HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-24 Public Comment - S. O'Connell - Public Comment on Unified Development Code UpdateFrom:Seth O"Connell
To:Agenda; Chris Saunders
Cc:Roeg; Tyson O"Connell
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment on Unified Development Code Update
Date:Monday, February 12, 2024 8:56:26 AM
Attachments:Outlook-3whbbder.pngOutlook-3jyiobjs.pngOutlook-jjjrebfj.pngUDC Public Comment Letter.pdf
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Community Development Board Members and City Commissioners,
In regard to the proposed updates to Chapter 38 of Bozeman's Development Code,
United Housing Partners submits the attached letter as public comment. Please add my
email to any notification list on the next public engagement event or opportunity. Thank
you!
February 7, 2024
Community Development Board
20 E. Olive St SE
Bozeman, MT 59715
Subject: Public Comment on proposed Unified Development Code
Dear Commissioners, Community Development Board Members, & City Staff,
My name is Tyson O’Connell. I am the principal of United Housing Partners (UHP). As a developer
whose built over 4,000 units of affordable housing, I know the challenges and drivers in creating low-
income homes intimately. I am writing this letter on behalf of UHP and our community partners and
consultants as public comment on the proposed Unified Development Code (UDC).
Bozeman has become ground zero of our state’s struggle to keep up with housing demand and
affordability. A rapidly growing population has created a market where land, construction, and financing
costs make building, particularly a product that is affordable to the majority of Bozeman citizens more
difficult than it has been in our lifetimes. UHP appreciates Bozeman’s proactive efforts to simplify the
code and streamline the review and approval process to tackle the challenges faced.
While we commend the incentives for developing low-income housing, including density bonuses, we
would like to propose a modification to Section 38.340.030 B 2d. We believe that a 100% increase in
units per building, as opposed to the currently proposed 50%, would better address the pressing need for
affordable housing in Bozeman. UHP along with HRDC and Gallatin County have been working hard to
model a permanently affordable housing complex in the heart of Bozeman for the past year, and one of
the clear drivers is maximizing density. Increasing affordability in today’s market requires higher density
buildings. The allowance to go up to five stories in the proposed R-B Districts helps, but not if buildings
are limited to 24 units. Five-story buildings require elevators. This adds significant cost. A five-story
building reaches optimum cost efficiency around 48 units. This can be done without requiring a larger
footprint.
The challenges in feasibly constructing low-income and work force housing in Bozeman will not go away
soon. Every stake holder has a role to play. We believe that a more substantial incentive would encourage
and facilitate the development of such crucial projects and have far greater impact. This adjustment aligns
with the community’s goal of creating a more accessible and inclusive housing landscape for all residents
of Bozeman. Thank you for your dedication to the community's development, and we appreciate your
consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Tyson O’Connell
United Housing Partners
Tyson@uhousingpartners.com
406-531-4745