HomeMy WebLinkAbout22118 Staff Report FINAL Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 1 of 14
Application No. 22118 Type Site Plan
Project Name Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Summary Residential development of 48 dwelling units in three buildings, providing 92 off-street
parking spaces and associated site improvements. The project will consist of one 12-unit
apartment building, and two 18-unit apartment buildings on lots 3 and 4, Block 5, of Boulder
Creek Subdivision Phase 1. The property is zoned R-4, residential high-density district.
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 1 with 54 dwelling units in three buildings was approved in
2022 and currently approved for construction in lots 1 and 2, Block 5 to the south.
Zoning R-4 Growth Policy Urban Neighborhood Parcel Size 2.47 Acres
Overlay District(s) None
Street Address TBD Abigail Lane, Bozeman
Legal Description Boulder Creek Sub Phase 1, S04, T02 S, R05 E, Block 5, Lots 3-4, Plat J-633; City of Bozeman,
Gallatin County, Montana.
Owner Rosa Johnson Development, 2264 Jackrabbit Lane, Unit B Bozeman, MT 59718
Applicant Same as Owner
Representative Morrison-Maierle, Inc, PO Box 1113, Bozeman, MT 59718
Staff Planner Danielle Garber Engineer Simon Lindley
Noticing Public Comment Period Site Posted Adjacent Owners
Mailed
Newspaper Legal Ad
8/16/2023 to 9/7/2023
8/16/2023 8/16/2023 N/A
Advisory Boards Board Date Recommendation
Development Review
Committee
08/10/2023 The application is adequate, conforms to
standards, and is sufficient for approval with
conditions and code provisions
DRB 9/11/2023 Approval
Recommendation The application is adequate, conforms to standards, and is sufficient for approval with conditions and
code provisions as noted below.
Decision Authority Director of Community Development Date: 9/21/2023
Full application and file of record: Community Development Department, 20 E. Olive St., Bozeman, MT 59715
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 2 of 14
FINDINGS OF FACT AND APPEAL PROVISIONS CERTIFICATE
A) PURSUANT to Chapter 38, Article 2, Bozeman Municipal Code (BMC), and other applicable sections of Ch.38, BMC, public
notice was given, opportunity to submit comment was provided to affected parties, and a review of the Site Plan described in
this report was conducted. The applicant proposed to the City a Site Plan (SP) to permit 48 dwelling units in three buildings,
providing 92 vehicle parking spaces and associated site improvements. The purposes of the Site Plan review were to consider
all relevant evidence relating to public health, safety, welfare, and the other purposes of Ch. 38, BMC; to evaluate the proposal
against the criteria of Sec. 38.230.100 BMC, and the standards of Ch. 38, BMC; and to determine whether the application
should be approved, conditionally approved, or denied.
B) It appeared to the Director that all parties and the public wishing to examine the proposed Site Plan and offer comment were
provided the opportunity to do so. After receiving the recommendation of the relevant advisory bodies established by Ch. 38,
Art. 210, BMC, and considering all matters of record presented with the application and during the public comment period
defined by Ch. 38, BMC, the Director has found that the proposed Site Plan would comply with the requirements of the BMC if
certain conditions were imposed. Therefore, being fully advised of all matters having come before them regarding this
application, the Director makes the following decision.
C) The Site Plan has been found to meet the criteria of Ch. 38, BMC, and is therefore approved, subject to the conditions listed
in this report and the correction of any elements not in conformance with the standards of the Title. The evidence contained in
the submittal materials, advisory body review, public testimony, and this report, justifies the conditions imposed on this
development to ensure that the Site Plan complies with all applicable regulations, and all applicable criteria of Ch. 38, BMC.
On this ______ day of ________________, 2023, Anna Bentley, Director of Community Development, approved with
conditions this Site Plan for and on behalf of the City of Bozeman as authorized by Sec. 38.200.010, BMC.
D) This Director of Community Development’s project decision may be appealed by filing a documented appeal with and paying
an appeal fee to the Clerk of the Commission for the City of Bozeman within 10 working days after the date of the final decision
as evidenced by the Director’s signature, following the procedures of Sec. 38.250.030, BMC.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 3 of 14
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1. The applicant is advised that unmet code provisions, or code provisions that are not specifically listed as conditions
of approval, does not, in any way, create a waiver or other relaxation of the lawful requirements of the Bozeman
Municipal Code or state law.
2. The applicant must file the revised SID waiver with the County Clerk and Recorder's office executed Waivers of
Right to Protest Creation of Special Improvement Districts (SID's) on City standard record form. The applicant must
provide a copy of the recorded SID waiver prior to final site plan approval.
CODE PROVISIONS
1. BMC 38.410.130 – Water rights. Cash-in-lieu of water rights (CILWR) must be paid prior to final site plan approval.
2. BMC 38.420.030.C – Cash-in-lieu of parkland. The applicant must replace the parkland-tracking table with the table
provided to the applicant or amend the existing table to match the format provided. Estimated in-lieu value is
$33,976.80; final value must be determined and paid prior to final site plan approval.
3. BMC 38.240 Part 4 – Subdivision Exemptions. The amended plat for the boundary line realignment between lots 3
and 4 must be recorded prior to final plan approval.
ADVISORY COMMENTS
1. No sub-phasing or occupancy phasing is proposed with this application. The applicant acknowledged on 9/27/22
that no buildings entitled with this application may be granted a final certificate of occupancy until all buildings, and
all site improvements are completed. Landscaping may be financially guaranteed to accommodate seasonality.
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 4 of 14
Figure 1: Current Zoning Map
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 5 of 14
Figure 2: Proposed Site Plan
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 6 of 14
Figure 3: Landscape Plan
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 7 of 14
Figure 4: Elevations 12-Plex (One Building)
Abigail Lane Building 1: “Rear” Faces Street Frontage, “Front” Faces Interior Parking
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 8 of 14
Figure 5: Elevation 18-Plex (Two Buildings)
Buildings 2 and 3: “Rear” Faces property line, “Front” Faces Interior Parking
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 9 of 14
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Analysis and resulting recommendations based on the entirety of the application materials, municipal codes, standards,
plans, public comment, and all other materials available during the review period. Collectively this information is the record
of the review. The analysis in this report is a summary of the completed review.
Plan Review, Section 38.230.100, BMC
In considering applications for plan approval under this title, the Director of Community Development shall consider the
following:
1. Conformance with Article 1 - Consistency with the City’s adopted Growth
Policy 38.100.040.D
Meets Code?
Growth Policy
Land Use
Urban Neighborhood Yes
Zoning R-4, Residential High Density District Yes
Comments: The project conforms to the requirements of the R-4 zoning district. The 2020 Community Plan
designation of Urban Neighborhood correlates with the R-4 zoning district. The proposed project conforms to
this designation by providing urban density homes within city limits in proximity to existing and developing
parks, commercial nodes, and schools.
2. Conformance with Article 1 - All other applicable laws, ordinances, and
regulations (38.100.080)
Condominium ownership No
Comments: Additional steps will be required including but not limited to review of building permits and
infrastructure plans. The Building Division of the Department of Community Development will review the
requirements of the International Building Code for compliance at the time of building permit application.
3. Conformance with Article 2, including the cessation of any current violations
(38.200.160)
Meets Code?
Current Violations None Yes
Comments: There are no current violations on the property.
4. Conformance with Article 2 - Submittal material (38.220) requirements and
plan review for applicable permit types (38.230)
Meets Code?
Site Plan Yes
Submittal requirements 38.220.100 Yes
Phasing of development
38.230.020.B
No. of phases: 1 Yes
Comments: Per advisory comment 1, the applicant acknowledged on 9/27/22 that no buildings entitled
with this application may be granted a final certificate of occupancy until all buildings, and all site
improvements are completed. Landscaping may be financially guaranteed to accommodate seasonality.
Special use Permit 38.230.120 NA
Comments: No special uses are proposed.
5. Conformance with Article 3 - Zoning Provisions (38.300) Meets Code?
Permitted uses 38.310 Apartment Buildings Yes
Form and intensity standards 38.320
Zoning: R-4 Setbacks
(feet)
Structures Parking / Loading Yes
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 10 of 14
Front Block Frontage /
10-15’
Block Frontage /
15’
Rear 20 20
Side 5 5
Alley NA NA
Comments: Multi-household buildings are subject to block frontage standards. Abigail is a designated
landscaped block frontage with a minimum building placement setback of 10-feet. The buildings are
proposed 15-feet from the front property line, with 2’ 8” tall split face CMU screening walls projecting 5-
feet from the building, but not into the 10-foot utility easement. The rear setback of 20-feet is met along
the east property line, with allowable encroachment of the ground level CMU patio screening walls. It is
not permissible for upper level patios to encroach into front, side, or rear setbacks. No upper level patios
are proposed to encroach into any setbacks. A side setback is present along the south property line, with
a 5-foot setback required from the 30-foot pedestrian easement. A 10-foot setback is proposed from that
property line with Building 2. A 10-foot setback from the Oak Street property line is provided. No buildings
are proposed to front on Oak, but an open space area is provided along that frontage. A subdivision
exemption application to modify the lot lines between the two subject lots is under review and must be
recorded prior to final plan approval.
Lot
coverage
16.2% Allowed 50% Yes
Building
height
38-feet both
building types
Allowed 50 Feet Yes
Comments: Building heights for both the 12-unit and 18-unit buildings are 38-feet from grade, with varying roof
pitches including and between 3:12 and 10:12. Maximum heights for single household structures in R-4 at
these roof pitches allows 50-feet. Lot coverage is also met with the proposed project.
Applicable zone specific or overlay standards 38.330-40 NA
Comments: NA, the proposed project is not subject to zone specific or overlay district standards.
General land use standards and requirements 38.350 Yes
Comments: Allowable setback encroachments are met.
Applicable supplemental use criteria 38.360 NA
Supplemental
uses/type
NA NA
Comments: NA, the proposed projects is not subject to any supplemental use criteria.
Wireless facilities 38.370 NA
Affordable Housing 38.380.010 NA
Affordable housing plan NA
Comments: No wireless facilities are proposed. No affordable housing incentives are requested.
6a. Conformance with Article 4 - Community Design Provisions: Transportation
Facilities and Access (38.400)
Meets Code?
Streets 38.400.010 Yes
Street and road dedication 38.400.020 NA
Access easements Yes
Level of Service
38.400.060
Yes Transportation grid adequate to serve site Yes
Comments: Adjacent streets exist to serve the site, no additional dedication is needed. No new traffic
impact study was required by the Engineering Division however, a peak-hour trip generation letter was
provided by the Applicant to ensure that the proposed project would not exceed the original assumed trip
estimates reviewed with the subdivision. Level of service standards for arterial and collector streets
serving the site was evaluated by engineering. A Waiver of Right to Protest Creation of Special
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 11 of 14
Improvement Districts (SID’s) for future transportation improvements is a required condition of approval
ensuring participation in funding of future infrastructure improvements that may be required to offset
impacts created by development of the property.
Sidewalks 38.400.080 Yes
Comments: Sidewalks are to be provided along the primary street frontages. The midblock crossing
sidewalk and landscaping must be completed with phase 1.
Drive access 38.400.090 Access to site: 2 Yes
Fire lanes, curbs, signage and striping Yes
Comments: Two drive accesses are proposed, one from Abigail Lane and one from the phase 1
development to the south; engineering evaluated both drive accesses for spacing and design standards..
This connection to the adjacent property is proposed to be constructed with phase 3 of the phase 1
project.
Street vision triangle 38.400.100 Yes
Transportation pathways 38.400.110 Yes
Pedestrian access easements for shared use pathways and similar transportation
facilities
Yes
Public transportation 38.400.120 NA
Comments: No new pedestrian easements are proposed with this project. A pedestrian transportation
pathway within an existing easement will be constructed with phase 1.
6b. Conformance with Article 4 – Community Design Provisions: Community
Design and Elements (38.410)
Meets Code?
Neighborhood centers 38.410.020 NA
Comments: This project does not trigger neighborhood center requirements.
Lot and block standards 38.410.030-040 NA
Midblock crossing: rights of way for pedestrians alternative block delineation Yes
Comments: A previously platted midblock crossing will be improved with phase 1.
If the development is adjacent to an existing or approved public park or public open
space area, have provisions been made in the plan to avoid interfering with public
access to and use of that area
Yes
Provisions for utilities including efficient public services and utilities 38.410.050-060 Yes
Easements (City and public utility rights-of-way etc.) Yes
Water, sewer, and stormwater Yes
Other utilities (electric, natural gas, communications) Yes
CIL of water Yes
Comments: Requirements were reviewed by engineering. CIL of water rights is required prior to final plan
approval. Easements have been provided for utilities and stormwater.
Municipal infrastructure requirements 38.410.070 Yes
Comments: Municipal water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems proposed with this project have
been reviewed by engineering.
Grading & drainage 38.410.080 Yes
Location, design and capacity of stormwater facilities Yes
Stormwater maintenance plan Yes
Landscaping: native species, curvilinear, 75% live vegetation 38.410.080.H Yes
Comments: Location, design and capacity of stormwater facilities was reviewed by engineering. All drainage
ponds are proposed to be landscaped according to depth and grade.
Watercourse setback 38.410.100 NA
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 12 of 14
Watercourse setback planting plan 38.410.100.2.f NA
6c. Conformance with Article 4 – Community Design Provisions: Park and
Recreation Requirements (38.420)
Meets Code?
Parkland requirements 38.420.020.A CIL required Yes
Cash donation in lieu (CIL) 38.420.030 Yes
Improvements in-lieu NA
Comments: The applicant must provide a final estimation and pay CIL of parkland prior to final plan
approval.
Park Frontage 38.420.060 NA
Park development 38.420.080 NA
Recreation pathways 38.420.110 NA
Park/Recreational area design NA
Comments: No parks are proposed with this application. Public parks exist directly to the southeast, and
the southwest that can be accessed via sidewalk and existing recreation paths. A new park is proposed
in the Northwest Crossing Development to the north and will be developed in phases.
7a. Conformance with Article 5 – Project Design: Block Frontage Standards
(38.510)
Meets Code?
Block frontage classification Landscaped & Special Residential Yes
Departure criteria None requested NA
Comments: This proposed project is meeting the landscaped block frontage standards for Abigail Lane
including building placement, building entrances, façade transparency, weather protection, and parking
location. The buildings are placed 15-feet from the property line, meeting the 10-foot setback requirement.
The primary frontage for this application is Abigail Lane, no buildings are proposed along the Oak Street
frontage, but an open space designed as a “dog park” has been proposed there. The applicant is providing a
10-foot landscaped setback between ground level living spaces and interior walkways meeting the front
setback option in 38.510.030.J.2.
7b. Conformance with Article 5 – Project Design: Site Planning and Design
Elements (38.520)
Meets Code?
Design and arrangement of the elements of the plan (e.g., buildings, circulation, open
space and landscaping, etc.) so that activities are integrated with the organizational
scheme of the community, neighborhood, and other approved development and produce
an efficient, functionally organized and cohesive development
Yes
Relationship to adjacent properties 38.520.030 NA
Non-motorized circulation and design systems to enhance convenience and safety
across parking lots and streets, including, but not limited to paving patterns, pathway
design, landscaping and lighting 38.420.040
Yes
Comments: Interior sidewalks are proposed along the perimeter of the parking area that will allow for
direct access to an open space area and trash enclosures. All interior frontages of buildings are proposed
with pedestrian facilities that connect throughout the site and to the public sidewalk network. Adequate
pedestrian access will also be provided to the phase 1 lots to the south and to the Boulder Creek
Subdivision open space that will connect to both north-south and east-west trails.
Design of vehicular circulation systems to assure that vehicles can move safely and
easily both within the site and between properties and activities within the general
community 38.420.050
Yes
Internal roadway design 38.520.050.D NA
Comments: NA
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 13 of 14
7d. Conformance with Article 5 – Parking (38.540) Meets Code?
Parking requirements 38.540.050 Yes Yes
Parking requirements residential 38.540.050.A.1 96 spaces
Reductions residential 38.540.050.A.1.b 4 on-street
Parking requirements nonresidential
38.540.050.A.2
NA
Reductions nonresidential 38.540.050.A.2.c NA
Provided off-street 92 spaces
Provided on-street 4 on-street available
Bicycle parking 38.540.050.A.4 9 req., 12 provided
Comments: This project proposes 48 two-bedroom units with a total of 96 parking spaces required.
Parking is proposed within a shared surface parking lot. Each stall provided off-street meets the stall,
aisle, and driveway design requirements of Section 38.540.020. On-street parking provides a residential
reduction of 4 spaces. Bike parking will be provided at racks adjacent to each proposed building with
inverted U racks. Bicycle parking areas meet the length and width dimensions for each stall and utilize
the sidewalk to meet circulation requirements.
Loading and uploading area requirements 38.540.080 NA
First berth – minimum 70 feet length, 12 feet in width, 14 feet in height NA
Additional berth – minimum 45 feet length NA
Comments: NA
7e. Conformance with Article 5 – Landscaping (38.550) Meets Code?
Mandatory landscaping requirements 38.550.050 Yes
Drought tolerant species 75% required Yes
On-site open space 38.520.060
Total required 7,200 square feet Yes
Total provided 9,170 square feet Yes
Comments: Private ground level patios with low privacy fencing are provided for each ground level unit
and total 1,280 square feet. Upper level patios that are recessed into the building, and meet the minimum
area and dimension requirements of this section make up 1,782 square feet of open space. Shared open
space located at the north side of the property makes up the balance required and totals 6,108 square
feet. The amenities in the shared open space consist of two benches, irrigated fenced in turf, and a dog
waste station. The application meets the minimum requirements for usable residential open space.
Location and design of service areas and mechanical equipment 38.520.070 Yes
Comments: Mechanical equipment is proposed in the wall on each unit’s patio. The area the condensing
units occupy is deducted from the provided open space on each patio. Meters are to be screened by
privacy screens. Solid waste will be collected via shared dumpsters within a covered solid waste
enclosure that meets the requirements of this section.
7c. Conformance with Article 5 – Project Design: Building Design (38.530) Meets Code?
Compatibility with, and sensitivity to, the immediate environment of the site and the
adjacent neighborhoods and other approved development 38.530.030
Yes
Building massing and articulation 38.530.040 Yes
Building details, materials, and blank wall treatments 38.530.050-070 Yes
Comments: The apartment buildings are meeting the building design standards of this section including
articulation, materials, and details. Changes in roofline, materials, and windows/patios are used for
articulation. Primary building materials include 24 Ga. Corrugated metal, horizontal Hardie lap siding,
horizontal fir siding, asphalt roofing, and standing seam roofing.
Staff Report
Boulder Creek Apartments Phase 2 Site Plan
Application No. 22118
September 5, 2023
Page 14 of 14
Parking lot landscaping Yes
Additional screening NA
Street frontage Yes
Street median island NA
Acceptable landscape materials Yes
Protection of landscape areas NA
Irrigation: plan, water source, system type Yes
Residential adjacency NA
Comments: The provided landscaping plan conforms to standards.
Landscaping of public lands 38.550.070 Yes
Comments: Street trees will be provided along the three street frontages.
7f. Conformance with Article 5 – Signs (38.560) Meets Code?
Allowed SF/building 38.560.060 NA NA
Proposed SF/building NA NA
Comments: NA
7g. Conformance with Article 5 – Lighting (38.560) Meets Code?
Site lighting (supports, cutoff, footcandles, temperature) 38.570.040 NA
Building-mounted lighting (supports, cutoff, footcandles, temperature) 38.570.040.B Yes
Comments: No site lighting is proposed. Building mountain wall packs meet minimum standards.
8. Conformance with Article 6 – Natural Resource Protection Meets Code?
Floodplain regulations 38.600 NA
Wetland regulations 38.610 NA
Comments: NA
9. Relevant Comment from Affected Parties (38.220) Meets Code?
Public Comment Yes
Comments: A public notice period was conducted meeting the requirements of this section and detailed on
page 1 of this report. No public comment was received.
10. Division of Land Pertaining to Subdivisions (38.240-Part 4) Meets Code?
Subdivision exemptions Yes
Required easements Yes
Comments: A subdivision exemption application to modify the lot lines between the two subject lots is
adequate and must be recorded prior to final site plan approval. Adequate original easements have been
provided to engineering for water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.