HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-03-24 Public Comment - J. Pape - Planning process commentsFrom:Jay Pape
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Planning process comments
Date:Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:02:38 PM
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Bozeman City Commission-
Regarding the upcoming planning process, please explore and consider the adoption of several "pre-approved" ADU
design options (designs supplies open competition, MSU Grad Student projects???)
These shovel-ready projects would reduce the workload of the planning department/design review board and would
support greater infill. To address the vacation rental issue, a stipulation of using one of the pre-approved designs
would be short-term rentals would not be allowed.
When it comes to promoting infill and density, the ADU process is just too daunting/expensive and has kept many
(including myself) from pursuing that option. Other progressive, western cities have already implemented such
programs, and this would be a good fit for Bozeman.
During our recent neighborhood, solstice pot-luck we all introduced ourselves. A single man recently moved into the
condos directly east of Treeline coffee. He wanted to have neighbors. Be part of a community. He lamented being
the only full-time resident in his "very expensive" condo with no-one to call a neighbor. I am not sure how to
combat this on a large scale- dis-incentives (increased impact fees/property taxes for non-primary residences,
conditional owners association covenants (eg- Bridger View) may be a start.
Also, please consider reducing the minimum lot size for a single family. Our (double) lot is 50x142 or 7,100 sq ft.
Our house has a 650 sq ft footprint, equal to less than 10% of the total lot. With a partial (and legal) basement we
have 950 sq ft, comfortable, 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath house. Reducing the allowable lot size, would allow a lot like ours
and others in the neighborhood, to subdivide allowing another house of up to 1800 sq ft (635 ft per floor- basement,
main floor, second story) to be built, easily accommodating a family of 4. By contrast, our neighbors recently tore
down an older house, have the same lot size as us (50'x142')and constructed a house with 3,952 appraised square
feet, yet only 2 people live in it. Another example of innovative infill has been exemplified by Seattle
Architect/Developer Ross Chapin's "pocket neighborhoods" - (www.rosschapin.com). How perfect would that have
been for the location of the old brewery at the corner of N Wallace & Tamarack. Now slated as a parking lot?
The NE neighborhood has been referred to as NIMBY's. We believe, "If you love the land, live in town."
Considering and adopting sensible progressive measures such as those mentioned, would give the City the
opportunity to implement real progress in promoting infill and reducing sprawl.
Thanks in advance for your consideration. If you would like to tour our house and lot, we would be happy to show
you around.
Regards,
-- Jay & Asa Pape
514 N Ida AveBozeman, MT. 59715406-599-4701