HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-23 Public Comment - M. Wictor - Public Hearing 10-10-2023 Comment to CDB for UDC & Zoning ~ suggest R-S _ R-1 _ R-2 most compatibleFrom:Mary Wictor
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Hearing 10-10-2023 Comment to CDB for UDC & Zoning ~ suggest R-S / R-1 / R-2 most
compatible
Date:Tuesday, October 10, 2023 11:59:49 AM
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Dear Community Development Board (CDB) & City of Bozeman management, leadership, and key staff:
Due to concerns I have and feel, related to what I have heard at recent public meetings, I offer
suggestions about Residential Zoning naming & categories.
TUE 10/10/2023 -- SUGGESTIONs I hope you will strongly consider and recommend for implemention
- Do NOT rename R-5 to R-C as it is most recognizable as R-5 by locals, across the state of Montana,
and nationally.
- Do NOT rename R-4 to R-B as similarly it is most recognizable just using the existing name of R-4
- Do NOT throw R-S, R-1, and R-2 into ONE general R-A category as this does NOT respect the
vision, policy, existing code, and development pattern nor uses.
- Do NOT allow "R-A" grouping for existing areas where there R-S has been designated "to
commemorate and preserve" nor within the NCOD.
HOWEVER...
+DO allow R-1, R-2, and R-3 to be selected and grouped together in NEW or "greenfield"
development, and perhaps areas of in-fill where the context is suitable.
Bozeman is NOT out of land, and allowing new development--zoned AFTER adoption of the updated
UDC, will then be able to plan and build MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING and offer more variety and types of
housing within the R-1 / R-2 / R-3 "blended" residential zoning which perhaps could be called R-A.
But again, only use this blend of Residential zoning types for NEW development POST UDC adoption,
and do NOT allow it in/near R-S areas nor the NCOD.
Here I also list key pieces of the Bozeman puzzle that need to be recognized and still "fit together" with
Bozeman's existing character and growth:
+The most affordable housing is what has already been built.
+Chris Saunders if I recall correctly (or other planning staff) had at one meeting presented the ZONING
map for Bozeman, noting R-1 overall is < 15%
+We are an aging nation, state, and City of Bozeman--so people are getting older, less children, and may
have existing space in their homes to rent out
+Gentle density is moving from one zoning to just the next higher, and NOT skipping multiple levels of
residential zoning.
The places that will be hurt the most by continual up-zoning are the R-S areas and NCOD.
BMC 38.300.100 Residential zoning districts--Intent and purpose.
R-S ~ Residential Suburban ... This district is not available for newly createdsubdivisions, undeveloped land, or any land annexed into the city on or after January
1, 2018. The intent and purpose of the R-S residential suburban district is
to commemorate and preserve existing RS zoning only.
Instead of the BMC code reference, for the NCOD, here is what Internet browser search thismorning shows for "What is the NCOD area?"
The Bozeman Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD)
is a overlay district created in 1991. Its purpose is to stimulate the
restoration and rehabilitation of structures, and all other elements
contributing to the character and fabric of established residential
neighborhoods and commercial or industrial areas.
LAST and certainly NOT Lease: PEOPLE CAN RENT OUT ALL OR A PORTION OF THEIR HOME to
folks who need a room or small space to live & share.
EDUCATE and ENCOURAGE people that own a home and have an extra room or space and even help
them be able to find someone or a couple etc to rent to.
As so very many people have voiced at recent meetings, the many areas with R-1 done as subdivisions
mostly have COVENANTS that will NOT allow development beyond single-family housing. So, by
creating an R-A combined residential zoning label, you are forcing older, historic, and most affordable
homes OUT (they will be torn down and replaced with 3-story apartments).
I email these concerns, ideas, and suggestions for you to do today!
Mary Wictor 1504 Boylan Rd Bozeman