:
1. The documents and exhibits to formally annex the subject property must be identified as
the “Walker Subdivision Annexation”.
2. An Annexation Map, titled “Walker Subdivision Annexation” with a legal description of
the property and any adjoining un-annexed rights-of-way and/or street access easements
must be submitted by the applicant for use with the Annexation Agreement. The map must
be supplied as a PDF for filing with the Annexation Agreement at the County Clerk &
Recorder, and a digital copy for the City Engineers Office. This map must be acceptable to
the Director of Public Works and City Engineers Office, and must be submitted with the
signed Annexation Agreement.
3. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that the applicant must connect to
municipal services and will be responsible for installing any facilities required to provide
full municipal services to the property in accordance with city policy at the time of
connection.
4. The applicant must execute all contingencies and terms of said Annexation Agreement with
the City of Bozeman within 60 days of the distribution of the annexation agreement from
the City to the applicant or annexation approval shall be null and void.
5. The Annexation Agreement must include the following notices:
a. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that, prior to development, the
applicant will be responsible for preparing a storm water master plan in conjunction
with future development. The storm water master plan shall address maintenance and
operations until and unless the City affirmatively assumes responsibility for
maintenance and operations of stormwater facilities within the area of the annexation.
b. The Annexation Agreement must include notice the City will, upon annexation, make
available to the Property existing City services only to the extent currently available,
or as provided in the Agreement.
c. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that, prior to future final development
approval, the applicant will be responsible for transfer of water rights or a payment in
lieu as required by the Bozeman Municipal Code.
d. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that there is no right, either granted or
implied, for Landowner to further develop any of the Property until it is verified by the
City that the necessary municipal services are available to the property.
e. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that, prior to development, the
applicant will be responsible for installing any facilities required to provide full
municipal services to the properties in accordance with the City of Bozeman's
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 10 of 32
infrastructure master plans and all City policies that may be in effect at the time of
development.
f. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that utility easements may be required
to be provided by the landowner at the time of development to ensure necessary
municipal services are available to the property.
g. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that charges and assessments may be
required after completion of annexation to ensure necessary municipal services are
available to the property.
h. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that the City will assess system
development and impact fees in accordance with Montana law and Chapter 2, Article
6, Division 9, Bozeman Municipal Code.
i. All procedural terms necessary to establish the Annexation Agreement in conformance
with state law and municipal practice will be included with the final Annexation
Agreement.
6. City of Bozeman Resolution 5076, Policy 1 - If they do not already exist, the applicant
must provide and file with the County Clerk and Recorder's office executed Waivers of
Right to Protest Creation of Special Improvement Districts (SIDs) for the following:
a. Street improvements to Campbell Road including lighting, signalization, paving,
curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage.
b. Intersection improvements to Campbell Road and Springhill Road including lighting,
signalization/channelization, paving, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage.
c. Alternate Financing Term. The document filed must specify that in the event an SID is
not utilized for the completion of these improvements, the developer agrees to
participate in an alternate financing method for the completion of the improvements on
a fair share, proportionate basis as determined by square footage of property, taxable
valuation of the property, traffic contribution from the development, or a combination
thereof. The applicant must provide a copy of the SID waiver in conjunction with the
Annexation Agreement.
d. SID waiver template term. The applicant may obtain a copy of the template SID waiver
from the City Engineering Department. The document filed must specify that in the
event an SID is not utilized for the completion of these improvements, the applicant
agrees to participate in an alternate financing method for the completion of said
improvements on a fair share, proportionate basis as determined by square footage of
property, taxable valuation of the property, traffic contribution from the development,
or a combination thereof. The applicant must provide a copy of the SID waiver filed
with the County Clerk and Recorder prior to annexation.
7. The applicant must provide a copy of the filed SID waiver prior to the adoption of
Resolution of Annexation. A draft SID waiver with required streets and intersections is
included in the city documents folder.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 11 of 32
8. City of Bozeman Resolution 5076, Policy 1 The property owner must provide a 10 foot
utility easement along the property frontage directly abutting the Campbell Road for the
extension of dry utility to and through the property prior to the adoption of Resolution of
Annexation.
9. The applicant must contact Brian Heaston with the City’s Engineering Department to
obtain an analysis of cash-in-lieu of water rights for the proposed annexation. The
determined amount must be paid prior to the adoption of Resolution of Annexation, if
applicable.
10. The land owners and their successors must pay all fire, street, water and sewer impact fees
at the time of connection; and for future development, as required by Chapter 2, Bozeman
Municipal Code, or as amended at the time of application for any permit listed therein.
11. The subject property is located within the Solvent Site Payback District for water
improvements. The subject property’s proportionate share of the payback is $7,293.86
(2.042 acres at a rate $0.082/Square Feet). The applicant is advised that the payback must
be paid prior to the adoption of the Resolution of Annexation.
SECTION 3 - RECOMMENDED CONTINGENCIES OF ZONE MAP
AMENDMENT
Please note that these contingencies are necessary for the City to complete the process of the
proposed amendment. These contingencies only apply in the event that the related annexation
request has previously been approved.
Recommended Contingencies of Approval:
1. The applicant must submit a zone amendment map, titled “Walker Subdivision Zone Map
Amendment”, acceptable to the Director of Public Works, as a PDF which will be utilized
in the preparation of the Ordinance to officially amend the City of Bozeman Zoning Map.
Said map shall contain a metes and bounds legal description of the perimeter of the subject
property including adjacent rights-of-way, and total acreage of the property.
2. That all documents and exhibits necessary to establish the amended municipal zoning
designation of R-3 (Residential Medium Density District) shall be identified as the Walker
Subdivision Zone Map Amendment.
3. The Ordinance for the Zone Map Amendment shall not be drafted until the applicant
provides an editable metes and bounds legal description prepared by a licensed Montana
surveyor.
4. All required materials shall be provided to the Department of Community Development
within 60 days of a favorable action of the City Commission or any approval shall be null
and void.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 12 of 32
SECTION 4 – ADVISORY COMMENTS
1. Portions of the subject property are located within the FEMA-regulated floodplain. Upon
annexations, the property will also be subject to the City's floodplain regulations. A
floodplain permit will be required for future development on the property unless
specifically included in BMC38.600.240.
a. A City floodplain permit must be obtained prior to building permit approval for the
proposed structure shown in Concept Application No. 21-451, as part of the floodplain
permit review the owner/owners representative must demonstrate that all applicable
permits have been obtained, per BMC 38.600.180.A.2.
b. As presented prior to the approval of a City floodplain permit the owner must provide
an approved Conditional Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (CLOMR-F) for the
proposed fill within the regulated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Per
BMC38.600.260.C.2 the owner must first submit the CLOMR-F application to the
City’s floodplain administrator and the DNRC for review and receive written support
from both. Upon completion and prior to occupancy of the structure an elevation
certificate must be provided to the City’s floodplain administrator along with the
approved Final Letter of Map Revision based on Fill (LOMR-F).
c. The proposed residential structures lowest flood elevation must be elevated 2 feet
above the base flood elevation, the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 76-5-402.2.b
2. Per BMC 38.400.80.A. City standard sidewalks must be constructed along all public or
private streets. Sidewalk will need to be installed with the construction of the proposed
project presented in Concept Application No. 21-451.
3. Montana Post-Construction Storm Water BMP Design Guidance Manual Seasonal High
Groundwater - The subject project is located in an area that is known to have seasonally
high groundwater. The applicant must confirm seasonal high groundwater elevations, and
seasonal high groundwater data must be measured and submitted with any future
development application on the parcel. Due to the seasonal nature of SHGWL
measurements, the applicant is advised to begin groundwater measurements in the winter
and continue measuring through July. Measurements must be at sufficient intervals to
define the SHGWL across the site. Industry guidance recommends a three-foot minimum
separation from the bottom of a stormwater facility to the underlying groundwater table.
The applicant is advised that future development may be subject to limitations or
restrictions based on seasonal high groundwater elevations.
4. DESIGN Specifications & Standards Policy (DSSP) Section (V) (B) Sanitary Sewer
System Design Criteria Upon future development, the applicant must provide an estimate
of the peak-hour sanitary sewer demands, certified by a professional engineer, for any
proposed project. The City will analyze and determine if sewer capacity is available to
accommodate the project. The applicant is advised that the adjacent sanitary sewer main
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 13 of 32
discharges into the Walker lift station. If the lift station was not designed to receive flow
from the property or if the proposed demand exceeds assumed demand then upgrades to
the lift station may be required. If upgrades are required future development application
approvals may be held until the upgrades are completed in accordance with BMC
38.270.030.
5. Future development on the property must comply with this City’s Water Adequacy code
requirement, per BMC 38.410.130. The applicant should contact the City’s Engineering
Department (Griffin Nielsen) with questions on this requirement or to obtain an analysis
of cash-in-lieu of water rights CILWR). The CILWR fee must be paid prior to building
permit approval.
SECTION 5 - RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS
Annexation
Having considered the criteria established for an annexation, the Development Review
Committee (DRC) recommends approval of the requested annexation.
The City Commission will hold a public meeting on the annexation on November 15, 2022.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall, 121 N. Rouse Ave,
Bozeman, Montana, the City Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed
Annexation and Zone Map Amendment application. Members of the public will also be able
to participate remotely via WebEx. Instructions for joining the WebEx meeting will be
included on the meeting agenda which is published on the City’s website at least 48 hours prior
to the meeting.
Zone Map Amendment
Having considered the criteria established for a zone map amendment, the Staff recommends
approval as submitted. The Zone Map Amendment (ZMA) is in conjunction with an
annexation request. Staff’s recommendation and staff responses are predicated on
approval of the annexation, application 22125.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) considered the amendment. The DRC did not
identify any infrastructure or regulatory constraints that would impede the approval of the
application.
The Community Development Board acting in their capacity as the Zoning Commission will
hold a public hearing on this ZMA on October 17, 2022 and will forward a recommendation
to the City Commission on the Zone Map amendment.
The City Commission will hold a public meeting on the zone map amendment on November
15, 2022. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall, 121 N. Rouse
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 14 of 32
Ave, Bozeman, Montana, the City Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed
Annexation and Zone Map Amendment application. Members of the public will also be able
to participate remotely via WebEx. Instructions for joining the WebEx meeting will be
included on the meeting agenda which is published on the City’s website at least 48 hours prior
to the meeting.
SECTION 6 - ANNEXATION STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
In considering applications for approval of the requested annexation, the advisory boards and
City Commission shall consider the following:
Commission Resolution No. 5076 Criteria
Commission Resolution No. 5076 Goals
Goal 1: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations of land contiguous to the
City.
Criterion not met. The property in question is not contiguous to the City limits. However, the
property is within the solvent site area and the City constructed infrastructure to serve
properties in this area when they chose to annex into the City and created a payback district to
accommodate this, see Term of Annexation No. 11.
Goal 2: The City encourages all areas that are totally surrounded by the City to annex.
Criterion not met. The subject property is not totally surrounded by City limits. There are other
annexed property in the immediate vicinity that are not wholly surrounded. As noted in Goal
1 above, the City has invested in infrastructure to accommodate annexation when appropriate.
Please refer to Section 1: Map Series.
Goal 3: The City encourages all properties currently contracting with the City for City
services such as water, sanitary sewer, and/or fire protection to annex.
Neutral. The subject property is not currently contracting for services.
Goal 4: The City of Bozeman requires annexation of all land proposed for development
lying within the existing and planned service area of the municipal water and sewer
systems as depicted in their respective facility plans, any land proposed for
development that proposes to utilize municipal water or sewer systems.
Criterion Met. The subject property lies within the planned service area of the municipal water
and sewer services. Any proposed structures will be required to connect and utilize municipal
water or sewer systems.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 15 of 32
Goal 5: The City encourages annexations within the urban area identified on the future
land use map in the current Bozeman Growth Policy.
Criterion Met. As shown in Section 1, the subject property is planned as ‘Urban Neighborhood’
and is within the urban area of the growth policy. See the discussion under Criterion A of
Section 6 of the report for more information on the growth policy.
Goal 6: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations to make the City boundaries
more regular rather than creating irregular extensions which leave unannexed gaps
between annexed areas or islands of annexed or unannexed land.
Criterion Met. The proposed annexation fills another gap in a checkerboard of City/County
properties. The original Walker Subdivision and Planned Unit Development was reviewed and
approved when the Bozeman City/County Planning Board was in place and anticipated being
a part of the City of Bozeman and at urban planed densities, with a 1992 urban perspective.
The property is adjacent to municipal water and sewer services which were installed many
years ago. The site is also within the Bozeman Solvent Site plume and development requires
connection to municipal services which requires annexation.
Goal 7: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations which will enhance the existing
traffic circulation system or provide for circulation systems that do not exist at the
present time.
Criterion Met. The subject property will provide the necessary right of way and utility
easements for Campbell Road. Campbell Road was created with a full 60 foot right-of-way
with the original subdivision. The roadway was not constructed to a City standard and is
maintained by the property owners association. No addition internal street network is required
to serve the property at this time. Further development may necessitate improvements to
Campbell Road.
Goal 8: The City prefers annexation of parcels of land larger than five (5) acres in size,
but will allow annexation of smaller parcels if factors such as topographic limitations,
sanitary disposal needs, fire access, maintenance of public facilities, etc., justify a
smaller annexation.
Criterion not met. The subject property is 2.05 acres.
Goal 9: The City seeks to obtain water rights adequate for future development of the
property with annexation.
Criterion Met. After annexation, the subject property will be bound to the provisions of
38.410.130 which require evaluation of water adequacy and provision of water if needed at
time of development. The municipal code section requires water rights or an equivalent to be
provided. Exact timing and amounts will be evaluated during development review. There are
several methods to address the requirements of 38.410.130. The annexation agreement will
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 16 of 32
provide notice of this requirement, see Terms of Annexation 9. The landowner will consent to
this requirement by signature on the annexation agreement.
Goal 10: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations for City provision of clean
treated water and sanitary sewer.
Criterion Met. The subject property is located within the City’s planned water and sewer
service area. See Goal 4 above. There is an existing 8 inch sanitary sewer and a 12 inch water
supply pipe in a utility easement to the east of the property. Any future development will be
required to connect to the City systems.
Per Term of Annexation 5, the Annexation Agreement required to finalize the requested
annexation will require the applicant to design extensions of services to meet the City’s
adopted infrastructure standards. These include provisions for minimum water pressure and
volumes, adequate sewer flows by volume, gravity flow of sewers, and other standards
necessary to protect public health and safety and ensure functional utilities.
Resolution No. 5076 Policies
Policy 1: Annexations must include dedication of all easements for rights-of-way for
collector and arterial streets, adjacent local streets, public water, sanitary sewer, or
storm or sewer mains, and Class I public trails not within the right of way for arterial
or collector streets. Annexations must also include waivers of right to protest the
creation of special or improvement districts necessary to provide the essential services
for future development of the City.
Criterion Met. As discussed in Section 5 Goal 7, right of way is being included for Campbell
Road. The Recommended Terms of Annexation include requirements for these right of way
provisions. See Terms of Annexation 2.
Any additional easements and rights of way will be provided within the property with future
development of the property as required by municipal standards, although unlikely due to the
size, constraints, and configuration of the property.
Policy 2: Issues pertaining to master planning and zoning must be addressed prior to
or in conjunction with the application for annexation.
Criterion Met. The subject property is planned for “Urban Neighborhood”. No change to the
growth policy is required. The application includes a request for initial zoning of R-3. See the
zone map amendment section of this report for analysis of the zone map amendment criteria.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 17 of 32
Policy 3: The application for annexation must be in conformance with the current
Bozeman Growth Policy. If a Growth Policy Amendment is necessary to accommodate
anticipated uses, the amendment process must be initiated by the property owner and
completed prior to any action for approval of the application for annexation.
Criterion Met. The property is designated “Urban Neighborhood” on the future land use map.
No growth policy amendment is required. See discussion under zone map amendment Criterion
A.
Policy 4: Initial zoning classification of the property to be annexed will be determined
by the City Commission, in compliance with the Bozeman Growth Policy and upon a
recommendation of the City Zoning Commission, simultaneously with review of the
annexation petition.
The Community Development Board (CDB) acting in their capacity as the City Zoning
Commission will be reviewing the requested zoning district designation on October 17, 2022.
The CDB’s recommendation will be passed along to the City Commission for review and
consideration along with the annexation request on November 15, 2022.
Policy 5: The applicant must indicate their preferred zoning classification as part of the
annexation petition.
Criterion Met. The applicant has requested a zoning designation of R-3, Residential Medium
Density District. See Section 6 of this report for analysis of the requested zoning.
Policy 6: Fees for annexation processing will be established by the City Commission.
Criterion Met. The appropriate application processing and review fees accompanied the
application.
Policy 7: It is the policy of the City that annexations will not be approved where
unpaved county roads will be the most commonly used route to gain access to the
property unless the landowner proposes a method to provide for construction of the
road to the City’s street standards.
Criterion Met. The subject property is accessed by Campbell Road which is considered a
“local street” and paved to the edge of the subject property.
Policy 8: Prior to annexation of property, the City will require the property owner to
acquire adequate and usable water rights, or an appropriate fee in lieu thereof, in
accordance with Section 38.410.130 of the municipal code, as amended.
Criterion Met. The property owner shall provide usable water rights, or cash in-lieu of water
rights thereof, in an amount to be determined by the Director of Public Works, as outlined by
Section 38.410.130 of the municipal code. The calculated amount will be determined by the
Director of Public Works and based on the zoning designation approved by the City
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 18 of 32
Commission. Term of Annexation No. 9 requires notice of this requirement to be part of the
annexation agreement. Satisfaction of this requirement will occur with future development.
Policy 9: Infrastructure and emergency services for an area proposed for annexation
will be reviewed for the health, safety and welfare of the public and conformance with
the City’s adopted facility plans. If the City determines adequate services cannot be
provided to ensure public health, safety and welfare, the City may require the property
owner to provide a written plan for accommodation of these services, or the City may
reject the petition for annexation. Additionally, the parcel to be annexed may only be
provided sanitary sewer service via the applicable drainage basin defined in the City
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan.
Criterion Met. City infrastructure and emergency services are available to the subject property.
There is an existing 8 inch sanitary sewer pipe adjacent to the property on the east. A 12 inch
water main is installed in adjacent to the property on the south. The property is located adjacent
to existing urban development that is currently served by Bozeman Fire.
Policy 10: The City may require annexation of any contiguous property for which city
services are requested or for which city services are currently being provided. In
addition, any person, firm, or corporation receiving water or sewer service outside of
the City limits is required as a condition of initiating or continuing such service, to
consent to annexation of the property serviced by the City. The City Manager may
enter into an agreement with a property owner for connection to the City’s sanitary
sewer or water system in an emergency conditioned upon the submittal by the property
owner of a petition for annexation and filing of a notice of consent to annexation with
the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The contract for connection to city
sewer and/or water must require the property owner to annex or consent to
disconnection of the services. Connection for purposes of obtaining City sewer services
in an emergency requires, when feasible as determined by the City, the connection to
City water services.
Criterion Met. The property is not currently provided City services. No emergency connection
is requested. City services will be required to be provided concurrent with future development.
Terms of Annexation 5 address connection to services.
Policy 11: The annexation application shall be accompanied by mapping to meet the
requirements of the Director of Public Works. Where an area to be annexed can be
entirely described by reference to a certificate of survey or subdivision plat on file with
the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder the mapping may be waived by the Director of
Public Works.
Criterion Met. Mapping to meet the requirements of the Director of Public Works must be
provided with the Annexation Agreement. Mapping requirements are addressed in
Recommended Term of Annexation 2. The map must include adjacent right of way.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 19 of 32
Policy 12: The City will assess system development/impact fees in accordance with
Montana law and Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 9, Bozeman Municipal Code.
Neutral. The annexation does not require immediate payment of fees for future development.
The annexation agreement will provide notice of obligations to pay impact fees at times of
triggers as required in ordinance.
Policy 13: Public notice requirements: Notice for annexation of property must be
coordinated with the required notice for the zone map amendment required with all
annexation. The zone map amendment notice must contain the materials required by
38.220.410, BMC.
Notices of the public hearing have been mailed, published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle
twice, and posted on the site as set forth under this policy. See Appendix A for more details.
Policy 14: Annexation agreements must be executed and returned to the City within 60
days of distribution of the annexation agreement by the City, unless another time is
specifically identified by the City Commission.
Criterion Met. An annexation agreement has been prepared and will be provided to the
landowner. This policy will be implemented only if the Commission acts to grant approval. If
the application is denied then no annexation agreement will be necessary.
Policy 15: When possible, the use of Part 46 annexations is preferred.
Criterion Met. This annexation is being processed under Part 46 provisions.
Policy 16: Where a road improvement district has been created, the annexation does
not repeal the creation of the district. The City will not assume operations of the district
until the entirety of the district has been annexed. Any funds held in trust for the
district will be used to benefit the district after transfer to the City. Inclusion within a
district does not lessen the obligation to participate in general city programs that
address the same subject.
Neutral. No road improvement district is associated with this application.
Policy 17: The City will notify the Gallatin County Planning Department and Fire
District providing service to the area of applications for annexation.
Criterion Met. The necessary agencies were notified and provided copies of the annexation.
Policy 18: The City will require connection to and use of all City services upon
development of annexed properties. The City may establish a fixed time frame for
connection to municipal utilities. Upon development, unless otherwise approved by the
City, septic systems must be properly abandoned and the development connected to the
City sanitary sewer system. Upon development, unless otherwise approved by the City,
water wells on the subject property may be used for irrigation, but any potable uses
must be supplied from the City water distribution system and any wells disconnected
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 20 of 32
from structures. The property owner must contact the City Water and Sewer
Superintendent to verify disconnects of wells and septic systems.
Criterion Met. The property is vacant. Any structure requiring municipal services is required
to connect to City services.
SECTION 7 - ZONE MAP AMENDMENT STAFF ANALYSIS AND
FINDINGS
In considering applications for plan approval under this title, the advisory boards and City
Commission must consider the following criteria (letters A-K). As an amendment is a
legislative action, the Commission has broad latitude to determine a policy direction. The
burden of proof that the application should be approved lies with the applicant.
A zone map amendment must be in accordance with the growth policy (criteria A) and be
designed to secure safety from fire and other dangers (criteria B), promote public health, public
safety, and general welfare (criteria C), and facilitate the provision of transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements (criteria D). Therefore, to approve a
zone map amendment the Commission must find Criteria A-D are met.
In addition, the Commission must also consider criteria E-K, and may find the zone map
amendment to be positive, neutral, or negative with regards to these criteria. To approve the
zone map amendment, the Commission must find the positive outcomes of the amendment
outweigh negative outcomes for criteria E-K.
In determining whether the criteria are met, Staff considers the entire body of plans and
regulations for land development. Standards which prevent or mitigated negative impacts are
incorporated throughout the entire municipal code but are principally in Chapter 38, Unified
Development Code.
Section 76-2-304, MCA (Zoning) Criteria
A. Be in accordance with a growth policy.
Criterion Met. The Bozeman Community Plan (BCP) 2020, Chapter 5, p. 73, in the section
titled Review Criteria for Zoning Amendments and Their Application, discusses how the
various criteria in 76-2-304 MCA are applied locally. Application of the criteria varies
depending on whether an amendment is for the zoning map or for the text of Chapter 38, BMC.
The first criterion for a zoning amendment is accordance with a growth policy.
Future Land Use Map
The proposed amendment is a change to the zoning map. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze
compliance with the future land use map. Chapter 3 of the BCP 2020 addresses the future land
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 21 of 32
use map. The introduction to that chapter discusses the importance of the chapter. Following
are some excerpts.
“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.”
“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 understanding the category descriptions.”
The area of this application is within the anticipated growth area of the City. As shown on the
maps in Section 1, on the excerpt of the current future land use map, the property is designated
as Urban Neighborhood. The Urban Neighborhood designation description reads:
“This category primarily includes urban density homes in a variety of types, 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 to be, but are not required or
restricted to, proximity to commercial mixed use areas to facilitate the provision of
services and employment opportunities without requiring the use of a car.”
The correlation between the future land use map of the growth policy and the zoning districts
is presented in Table 4 of the Bozeman Community Plan 2020. As shown in the following
Correlation with Zoning Table excerpt, the R-3 district is an implementing district of the Urban
Neighborhood.
The applicant is requesting R-3 for the property, which is classified as a residential use zoning
designation pursuant to section 38.300.110, BMC. The intent and purpose of the R-3
residential medium density district is to provide for the development of one- to five-
household residential structures near service facilities within the city. This purpose is
accomplished by, (1) providing for minimum lot sizes in developed areas consistent with the
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 22 of 32
established development patterns while providing greater flexibility for clustering lots and
mixing housing types in newly developed areas. And (2) providing for a variety of housing
types, including single household dwellings, two to four household dwellings, and
townhouses to serve the varied needs of households of different size, age and character, while
reducing the adverse effect of non-residential uses. These purposes are accomplished by a
variety of objectives as detailed in Appendix B in this report.
Tables 38.310.040.A, B, & C list permitted uses in the R-3 district. All types of residential
structures are allowed from accessory dwelling units through limited apartment buildings,
and a very little of commercial uses such as retail, medical, offices, restaurants, and
convenience uses are permitted.
Goals and Policies
A zoning amendment is also evaluated against the goals and policies of the BCP 2020. Most
of the goals and policies are not applicable to this application. Relevant goals and objectives
have been identified by staff. Conflict with the text of the growth policy hasn’t been identified.
The Short Term Action list on page 63 of the BCP 2020 describes 14 items to implement
the growth policy. The first two relate to direct changes to the zoning map in support of listed
goals and objectives. These include increasing the intensity of zoning districts in already
developed areas. Beginning on page 71 of the BCP 2020 in the section titled Zoning
Amendment Review, the document discusses how the City implements zoning for new areas,
amendments to areas, and revisions to existing text. This section includes a discussion of when
the City may initiate a zoning change to a more intensive district to increase development
opportunities. This section demonstrates that the City, as a matter of policy, is supportive of
more intensive zoning districts and development, even within already developed areas. This
policy approach does not specify any individual district but does lean towards the more
intensive portion of the zoning district spectrum.
This mix of development at densities appropriate for a growing urban area is therefore
grounded on tenets of the Community Plan. Moreover, the R-3 zoning proposed through this
application fosters flexibility to address both current market trends and long term land use
goals for the subject property. The Community Plan includes several goals and objectives
that are broadly served through this application, including:
Goal DCD-1: Support urban development within the City.
The proposed zoning is occurring in conjunction with an annexation. Any future
development will be required to occur at urban densities and will be within the City. If the City
Commission declines the annexation then the requested R-3 zoning will not occur.
DCD-1.11 Pursue annexations consistent with the future land use map and adopted facility
plans for development at urban intensity.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 23 of 32
The proposed zoning is consistent with the future land use map and is within the current
facilities plans.
Goal RC-3: Collaborate with Gallatin County regarding annexation and development
patterns adjacent to the City to provide certainty for landowners and taxpayers.
Gallatin County has been notified of the proposed annexation.
RC-3.3 Prioritize annexations that enable the incremental expansion of the City and its
utilities.
The property in question is an area served by City water and sewer, numerous properties
have been annexed and near the commercial corner of Frontage and Springhill Roads.
RC-3.4 Encourage annexation of land adjacent to the City prior to development and
encourage annexation of wholly surrounded areas.
Refer to previous response (RC – 3.3 response)
Therefore, based on the broad discretion the governing body when considering an appropriate
zoning designation, no substantive conflicts with the Growth Policy have been identified and
based on the aforementioned analysis, the proposed R-3 zoning districts are promotive of the
BCP 2020.
B. Secure safety from fire and other dangers.
Criterion Met. There is an existing home and related out buildings, however future
development will be served by the Bozeman Fire Department. Fire protection water supply
will be provided by the City of Bozeman water system. The property is near critical wetlands,
habitat, and floodplains. As noted in the advisory comments the Applicant is advised of future
development constraints.
Upon annexation the subject property will be provided with City emergency services including
police, fire and ambulance. Future development of the property will be required to conform to
all City of Bozeman public safety, building and land use requirements. The City provides
emergency services to adjacent properties and no obstacles have been identified in extending
service to this parcel.
C. Promote public health, public safety, and general welfare.
Criterion Met. The proposed zoning designation will promote general welfare by
implementing the future land use map in the BCP 2020. Public health and safety will be
positively affected by requiring new development to connect to municipal sanitary sewer and
water systems, which will prevent groundwater pollution and depletion by wells and septic
systems.
General welfare has been evaluated during the adoption of Chapter 38 and found to be
advanced by the adopted standards. Provision of parks, control of storm water, and other
features of the City’s development standards also advance the general welfare. Compliance
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 24 of 32
with the BCP 2020 as described in Section 6, Criterion A, shows advancement of the well-
being of the community as a whole. See also Criterion B.
D. Facilitate the provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other
public requirements.
Criterion Met. This property is included in future planning areas. The City conducts extensive
planning for municipal transportation, water, sewer, parks, and other facilities and services
provided by the City. The adopted plans allow the City to consider existing conditions and
identify enhancements needed to provide additional service needed by new development. The
City implements these plans through its capital improvements program that identifies
individual projects, project construction scheduling, and financing of construction.
As stated in 38.300.020.C, the designation of a zoning district does not guarantee approval of
new development until the City verifies the availability of needed infrastructure. All zoning
districts in Bozeman enable a wide range of uses and intensities. At time of future subdivision
or site plan review the need for individual services can be more precisely determined. No
subdivision or site plan is approved without demonstration of adequate capacity.
38.300.020.C, “Placement of any given zoning district on an area depicted on the zoning
map indicates a judgment on the part of the city that the range of uses allowed within that
district are generally acceptable in that location. It is not a guarantee of approval for any
given use prior to the completion of the appropriate review procedure and compliance with
all of the applicable requirements and development standards of this chapter and other
applicable policies, laws and ordinances. It is also not a guarantee of immediate
infrastructure availability or a commitment on the part of the city to bear the cost of
extending services.”
Water and sewer mains are adjacent to the site. Campbell Road is adjacent to the site and
provides a publicly accessible street access. See also comments under Criterion C.
E. Reasonable provision of adequate light and air.
Criterion met. This criterion is not about individual preferences for a given degree of visual
openness but about preservation of public health. The R-3 district provides adequate light and
air through the Bozeman Unified Development Code’s standards for park and recreation
requirements, on-site open space for residential uses, maximum building height, lot coverage,
and setback requirements.
The form and intensity standards, Division 38.320, provide minimum lot areas, lot widths, lot
coverage and maximum floor area ratios, and prescribe require minimum separation from
property lines and limits building heights. Section 38.520.030 requires building placement to
ensure access to light and air. Division 38.420 and Section 38.520.060 require dedication of
parks and on-site open spaces to meet needs of residents. The standards provide a reasonable
provision of adequate light and air.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 25 of 32
In addition to the zoning standards, adopted building codes contain more detailed requirements
for air circulation, window placement, and building separation that further ensure the intent of
this criterion is satisfied.
F. The effect on motorized and non-motorized transportation systems.
Criterion Met. The site is on the edge of the City in an area with a semi-rural development
pattern due to a planned unit development approved in the 1990s. The area has street access
but limited pedestrian facilities. The proposed zoning will allow for a higher density of uses
than is currently allowed under Gallatin County zoning. As a result, under the proposed zoning,
when a development is proposed, they will be responsible for their frontage improvements
which will include improvements along Campbell Road and other transportation systems found
to be inadequate to serve the additional development.
The property is not addressed at this time. The property has a Walk Score of 8, Transit score
of 12, and bike score of 37. Average walk score for the city as a whole is 47 out of 100.
According to Walk Score® the walk score measures the walkability of any address based on
the distance to nearby places and pedestrian friendliness.
90 – 100 Walker’s Paradise. Daily errands do not require a car.
70 – 89 Very Walkable. Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50 – 69 Somewhat walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot.
25 – 49 Car-Dependent. Most errands require a car.
0 – 24 Car-Dependent. Almost all errands require a car.
These values are provided by Walk Score, a private organization which presents information
on real estate and transportation through walkscore.com. The algorithm which produces these
numbers is proprietary. A score is not an indication of safety or continuity of services or routes.
Scores are influenced by proximity of housing, transit, and services and expected ability, as
determined by the algorithm, to meet basic needs without using a car. Sites located on the edge
of the community have lower scores than those in the center of the community as the area is
still under development and therefore diversity of uses is less than in fully established areas.
There are no adopted development standards relating to the walk score.
G. Promotion of compatible urban growth.
Criterion Met. The Bozeman Community Plan establishes a preferred and compatible
development pattern. “The land use map sets generalized expectations for what goes where in
the community… 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
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 26 of 32
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.” (Community Plan p. 51).
Criterion Met. The intent and purpose of the R-3 is to, “provide for the development of one-
to five-household residential structures near service facilities within the city by providing for
minimum lot sizes in developed areas consistent with the established development patterns
while providing greater flexibility for clustering lots and mixing housing types in newly
developed areas, providing for a variety of housing types, including single household
dwellings, two to four household dwellings, and townhouses to serve the varied needs of
households of different size, age and character, while reducing the adverse effect of non-
residential uses, and use of this zone is appropriate for areas with good access to parks,
community services and/or transit.” Although this a single parcel that will likely host a single
detached house, the R-3 district more fully support the goals and polices of the BCP 2020
than a lesser robust zoning district.
H. Character of the district.
Yes. The proposed R-3 zoning promotes the character of the district as the intent of the
Residential Medium Density district is to “…provide for the development of one- to five-
household residential structures near service facilities within the city by providing for
minimum lot sizes in developed areas consistent with the established development patterns
while providing greater flexibility for clustering lots and mixing housing types in newly
developed areas, providing for a variety of housing types, including single household
dwellings, two to four household dwellings, and townhouses to serve the varied needs of
households of different size, age and character, while reducing the adverse effect of non-
residential uses, and use of this zone is appropriate for areas with good access to parks,
community services and/or transit.” Surrounding properties are low-density single-household
residential. Adjacent properties in the City are zoned R-1 to the east and R-3 to the west, and
commercial activity and zoning to the south. The proposed R-3 zoning designation is consistent
with the character of the neighborhood as well as existing development on the property.
Section 76-2-302, MCA says “…legislative body may divide the municipality into districts of
the number, shape, and area as are considered best suited to carry out the purposes [promoting
health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community] of this part.” Emphasis added.
This proposal amends the zoning map and not the text. Therefore, no element of this
amendment modifies the standards of any zoning district. The character of the districts as
created by those standards remains intact.
As noted above, the City Commission has latitude in considering the geographical extents of a
zoning district. It is not expected that zoning freeze the character of an area in perpetuity.
Rather, it provides a structured method to consider changes to the character.
The City has defined compatible development as:
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 27 of 32
“The use of land and the construction and use of structures which is in harmony with
adjoining development, existing neighborhoods, and the goals and objectives of the city's
adopted growth policy. Elements of compatible development include, but are not limited
to, variety of architectural design; rhythm of architectural elements; scale; intensity;
materials; building siting; lot and building size; hours of operation; and integration with
existing community systems including water and sewer services, natural elements in the
area, motorized and non-motorized transportation, and open spaces and parks.
Compatible development does not require uniformity or monotony of architectural or
site design, density or use.”
The City has adopted many standards to identify and avoid or mitigate demonstrable negative
impacts of development. These will support the ability of future development in this new area
of the R-3 district to be compatible with adjacent development and uphold the character of the
area. There is an existing area of R-3 zoned property nearby to the west.
The City has adopted many standards to identify and avoid or mitigate demonstrable negative
impacts of development. These will support the ability of future development in R-3 to be
compatible with adjacent development and uphold the residential character of the area. As
noticed in the growth policy under discussion of this criterion a local street is considered an
adequate separation between different uses and districts to minimize impacts, see page 77 of
the Bozeman Community Plan 2020.
Therefore, the change in zoning does not appear to conflict with the character of the area.
I. Peculiar suitability for particular uses.
Criterion Met. The property is located adjacent to residential and commercial uses which are
supportive of the R-3 district and similar to adjacent uses. The proposed R-3 zoning
designation is suitable for the current use of the property. The applicant supported this
statement in their zone map amendment narrative.
J. Conserving the value of buildings.
Criterion met. There is no known data that suggests intensification adjacent to inholding
properties diminished the value of adjacent property or buildings, however a perception of
decreased value is often referenced. In fact, based on available evidence it appears that
annexation and further intensification will increase the value of property and buildings adjacent
to those properties that are annexed. Additional demand for goods and services, connecting
and completing the transportation network, and through the minimum standards of the R-3
district nine implantation strategies will generate additional synergies in the community that
will likely bolster building values.
Any future development on the property will be subject to standards in the R-3 zoning district
which will ensure the conservation of adjacent building values including but not limited to
standards set forth in the Unified Development Code for fire safety, setbacks, buffers and
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 28 of 32
building heights, which will help alleviate any potential negative impacts to the values of
adjacent buildings as a result of future development on the subject property. Therefore, this
criterion is met.
K. Encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the jurisdictional area.
Criterion Met. The proposed R-3 zoning designation will encourage the most appropriate use
of land as the property is adjacent to both residential and commercial uses. There is access to
the city’s services, including streets, thus is able to support a higher intensity of uses as allowed
within the R-3 zoning district. Furthermore, the proposed R-3 zoning designation is consistent
with the BCP 2020 future land use map designation of “Urban Residential”.
Spot Zoning Criteria
Rezoning may, in certain factual circumstances, constitute impermissible “spot zoning.” The
issue of whether a rezoning constitutes spot zoning was discussed by the Montana Supreme
Court in Plains Grains LP v. Board of County Comm’rs of Cascade County and Little v. Bd.
Of County Comm’rs, in which the Court determined that the presence of the following three
conditions generally will indicate that a given situation constitutes spot zoning, regardless of
variations in factual scenarios.
Based on the review of the following criteria, Staff concludes that this application is not Spot
Zoning.
1. Is the proposed use significantly different from the prevailing land uses in the area?
No. The R-3 designation already exists in the area, and properties are developed in
accordance with the R-3 district. Because this is simply a small expansion of less dense
residential district that is not substantially different in terms of allowed land uses in the
existing county zoning (both allow single-detached housing), the land uses allowed on the
subject property are not significantly different than those that currently prevail in the area.
Therefore, staff finds that this criterion is not met.
2. Is the area requested for the rezone rather small in terms of the number of separate
landowners benefited from the proposed change?
No. In order to determine whether or not this condition is present both this question and the
following point must be evaluated together. Although there is a single property in this case, it
is the greater community that will benefit from the zone change. The R-3 zoning designation
is an implementing district to the Urban Neighborhood land use designation and promotes a
variety of housing types, ensures connection to city service4s, and must adhere to the city’s
development standards for environmental protection.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 29 of 32
The amendment is consistent with and supports the City’s adopted growth policy, thus is
assumed to be a benefit to the greater community even though the number of immediate
landowners are small.
3. Would the change be in the nature of “special legislation” designed to benefit only
one or a few landowners at the expense of the surrounding landowners or the general
public?
No. While the applicants will directly benefit from the proposed zone map amendment, the
amendment is not at the expense of surrounding landowners or the general public. As discussed
previously, no substantial negative impacts are identified due to this amendment and taken as
a whole, the immediate neighborhood will benefit as well as the greater community by
providing city services more efficiently. The proposed R-3 zoning designation will allow for
uses conducive to the Urban Neighborhood land use designation.
Further, as discussed in Criterion A, the application is consistent both the City’s and the
County’s growth policy. The growth policy is the overall land use policy for the community.
Consistency with the growth policy demonstrates benefit to the general public. As discussed
under Criterion D, the City’s development standards will require the applicant to provide the
needed infrastructure to support any proposed development prior to construction. Concurrency
and adequacy of infrastructure remove most potential injury to others.
As discussed in Criterion H, the application is similar and consistent with the existing and
developing character of the area. Therefore, the amendment does not benefit the landowner at
the expense of others. Development of the site in any manner may create additional demand
for services and change the character of the site. A change to a residential district does not
inherently injure the surrounding landowners.
PROTEST NOTICE FOR ZONING AMENDMENTS
IN THE CASE OF WRITTEN PROTEST AGAINST SUCH CHANGES SIGNED BY THE
OWNERS OF 25% OR MORE OF THE AREA OF THE LOTS WITHIN THE AMENDMENT
AREA OR THOSE LOTS OR UNITS WITHIN 150 FEET FROM A LOT INCLUDED IN A
PROPOSED CHANGE, THE AMENDMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE EXCEPT
BY THE FAVORABLE VOTE OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE PRESENT AND VOTING
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION.
The City will accept written protests from property owners against the proposal
described in this report until the close of the public hearing before the City Commission.
Pursuant to 76-2-305, MCA, a protest may only be submitted by the owner(s) of real property
within the area affected by the proposal or by owner(s) of real property that lie within 150 feet
of an area affected by the proposal. The protest must be in writing and must be signed by all
owners of the real property. In addition, a sufficient protest must: (i) contain a description of
the action protested sufficient to identify the action against which the protest is lodged; and (ii)
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 30 of 32
contain a statement of the protestor's qualifications (including listing all owners of the property
and the physical address), to protest the action against which the protest is lodged, including
ownership of property affected by the action. Signers are encouraged to print their names after
their signatures. A person may in writing withdraw a previously filed protest at any time prior
to final action by the City Commission. Protests must be delivered to the Bozeman City
Clerk, 121 North Rouse Ave., PO Box 1230, Bozeman, MT 59771-1230.
APPENDIX A - NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Notice was published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on September 28 and October 2, 2022.
The notice was posted on site and notices mailed by the applicant as required by 38.220 and
the required confirmation provided to the Planning Office. Notice was provided at least 15 and
not more than 45 days prior to any public hearing.
As of the writing of this report on October 11, 2022 no comment has been received on this
application.
APPENDIX B - PROJECT GROWTH POLICY AND PROPOSED ZONING
Adopted Growth Policy Designation:
The property is designated as “Urban Neighborhood” in the Bozeman Community Plan 2020.
“This category primarily includes urban density homes in a variety of types, 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 to be, but are not required or restricted
to, proximity to commercial mixed use areas to facilitate the provision of services and
employment opportunities without requiring the use of a car.”
Proposed Zoning Designation and Land Uses:
The applicant has requested zoning of R-3, Residential Medium Density District.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 31 of 32
The intent and purpose of the R-3 residential medium density district is to provide for the
development of one- to five-household residential structures near service facilities within the
city. This purpose is accomplished by, (1) providing for minimum lot sizes in developed
areas consistent with the established development patterns while providing greater flexibility
for clustering lots and mixing housing types in newly developed areas. And (2) providing for
a variety of housing types, including single household dwellings, two to four household
dwellings, and townhouses to serve the varied needs of households of different size, age and
character, while reducing the adverse effect of non-residential uses.
Staff Report for the Walker Subdivision Annexation & ZMA, Application 22125 Page 32 of 32
APPENDIX C - OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF
Owner: William Thompson, m414 S. 9th Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
Applicant: Synergy Engineering and Konsulting, 3731 Equestrian Lane, #102, Bozeman, MT
59715
Representative: Synergy Engineering and Konsulting, 3731 Equestrian Lane, #102, Bozeman,
MT 59715
Report By: Tom Rogers, Senior Planner
FISCAL EFFECTS
No unusual fiscal effects have been identified. No presently budgeted funds will be changed by
this Annexation or Zone Map Amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
The full application and file of record was electronically submitted and can be viewed at:
https://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=261883
Digital access is also available at the Community Development Department at 20 E. Olive Street,
Bozeman, MT 59715.