HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-25 Public Comment - F. Boyd - City of Bozeman Parking Requirement Review for ALL DevelopmentsFrom:Frances Boyd
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]City of Bozeman Parking Requirement Review for ALL Developments
Date:Tuesday, January 28, 2025 11:44:02 AM
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Dear City Commissioners,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the current parking requirements for new multi-family, mixed-use, and single-family developments in Bozeman. While I understand the city's
intent to promote alternative transportation and sustainable urban design, I believe that theunique characteristics of our community necessitate a reevaluation of these standards.
Gallatin County has experienced a significant increase in vehicle registrations in recent years.In 2015, the state recorded over 1.6 million registered cars, and by 2020, that number grew to
almost 2 million, with Gallatin County contributing substantially to this rise. In 2022,Montana had the highest rate of motor vehicle registrations per capita in the UnitedStates, with two vehicles registered per resident. This surge reflects our residents' relianceon personal vehicles, influenced by factors such as access to outdoor recreational areas and
limited public transportation options.
Current policies that reduce parking requirements shift the burden of accommodating vehicles
onto surrounding residents rather than developers. When new multi-family, mixed-use, andsingle-family developments fail to provide adequate parking, cars spill onto already congested
streets, leading to frustration for residents and increased competition for limited spaces.Additionally, excessive street parking can create safety hazards, obstructing visibility for
drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Narrower roadways due to overflow parking increase therisk of accidents and slow emergency response times. Developers should be required to
account for the parking needs of their projects rather than relying on the city and existingneighborhoods to absorb the impact.
Given these circumstances, the assumption that high-density areas in Bozeman require lessparking may not hold true. The combination of high vehicle ownership and limited public
transit options means that many residents continue to depend on personal vehicles for theirdaily activities.
I respectfully urge the city to reconsider its parking requirements for all developments.Adjusting these standards to better align with the actual transportation habits and needs of our
community will help ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with Bozeman'sgrowth.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Frances Boyd421 W. Beall