HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-05-25 Public Comment - L. McLane - Comment RE_ Commission Agenda Item H1 UDC Update Supplemental Engagement Phase 1 ReportFrom:Lilly McLane
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Holly Hill; Katherine Berry
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Comment RE: Commission Agenda Item H1 UDC Update Supplemental Engagement Phase 1 Report
Date:Tuesday, February 4, 2025 12:02:11 PM
Attachments:25.02.04 UDC Update Recommendations for City Commission.pdf
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Thank you for your consideration, please find our comment attached.
--Lilly McLane, Watershed Restoration DirectorGallatin Watershed Councilhttp://gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
Cell: 410.371.8221
To: City of Bozeman Commission
From: The Gallatin Watershed Council
Re: Agenda Item H.1 UDC Update Supplemental Engagement Phase 1 Report
Date: February 4, 2025
Dear Commissioners,
We encourage the City to review the Unified Development Code (UDC) its entirety for opportunities to
avoid and minimize impacts to water resources. Wetlands, streams, and irrigation ditches work as a
connected network within the City to provide trout spawning habitat, attract birds, safely mitigate
flooding, convey water to downstream users, and protect water quality. These are critical infrastructure
and amenities to our community.
The current draft UDC update does not address Article 6 Natural Resource. We understand there is a
parallel process to address the Wetland Code and wetland mitigation, but this is only one piece of the
solution. Without looking at Article 6 Natural Resource in its entirety, we will be missing significant
opportunities to avoid and minimize impacts to urban streams, irrigation ditches, and their associated
setbacks. These systems are inherently connected on the landscape and it is important to take a holistic
approach to reviewing and updating ordinances impacting water resources. The timing is also opportune
due to updates to the PRAT Plan and Stormwater Facilities Plan.
The main challenge is not necessarily with the codes themselves but with their usability and
enforcement. Time and again, we have experienced and heard from others that:
1) The process of documenting existing site conditions and proposed impacts is confusing and at
times, contradictory;
2) Water resources are often one of the last things considered in the design process;
3) Regulatory language designed to protect water resources is confusing despite the best
intentions;
4) There is a lack of technical capacity to provide adequate development review.
As the City of Bozeman undergoes several planning processes, we are encouraged by the City’s hard, and
thoughtful work to address sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. Our community values
clean air, clean water, open-space, and wildlife. The PRAT Plan states that, “Through the engagement
process, the plan uncovered that the City’s parks and trails provide an important oasis in the fastest
growing city in Montana. Bozeman residents clearly value opportunities to connect with nature.” Thank
you for listening. Good land management is good water management, and we are excited to build a
more resilient future together.
Thank you,
Gallatin Watershed Council
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
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