HomeMy WebLinkAbout001 Narrative
Master Site Plan Narrative RC 1
February 2023
February 2023 2
Table of Contents
1. Project Team
2. Project Narrative
a. REMU Zoning Analysis
b. Project History
3. Project Design
a. Residential
b. Streetscape
c. Density
d. Landscape
e. Parkland
f. Neighborhood Centers
g. Infrastructure & Utilities
4. Entitlement period
5. Phasing
6. Draft design guidelines
7. Departures
Appendices
Appendix A - Vicinity Map
Appendix B - Land Use Diagram
Appendix C - Block Frontage Diagram
Appendix D - Developable Area Diagram
Appendix E - Phasing Plan
Appendix F- Parks Master Plan
Appendix G - Environmental Assessment
Appendix H- Green Plan
Appendix I - CCR's
Appendix J - Bylaws
Appendix K - Design Regulations
Appendix L - Traffic Impact Study
Appendix M – Wetland Delineation Report
Appendix N - Floodplain Report
Appendix O - Water Design Report
Appendix P - Sewer Design Report
Appendix Q - Stormwater Management Report
Appendix R – Road Design Report
Appendix S - Draft Preliminary Plat for Phase 1
Appendix T - Concurrent Construction request
Appendix U - DNRC Intent to Issue Well Permit - Letter
Appendix V - Weed Management Plan
Appendix W – Commercial Area Tracking Table
Appendix X – DRAFT Preliminary Plat
Appendix Y – Middle Creek Ditch Letter
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1. Project Team
APPLICANT
West University, LLC
Attn: Barry Brown
109 East Oak Street, Suite 2B
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.581.3837
Email: barry@cannerydistrict.com
PROJECT CONSULTANTS
Intrinsik Architecture
Attn: Tyler Steinway
106 East Babcock Street, Suite 1A
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.582.8988
Email: tsteinway@intrinsikarchitecture.com
Stahly Engineering & Associates
Attn: Cordell Pool
851 Bridger Drive, Suite 1
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.522.8594
Email: cpool@seaeng.com
Design 5 Landscape Architecture
Attn: Katie Sewell
111 North Tracy Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.587.4873
Email: ksewell@design5la.com
Confluence Consulting
Attn: Rich McEldowney
1289 Stoneridge Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
Ph. (406).585.9500
Email: rmceldowney@confluenceinc.com
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2. Project Overview
Executive summary
The project team is submitting a Master Site Plan Application for all of the REMU Zoned
area within the Aaker project. Submitted concurrently with this application is a Preliminary
Plat application to divide the 95.41-acre parcel into 7 buildable lots (14.62 acres), 1 park lot
(8.76 acres), 2 common open space lots (0.52 acres) road Right-of-Way (7.82 acres) and 1
restricted future development lot (63.68 acres, also referred to as “remainder parcel” or
“future phase”). The portion of land south of Kagy and west of South 25th street is located in
the restricted future phase but has been included in this application because of the REMU
zoning designation. It is understood that further subdivision review will be required prior to
these lots being developed.
Community Vision
Aaker (the “Neighborhood” or the “Property”) is a 95.41-acre property located at the
northwest corner of the intersection of South 19th Avenue and Stucky Road. The Montana
State BART Farm encompasses the majority of the north and western boundaries, whereas
South 19th Avenue and Stucky Road act as the Property’s southern and eastern
boundaries. Aaker is envisioned as a mixed-use, active community, which looks to benefit
from on a variety of uses and housing types to create an inclusive and diverse
neighborhood, that also provides amenities and services to the surrounding neighborhoods.
This property is located approximately 2 miles from downtown and is directly adjacent to
Montana State University. Aaker is uniquely situated to have spectacular views to both the
Spanish Peak Mountains and the Bridger Mountains. The Neighborhood’s master plan
strives to respond and support the site’s natural amenities to create a unique framework that
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fosters walkability and a sense of place. This application is a big step in creating the vision
for the Neighborhood. Several diagrams and exhibits show the full extent of the
Neighborhood but the all of the B-2M zoned areas are still under development and will be
further subdivided/master planned through future application(s). Furthermore, the reference
information incorporating the remainder parcel is shown to demonstrate that the
Neighborhood is being thought of in a holistic manor to enhance our overall design direction.
Site Analysis
This parcel is broadly surrounded by annexed land, although unannexed County lands abuts
the parcel on its southern, western, and northern boundaries. The properties to the east are
zoned a mix of residential and commercial zones. Also to the east is South 19th Avenue, a
main transportation connection in Bozeman designated by the City as a principal arterial.
Across 19th lies West Kagy Boulevard, a main gateway to Montana State University’s
campus and student housing.
To the north and west are PLI zoned parcels owned by the State of Montana (Montana
State University). A buffer of land extends the full length of the north and west borders of the
Property separating it from these PLI zoned parcels. Historically, this buffer area was
created to separate the MSU lands from future development patterns and was not included
in past annexations.
To the south of the site lies the Stucky Road, a collector, with additional unannexed
commercial and community center sites to the south of this road.
The City of Bozeman has designated the Property as Community Commercial Mixed Use
within the Future Land Use Map included in the City’s effective Community Plan. During the
annexation process, a mix of B-2M (Community Business District - Mixed) and REMU
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(Residential Emphasis Mixed-use District) were requested and granted. The portion of the
property area zoned B-2M is 47.51 acres, while the REMU portion zoned area is 47.90
acres (each inclusive of the adjacent rights-of-way, for a total area of 95.41). the 47.51 acres
of B-2M zoned land are not specifically included in this application and are shown for
reference only. This Master Plan application does include the entire REMU zoned portion of
the property.
The intent of the REMU zoning district is to “preserve and integrate the natural amenity into
the development.” One of the major constraints/opportunities for this site are the 2 unnamed
waterways that pass through the eastern and western sides of the site. The waterways and
associated wetlands create a unique opportunity to create sizable parkland, open space and
trail corridors in proximity to all our proposed blocks. Additionally, this allows for the
installation of the PROST plan trails to help promote pedestrian mobility. Outside of the
waterways and watercourse setbacks, the Montana State BART Farm has been identified
as a site constraint in terms of the future connectivity of this site. Montana State executed a
land trade many years ago to create this land buffer and prevent any future development
from interfering with or encroaching upon the agricultural operations/studies occurring at the
BART Farm. In reviewing the 2008 MSU Master Plan, it appears the intention for this land
directly to the west of our project site is to remain as an agricultural district for teaching and
research programs. The plan proposes to protect a 250-acre area for the continuance of on-
campus agricultural activities. Furthermore, their master plans do not show an extension of
the existing street grid with streets like Kagy Boulevard. By not connecting Kagy, it
dramatically changes the road classification on our site and the need for a principal arterial
road cross section.
Project History
This project formally began with the submittal of an Annexation and Zone Map Amendment
(for a mix of REMU and B-2M) Application back in October of 2021. The City Commission
approved the Annexation and Zone Map Amendment on April 5th of this year. The
Annexation agreement and Zoning ordinance were formally adopted in December 6th 2022.
Following the Annexation & ZMA, a Concept Plan was submitted to outline the overall vision
and framework for this project. The result of that application was a series of comments,
primarily focused on the possible subdivision, that help inform us of the path forward as well
as identify any red flags with our design.
A Subdivision Pre-Application was submitted in May of 2022 to initiate Phase 1 of the Aaker
project. The comments generated from that application have been used as a guide as this
Master Site Plan Application. Submitted concurrently with this application is a Preliminary
Plat Application.
3. Project Design
The vision for the Aaker master plan was developed and influenced by several factors
related to the natural site amenities, the community, and social framework of the area.
Outlined below are planning principles that have been incorporated into the site program
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and concept plan. These principles are to service as a guide for all levels and elements of
design, phasing and implementation. These principals are as follows:
Principle 1: Create diverse housing and commercial opportunities.
Principle 2: Enhance and preserve the existing natural systems.
Principle 3: Enhance the overall community connectivity.
Taking these principles into consideration, the plan has been developed to utilize walkable
streets, ones that integrate with the existing and future neighborhoods. Kagy Boulevard
aims to be the main entry point into the neighborhood and will be extended to the western
property boundary.
All of the block frontages along street frontages will be designated as “Mixed”. This will allow
flexibility to develop certain areas with a more urban commercial “Storefront” feel and other
areas as more residential “Landscaped” feel without having to change the block frontages
down the road. The buildable lot adjacent to the park will utilize the park/trail block frontage.
It is likely that any private roads or parking lot access will utilize the special residential block
frontage standards when adjacent to a sidewalk but that will be furthered designed through
the Site Plan processes.
The PROST Plan identifies 2 north/south trail corridors through our site, one along the
western side of the site and the other along the eastern side of the site. The western trail will
be a 10’ concrete trail as requested by the Parks Department. The eastern trail will remain
as the Class 2 6’ gravel trail. Additionally, Kagy Boulevard is identified in the PROST Plan to
have a shared use path within its right-of-way. All three of these pedestrian amenities are
intended to be transportation pathways. All PROST Trails south of Kagy will be built in future
phases but are shown for reference.
Land Use Analysis
The REMU zoning district envisions residential as the primary use across a range of product
types. This project aims to create a variety of housing typologies at a variety of price points
to appeal to a wide range of demographics, household types and ages. Aaker is positioned
to have unique linkages with several education facilities with Montana State University being
directly adjacent, Moring Star Elementary being about a half mile away and Sacajawea
Middle School being about a mile away. These linkages coupled with the diverse house
products will create a diverse and unique community on the south side of Bozeman.
Residential
The residential component of the first phase of Aaker will create diverse housing options
starting with townhouse/rowhouses, and mixed use/apartments. These housing types will
greatly feed community commercial components that are envisioned in Phase 1 and future
phases of this project. Block 2 and Block 3 are most suited for high density residential
development given their proximity to the proposed park system, and access to the overall
transportation network. Block 3, Lots 2 & 3 front Kagy boulevard which has potential to carry
a great volume of traffic, making these blocks more suitable for a mixed-use land use
pattern with commercial on the ground floor and residential above that. This mixed-use
pattern will also create a great transition for the future phases of the project. These mixed-
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use blocks will act as the transition from more commercial development currently envisioned
in future phases and the more residential development to the north.
The portions of this Master Plan that are located in future phases are significantly impacted
by the wetland system to the east, which limits their connectivity. This limited connectivity
lends itself to be a less dense development pattern than what is envisioned in Block 2 and
Block 3 of Phase 1. The specific housing typology are currently envisioned to range from
single household detached, all the way up to townhouses/rowhouses. These housing
typologies will also provide a better transition to the agricultural activities to the west.
Community Commercial
In this first phase, Block 1 is envisioned as a community commercial amenity. This amenity
is envisioned to serve as an asset for the whole Neighborhood. While the design of that lot
is still in early planning stages, the envisioned uses range from a community gear garage,
event center, coffee shop, etc. The goal of this lot is to create a community amenity that
anchors the Neighborhood and helps build the Neighborhood’s identity and brand. Of the
20.08 developable acres included in this Master Plan application, Block 1 Lot 1 is only 1.35
Acres or 5%.
As outlined in UDC section 38.310.060 non-residential uses must not exceed 30% of the
total gross building square footage of all the uses within the master planned area. The
specific buildings designs are in early stages and exact square footages are unknown, so for
this reason a commercial tracking table has been included as a separate appendix
(Appendix V). This table will track the residential square footage and the percentage of
commercial built. It is envisioned that this will be monitored and administered by the to be
formed Property Owners Association.
Hypothetically, if you use the total land area designated for residential and mixed use in this
Master Plan and the minimum density of 12 units an acre (anticipated to be in the 12-30 U/A
range) the number of units created would be 224 units. If each unit is a 600 SF, one
bedroom unit, the square footage created would be 134,856 SF. In this scenario the
maximum amount of commercial area that could be created is 40,456 SF which is
significantly more than the commercial anticipated with this REMU zoned area. These
numbers will be accurately tracked in the commercial tracking table (Appendix V).
Density
Density is an extremely important component to this phase and future phases of the
neighborhood. It will be vital to strike a good balance of density to activate and support the
Land Use Table
Use Proposed Land Area (Acres) Percent of Total
Community Commercial 1.35 7%
Residential * 16.26 81%
Mixed use 2.47 12%
Total 20.08 100%
*Includes both residential lots in future phases
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mixed-use commercial area that will be located in future phases. At this time the number of
dwelling units are still in flux, but more concrete numbers will be submitted with each site
plan application. It is estimated that the average density will be in the 12-30 unit an acre
range. Please see Appendix B for a proposed land use for each block. The lots on the
western side of the project are limited by the transportation network so it is envisioned that
they will likely be of lower densities than the rest of the blocks to the north and east. There
are several housing typologies envisioned for this project that range from detached single
household units to multi-unit attached.
Streetscape
A community design framework Master Plan has been included in this submittal to show the
possible block frontages that will be applied to this project site. As it is currently proposed
all public street frontages will have the Mixed Block Frontage, which will allow for the most
flexibility when it comes to future site plan applications. A developer could choose to have
the buildings closer to the street with a wider sidewalk or setback with a landscape buffer.
Site elements such as lighting, plant materials, site furnishings and signage will be
consistent across the project which will help define the character of the Neighborhood. The
sidewalk layout is designed to preserve the continuity of the Neighborhood and to provide
maximum opportunities for walkability. While the Neighborhood is designed for vehicles to
have convenient access across the site, one of our major goals is to promote and
encourage people to choose walking or biking as the preferred method of travelling.
Pedestrian safety measures are being pursued to allow residents and guest that are walking
to avoid conflicts. Some of these measures include appropriate signage, wider multi use
path (along Kagy), raised or textured crosswalks and an integrated trail network.
Landscape
All landscaping will comply with the mandatory landscaping provision of the UDC, include
the use of drought tolerant plants, use of appropriately sized landscape plant material,
coordination with utilities, use of permanent irrigation and perpetual maintenance in a health
condition. Furthermore, all required ROW landscaping will comply with the UDC regulations.
All mature trees and significant vegetation will be preserved where possible, as they are a
direct enhancement of the pedestrian streetscape environment. All site development will go
through a future site plan application to verify all on site landscaping meets the intent of the
UDC.
Parkland
The Aaker Park Master Plan is comprised of three main components: Dedicated Park Areas,
Common Open Space Areas (with Public Access Easements) and a Trails Network. The
primary purpose of this document is to describe the initial level of development and
maintenance of the parks, trails, and common open space. The second objective is to show
a concept for future recreation facilities that could complement those installed by the
developer.
Guiding Ideas:
· Provide connections between residential neighborhoods and park/open space areas
· Provide variety in recreation experiences and opportunities
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· Provide areas for passive and active recreation
· Protect, retain, and improve native and natural drainage corridors
· Address current parkland needs while also minimizing impacts to wetlands and streams
· Minimize hard or impervious surfaces
Dedicated Parkland is envisioned to make up 27.50 acres of the Aaker project. These
spaces contain wetlands, ponds, trails, playgrounds, manicured lawns, pavilions, and other
major park amenities. Approximately 10.51 acres is comprised of wetland areas, 8.78 acres
is watercourse setback, and 0.83 acres is stormwater pond area. This results in 7.37 acres
of qualifying acreage. This is less than the required amount by 0.25 acres (0.15 acres in
Phase 1). It is proposed that Improvements-In-Lieu, in the amount of $24,983, be used to
made up this deficit in qualifying land.
The Cash-In-Lieu required based on residential density will be proposed as Improvements-
in-Lieu to the parks totaling 5.22 acres or $522,904 worth of improvements. Bringing the
total required Cash or Improvements-Lieu value to approximately $547,887. In reference to
Resolution 4784, the City will accept value in-lieu of land as cash or by means of privately
constructed improvements within a public park. This proposal prioritizes the acquisition of
land rather than payments to the City but attempts to find a balance between the options.
The improvements proposed will exceed the minimum requirements of the Bozeman UDC.
The value of provided recreational opportunities to the community will exceed the equivalent
value of cash-in-lieu.
For more information, please see the Parks Master Plan included as Appendix F.
Neighborhood Centers
The size and scale of the Property, along with the proposed zoning designations, allow for
the creation of a diverse and dynamic focal point for all the residents and adjacent
neighborhoods. It is envisioned that the Neighborhood will have several smaller focal points
distributed among each phase. The main focal point, while not included in this application,
will be the area between South 25th Avenue, South 22nd Avenue and south of West Kagy
Boulevard. It aims to introduce a variety of commercial uses to a currently underserved
portion of the City. Both ends of the envisioned center will be in the vicinity to planned parks
which creates a unique opportunity for recreational and commercial uses to interact. Finally,
this diversity in uses will allow people the opportunity to live and work within close proximity.
For Phase 1, the Block 1 park area will be the focal point. This park aims to highlight the
watercourse and other natural amenities with the creation of a trail network. Additionally, this
park looks to create a community gathering space with features like a pavilion and a dog
park. Please see the Parks Master Plan Appendix F for more information about the phasing
of improvements.
Additionally, Block 1 Lot 1 is envisioned as a community commercial amenity. This amenity
is envisioned to serve as an asset for the whole Neighborhood. While the design of that lot
is still in early planning stages, the envisioned uses range from a community gear garage,
event center, coffee shop, etc. This lot is located over the 600’ to the geographical center of
the site but is directly adjacent to the park described above, which is within the 600’ range.
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The goal of this that these two amenities combined will anchor the Neighborhood and helps
build the Neighborhood’s identity and brand.
The qualifying criteria for these locations are described below:
· 38.410.020.A.1 - The proposed neighborhood center is within 600’ of the geographical
center of the site.
· 38.410.020.A.2 – This park is proposed to be developed in one phase.
· 38.410.020.A.3&4 - This neighborhood center has less than 100% frontage but more
than 50%. Maintenance of this neighborhood center is further described in the Parks
Master Plan Appendix F.
· 38.410.020.A.5&6 - This neighborhood center is also being used to meet our parkland
requirements for the project. There is significant area in land used as open space with
enhanced natural features and a nice gathering space in the middle.
Infrastructure & utilities
Common subdivision infrastructure improvements are critical to the Property utility,
transportation, and parkland networks. The construction of these improvements will be
installed in one phase. Installation of improvements for future phases will be identified in
future application(s). These common subdivision improvements will need to be installed or
financially guaranteed prior to occupancy of any structures within that phase. Furthermore, a
request to construct site improvements including residential structures, concurrently with
these common subdivision infrastructure improvements is included in this application.
4. Entitlement Period
The project is to be constructed over a period of three to five years. Extension to the Master
Site Plan may be sought, as necessary.
Following approval of the Master Site Plan, the applicant intends to submit sequential
individual site plans for specific areas within the Master Site Plan. Each subsequent
application for a site plan shall be consistent with the approved Master Site Plan and subject
to the review criteria of Section 38.230.100.A BMC.
5. Phasing
The proposed phasing of Aaker is based on current and proposed infrastructure needs. It is
understood that the requirements for Parks, Open space, and Neighborhood Centers will
need to be met with each phase and these requirements will be confirmed during each
future site plan application. Parks and relevant utility and transportation phasing information
is included as appendices (Appendix F, Appendix O-Q). Financial guarantees will be
provided as necessary to ensure the development is constructed according to the proposed
phasing.
The projected entitlement period for this Master Site Plan is five (5) years; however, based
on the size and scale of this project, extension(s) may be requested. A phasing plan has
been included in this application as Appendix E, however, should the phasing need to follow
a different order, the applicant is willing to provide contingencies described in modifications
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or extensions requested for the Master Site Plan. Should a modification of the proposed
phasing become necessary, the applicant will ensure any modified phasing sequencing will
line up with City standard and requirement to ensure that all infrastructure networks are
properly connected.
6. Design Guidelines
The design guidelines have been included in the Preliminary Plat application as well as
included herein as Appendix K.
All infrastructure design reports have also been included as Appendices (Appendix O-Q).
7. Departures
At this time, no departures are requested. Each lot will be required to go through the site
planning process, at that time departures may also be requested.