HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-23 Public Comment - M. Egge - Zoning Reform in 2023 LegislatureFrom:Mark Egge
To:Agenda
Subject:Zoning Reform in 2023 Legislature
Date:Friday, June 2, 2023 10:43:11 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello.
Please distribute the comments below to the City Commision and theCommunity Development Board.
Sightline has written an excellent summary of the housing-related bills
passed during the 2023 legislative session. In a legislative sessiondominated by contentious social issues, housing was a bright spot of
bipartisan agreement where the legislature acted in the interest of the
plurality of Montanans.
https://www.sightline.org/2023/05/09/montanas-big-bipartisan-housing-
deal/
Here is a very brief synopsis:
SB 245 legalized residential uses in all commercial districts. Effectively,
Bozeman's B-2 zones all just became B-2M. The bill also limits parking
requirements to no more than 1 space per dwelling.
SB 528 legalized ADUs statewide. Bozeman already has a very progressive
ADU policy, so the only meaningful change is that ADUs may now be up to
1000 SF or 75% of the size of the primary dwelling.
SB 323 legalized duplexes in all residential zones. Effectively, Bozeman's
R-1 district just became R-2, and all of Bozeman's R-2 districts can now
have duplexes regardless of their lot size.
SB 382 overhauls the overall comprehensive planning process in a manner
that should front load much of the planning process (more engagement up
front, less yelling and screaming when a development comes forward thatcomplies with adopted plans and zoning).
SB 407 eliminates design review boards.
Overall, these are all great reforms that will promote the creation of
housing, and, especially, more affordable and compact types of housing.
Implementing these bills provides a great opportunity for Bozeman toshow statewide leadership in pre-housing zoning reform. Specific
opportunities include:
When implementing SB 245, eliminate parking requirements in commercial
districts entirely. (This doesn't eliminate parking, it lets developers choose
the right amount for their development; see the Cannery District for anexample of what this looks like.)
When implementing SB 323, expand entitlements for triplex and
fourplexes at the same time. R-1 now permits one additional unit due tostate law. Add one additional allowable unit to R-2, R-3, and R-4.
Eliminate all minimum lot sizes, recognizing that minimum lot widths and
required setbacks (combined with lot coverage maximums and floor area
ratio maximums) accomplish the same planning objectives.
Thank you for your consideration and service.
Mark Egge219 E Story St
Bozeman, MT 59715