HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-25 CDB Agenda and Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 6:00 pm
B. Disclosures
C. Changes to the Agenda
D. Approval of Minutes
D.1 Approval of Minutes(Sagstetter)
E. Action Items
E.1 Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Requesting Annexation and the Establishment of an
Initial Zoning Designation of R-4 on 10 Acres Including the Adjacent Right of Way, the 5532
Fowler Lane Annexation, Application 24492(Moon)
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
CDB AGENDA
Monday, March 17, 2025
General information about the Community Development Board is available in our Laserfiche
repository.
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the
meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to
the Board or staff.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through video conference during the appropriate
agenda items.
As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the
City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact Chris Saunders, csaunders@bozeman.net
This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online video conferencing system. You
can join this meeting:
Via Video Conference:
Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit.
Click Join Now to enter the meeting.
Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-
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Having reviewed and considered the staff report, application materials, public comment, and all
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F. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board
G. FYI/Discussions
G.1 Upcoming Items for the April 7, 2025, Community Development Board Meeting (Saunders)
G.2 Update to Community Development Board on 2025 Montana Legislative Session (Saunders)
H. Adjournment
information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for application 24492
and move to recommend approval of the 5532 Fowler Lane Zone Map Amendment, with
contingencies required to complete the application processing.
This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Community
Development Board. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public
comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic.
Please note, the Community Development Board cannot take action on any item which does not
appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the Community Development Board shall speak in a
civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please
state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property owner within the
city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three minutes.
General public comments to the Board can be found in their Laserfiche repository folder.
Information only, no action required.
This board generally meets the first and third Monday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
City Board meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires
assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Community Development Board
FROM:Sam Sagstetter
SUBJECT:Approval of Minutes
MEETING DATE:March 17, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Community Development - Legislative
RECOMMENDATION:Approve
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.1 Outreach: Continue to strengthen and innovate in how we deliver
information to the community and our partners.
BACKGROUND:None.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:Approve with corrections
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
030325 CDB Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: March 13, 2025
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Bozeman Community Development Meeting Minutes, March 3rd, 2025
Page 1 of 3
THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
MARCH 3RD, 2025
General information about the Community Development Board is available in our Laserfiche repository.
Present: Nicole Olmstead, Henry Happel, Chris Egnatz, Jennifer Madgic, Jason Delmue, Ben Lloyd,
Mark Egge
A) 00:02:54 Call to Order - 6:00 pm
B) 00:03:31 Disclosures
C) 00:03:40 Changes to the Agenda
D) 00:03:42 Approval of Minutes
D.1 00:03:43 Approval of Minutes
020325 CDB Minutes.pdf
022425 CDB Mintues.pdf
00:04:08 Motion to approve Approve.
Mark Egge: Motion
Jennifer Madgic: 2nd
00:04:08 Vote on the Motion to approve Approve. The Motion carried 7 - 0.
Approve:
Nicole Olmstead
Henry Happel
Chris Egnatz
Jennifer Madgic
Jason Delmue
Ben Lloyd
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Bozeman Community Development Meeting Minutes, March 3rd, 2025
Page 2 of 3
Mark Egge
Disapprove:
None
E) 00:04:31 Action Items
E.1 00:04:34 Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Requesting Annexation and the
Establishment of an Initial Zoning Designation of R-4 on 0.44 Acres Including the
Adjacent Right of Way, the 1519 Alder Court Lane Annexation, Application 24428
24428 Alder Court Annx-ZMA CDB.pdf
00:31:04 Motion to approve Having reviewed and considered the staff report, application materials,
public comment, and all information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report
for application 24428 and move to recommend approval of the 1519 Alder Court Zone Map
Amendment, with contingencies required to complete the application processing.
Mark Egge: Motion
Jason Delmue: 2nd
00:36:50 Vote on the Motion to approve Having reviewed and considered the staff report, application
materials, public comment, and all information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the
staff report for application 24428 and move to recommend approval of the 1519 Alder Court Zone Map
Amendment, with contingencies required to complete the application processing. The Motion carried 6 -
1.
Approve:
Henry Happel
Chris Egnatz
Jennifer Madgic
Jason Delmue
Ben Lloyd
Mark Egge
Disapprove:
Nicole Olmstead
00:04:43 Planner Tom Rogers presents to the board
00:13:41 Planner Tom Rogers answers questions from the board.
00:23:31 Applicant Bayliss Ward answers questions from the board.
F) 00:37:25 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and
Jurisdiction of the Board
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Bozeman Community Development Meeting Minutes, March 3rd, 2025
Page 3 of 3
G) 00:37:53 FYI/Discussions
H) 00:52:21 Adjournment
This board generally meets the first and third Monday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Community Development Board
FROM:Zachary Moon, Associate Planner
Chris Saunders, Community Development Manager
Erin George, Director of Community Development
SUBJECT:Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Requesting Annexation and the
Establishment of an Initial Zoning Designation of R-4 on 10 Acres Including
the Adjacent Right of Way, the 5532 Fowler Lane Annexation, Application
24492
MEETING DATE:March 17, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Community Development - Legislative
RECOMMENDATION:Having reviewed and considered the staff report, application materials,
public comment, and all information presented, I hereby adopt the findings
presented in the staff report for application 24492 and move to recommend
approval of the 5532 Fowler Lane Zone Map Amendment, with
contingencies required to complete the application processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN:4.2 High Quality Urban Approach: Continue to support high-quality planning,
ranging from building design to neighborhood layouts, while pursuing urban
approaches to issues such as multimodal transportation, infill, density,
connected trails and parks, and walkable neighborhoods.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant and property owner seek to annex one parcel totaling
approximately 10 acres and as well as the applicable right of way of Fowler
Lane (approximately 0.385 acres) into the City limits and establish initial
zoning of R-4, Residential High Density district. The property is currently
zoned “Agriculture Suburban” (AS) within the county. The same AS County
zoning is also to the south and west.
Nearby municipal zoning to the north is R-4, Residential High Density, and to
the east is R-3 Residential Medium Density District.
The Future Land Use Map in the Bozeman Community Plan (BCP) 2020
designates the property as “Urban Neighborhood” which includes the R-4
district as an implementing zoning district. The property is bordered by
Fowler Lane to the west (a Bozeman classified minor arterial street), and a
park and portion of S 31st Ave to the east (a Bozeman classified local street).
The proposed annexation would bring in additional right of way to build out
Fowler Lane to the City’s collector standard adjacent to the subject property
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as would be required with future development.
There are currently three existing single household dwelling units with
associated septic systems on the parcel. To the north is a property with a
plan entitlement and under active construction (Application 21-424, Buffalo
Run) for residential use, to the south and west are agricultural properties
which contain residential uses as well, and to the east are properties with
established suburban density residential lots.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:There are no identified conflicts on this application.
ALTERNATIVES:1. Approve the application with contingencies as presented;
2. Approve the application with modifications to the recommended
zoning;
3. Deny the application based on the Commission’s findings of non-
compliance with the applicable criteria contained within the staff
report; or
4. Open and continue the public hearing on the application, with specific
direction to staff or the applicant to supply additional information or
to address specific items.
FISCAL EFFECTS:No unusual fiscal effects have been identified. No presently budgeted funds
will be changed by this Annexation or Zone Map Amendment.
Attachments:
24492 5532 Fowler Ln Annx-ZMA CDB SR.pdf
Report compiled on: March 11, 2025
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24492 Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Lane Annexation and ZMA
Public Hearings: Community Development Board (Zoning Commission) meeting is on
March 17, 2025
City Commission meeting is on April 8, 2025
Project Description: Annexation 24492 requesting annexation of 10.385 acres and adjacent
right of way for Fowler Lane and amendment 24492 of the City Zoning Map for the
establishment of a zoning designation of R-4 (Residential High Density District).
Project Location: 5532 Fowler Lane
Recommendation: Meets standards for approval with terms of annexation and
contingencies.
Recommended Community Development Board Zoning Motion: Having reviewed and
considered the staff report, application materials, public comment, and all
information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for
application 24492 and move to recommend approval of the 5532 Fowler Lane Zone
Map Amendment, with contingencies required to complete the application
processing.
Recommended City Commission Annexation Motion: Having reviewed and considered
the staff report, application materials, public comment, and all information
presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for application
24492 and move to approve the 5532 Fowler Lane Annexation with recommended
terms of annexation, and direct staff to prepare an annexation agreement for
signature by the parties.
Recommended City Commission Zoning Motion: Having reviewed and considered the
staff report, application materials, public comment, recommendation of the
Community Development Board in their capacity as the Zoning Commission, and all
information presented, I hereby adopt the findings presented in the staff report for
application 24492 and move to approve the 5532 Fowler Lane Zone Map
Amendment, with contingencies required to complete the application processing.
Report: March 11, 2025
Staff Contact Zachary Moon, Associate Planner
Agenda Item Type: Action - Legislative
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report is based on the application materials submitted and public comment received to
date.
Unresolved Issues
There are no identified conflicts on this application at this time.
Project Summary
The applicant and property owner seek to annex one parcel totaling approximately 10 acres
and as well as the applicable right of way of Fowler Lane (approximately 0.385 acres) into
the City limits and establish initial zoning of R-4, Residential High Density district. The
property is currently zoned “Agriculture Suburban” (AS) within the county. The same AS
County zoning is also to the south and west.
Nearby municipal zoning to the north is R-4, Residential High Density, and to the east is R-3
Residential Medium Density District.
The Future Land Use Map in the Bozeman Community Plan (BCP) 2020 designates the
property as “Urban Neighborhood” which includes the R-4 district as an implementing
zoning district. The property is bordered by Fowler Lane to the west (a Bozeman classified
minor arterial street), and a park and portion of S 31st Ave to the east (a Bozeman classified
local street). The proposed annexation would bring in additional right of way to build out
Fowler Lane to the City’s collector standard adjacent to the subject property as would be
required with future development.
There are currently three existing single household dwelling units with associated septic
systems on the parcel. To the north is a property with a plan entitlement and under active
construction (Application 21-424, Buffalo Run) for residential use, to the south and west are
agricultural properties which contain residential uses as well, and to the east are properties
with established suburban density residential lots.
The application materials for this application are available at Laserfiche folder
[https://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=292960&cr=1].
In determining whether the criteria applicable to this application are met, Staff considers the
entire body of plans and regulations for land development. Standards which prevent or
mitigate possible negative impacts are incorporated in many locations in the municipal code
but are principally in Chapter 38, Unified Development Code. References in the text of this
report to Articles, Divisions, or in the form xx.xxx.xxx are to the Bozeman Municipal Code.
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Alternatives
1. Approve the application with contingencies as presented;
2. Approve the application with modifications to the recommended zoning;
3. Deny the application based on the Commission’s findings of non-compliance with the
applicable criteria contained within the staff report; or
4. Open and continue the public hearing on the application, with specific direction to staff
or the applicant to supply additional information or to address specific items.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................2
Unresolved Issues................................................................................................................2
Project Summary .................................................................................................................2
Alternatives..........................................................................................................................3
SECTION 1 - MAP SERIES.....................................................................................................5
SECTION 2 - RECOMMENDED TERMS OF ANNEXATION...........................................10
SECTION 3 - RECOMMENDED CONTINGENCIES OF ZONE MAP AMENDMENT ...14
SECTION 4 - RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS.......................................15
Annexation.........................................................................................................................15
Zone Map Amendment......................................................................................................15
SECTION 5 - ANNEXATION STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS.................................15
SECTION 6 - ZONE MAP AMENDMENT STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS............26
PROTEST NOTICE FOR ZONING AMENDMENTS..........................................................46
APPENDIX A - DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND...............46
APPENDIX B - NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT.....................................................47
APPENDIX C - PROJECT GROWTH POLICY AND PROPOSED ZONING....................48
APPENDIX D - OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF ............................50
FISCAL EFFECTS..................................................................................................................50
ATTACHMENTS....................................................................................................................50
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SECTION 1 - MAP SERIES
Map 1: Project Map
13
Map 2: Project Vicinity Map
14
Map 3: BCP 2020 Future Land Use Map
Urban Neighborhood
Community
Commercial
Mixed Use
Residential
Mixed UsePublic Institutions15
Page 8 of 51
Map 4: Existing City Zoning
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 9 of 51
Map : Existing County Zoning (grey is city area and is not up to date)
Agriculture Suburban City Zoning
Res. Office
Commented [CS1]: The outlined project area is one property
too far south. Revise to match with the other images above.
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Page 10 of 51
SECTION 2 - RECOMMENDED TERMS OF ANNEXATION
The following terms of annexation are recommended to enable the application to comply
with the City’s Annexation Policy and the requirements of state law for the provision of
services.
Recommended terms of annexation:
1. The documents and exhibits to formally annex the subject property must be identified as
the “5532 Fowler Lane Annexation.”
2. That the applicant must submit an Annexation map, titled “5532 Fowler Lane
Annexation”. The map must be supplied as a PDF. This map must be acceptable to the City
Engineer’s Office and must be submitted with the signed Annexation Agreement. Said map
shall contain a metes and bounds legal description of the perimeter of the subject property
including adjacent rights-of-way or street easements, and total acreage of the property to be
annexed unless the property to be annexed can be entirely described by reference to existing
platted properties or certificates of survey.
3. The applicant must execute all contingencies and terms of said Annexation Agreement
with the City of Bozeman within 60 days of the distribution of the annexation agreement
from the City to the applicant or annexation approval shall be null and void.
4. If they do not already exist the applicant must provide and file with the County Clerk and
Recorder's office executed Waivers of Right to Protest Creation of Special Improvement
Districts (SID’s) for the following:
a. Street improvements to Fowler Lane between Blackwood Road and Stucky Road,
including lighting, signalization, paving, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage.
b. Street improvements to Blackwood Road between Fowler Lane and South
19th Avenue, including lighting, signalization, paving, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm
drainage.
c. Intersection improvements at Blackwood Road and Fowler Lane, including
lighting, signalization/channelization, paving, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage.
d. Intersection improvements at Blackwood Road and South 27th Avenue, including
lighting, signalization/channelization, paving, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage.
e. Intersection improvements at Fowler Lane and West Graf Street, including
lighting, signalization/channelization, paving, curb/gutter, sidewalk, and storm drainage.
The document filed must specify that in the event an SID is not utilized for the completion of
these improvements, the applicant agrees to participate in an alternate financing method for
the completion of said improvements on a fair share, proportionate basis as determined by
square footage of property, taxable valuation of the property, traffic contribution from the
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 11 of 51
development, or a combination thereof. The SID waiver will be filed with the County Clerk
and Recorder in conjunction with the annexation agreement.
5. The applicant must execute at the Gallatin County Clerk & Recorder's Office in
conjunction with the annexation, a waiver of right-to-protest creation of a City-wide Park
Maintenance District, which would provide a mechanism for the fair and equitable
assessment of maintenance costs for City parks as part of the Annexation Agreement.
6. The Annexation Agreement shall include the following notices:
a. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that, prior to development, the
applicant will be responsible for preparing a storm water master plan in conjunction with
future development. The subject project is located in an area known to have seasonally
high groundwater. The applicant must confirm seasonal high groundwater elevations and
seasonal high groundwater data must be measured and submitted with any future
development application on the parcel. Due to the seasonal nature of SHGWL
measurements, the applicant is advised to begin groundwater measurements in the winter
and continue measuring through July. Measurements must be at sufficient intervals to
define the SHGWL across the site. Industry guidance recommends a three-foot minimum
separation from the bottom of a stormwater facility to the underlying groundwater table.
The applicant is advised that future development may be subject to limitations or
restrictions based on seasonal high groundwater elevations.
b. The Annexation Agreement must include notice the City will, upon annexation,
make available to the Property existing City services only to the extent currently
available, or as provided in the Agreement. Future development of this site will require
main extensions to be looped, a single dead end loop will not be allowed.
The applicant is advised that the subject property is located at the southern end of the
City’s main pressure zone (Sourdough Zone). Water pressures around the subject
property vary from 35 to 50 psi. Upon future development, the water distribution system
must be designed to meet the requirements outlined in the City of Bozeman Design
Standards and Specifications Policy. Additionally, all water system improvements must
also be designed and installed in accordance with the Montana Department of
Environmental Quality Circular 1; Montana Public Works Standards and Specifications
(MPWSS); City of Bozeman Modifications to MPWSS; and the City’s most recent Water
Facility Plan."
c. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that, prior to future final
development approval, the applicant will be responsible for transfer of water rights or a
payment in lieu as required by the Bozeman Municipal Code.
d. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that there is no right, either
granted or implied, for Landowner to further develop any of the Property until it is
verified by the City that the necessary municipal services are available to the property.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 12 of 51
e. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that utility easements may be
required to be provided by the landowner at the time of development to ensure necessary
municipal services are available to the property.
f. The Annexation Agreement must include notice charges and assessments may be
required after completion of annexation to ensure necessary municipal services are
available to the property.
g. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that the applicant must connect to
municipal services and will be responsible for installing any facilities required to provide
full municipal services to the property.
h. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that, prior to development, the
applicant will be responsible for installing any facilities required to provide full
municipal services to the properties in accordance with the City of Bozeman's
infrastructure master plans and all City policies that may be in effect at the time of
development.
i. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that the property is located within
the Meadow Creek Subdivision Sewer payback district and that assessment of payback
charge will be required with any future subdivision on site plan applications. The
applicant is advised that the payback must be paid at the time of development approval.
Reference document Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder #2293493.
j. The Annexation Agreement must include notice that the City will assess system
development/ impact fees in accordance with Montana law and Chapter 2, Article 6,
Division 9, Bozeman Municipal Code.
7. All procedural terms necessary to establish the Annexation Agreement in conformance
with state law and municipal practice will be included with the final Annexation
Agreement.
8. Fowler Lane is classified as a Minor Arterial in the Bozeman Transportation Master Plan
(TMP), which has a minimum right-of-way ROW width of 100 feet. The applicant must
provide their respective Fowler Lane ROW from the centerline of the existing ROW as a
public street and utility easement where Story Mill Road is adjacent to the property. A 45
foot public street and utility easement must be provided prior to the adoption of
Resolution of Annexation. The applicant can contact the Citys Engineering Department
to receive a copy of the standard easement language.
9. The development will need to satisfy the water adequacy code requirement prior to a
future subdivision final plat or site plan approval. If sufficient water rights can’t be
provided to offset the development's annual demand then a cash-in-lieu of water rights
(CILWR) payment will be required. The fee determination will take place during the site
plan review. The City encourages the use of groundwater wells to supply irrigation
demands, which in turn will reduce the CILWR fee. Applicant must obtain a pre-
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 13 of 51
determination from the DNRC demonstrating that a well groundwater well may be
permitted under Montana’s exempt appropriation or that provide the water right
documentation if existing prior to finalization of the CILWR fee determination.
10. The applicant must provide an annexation map showing the widths, locations, and
purposes of all existing and/or proposed easements, including any agricultural water
user facility easements.
11. The subject property is located within the overall Cattail Creek Sanitary Sewer
Drainage Basin. Figure 5-1 of the City’s wastewater facility plan, shows the subject
property in a smaller identified sub-basin (still within the overall Cattail Creek Drainage
Basin), but directly adjacent to the Baxter Creek Sanitary Sewer Drainage Basin.
The identified sub-basin assumes that certain portions of the property would flow by
gravity into the future 12-inch Fowler Lane sewer main, as identified in the facility plan
(Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Reference: 12-inch Fowler Ln: Blackwood Road to
Stucky Road). Based on new hydraulic modeling information a 15-inch main will be
required and will be updated per the City's wastewater facility plan update.
The identified wastewater capital planning improvements must be designed in
coordination with any Fowler Lane improvements. Sanitary sewer infrastructure
improvements will be reviewed with future development applications.
12. In conjunction with streets construction - The City’s Water Facility Plan identified the
need for a water transmission main (CIP Reference: 16-inch water main New Growth and
Development) directly adjacent to the subject property in Fowler Lane to service future
development.
Water infrastructure improvements will be reviewed with future development
applications. The identified water capital planning improvements must be designed in
coordination with any future Fowler Lane improvements adjacent to the subject property.
The applicant is advised that the capital Improvements identified within the facility plans
must be located within City ROW, a public street and utility easement, or a water and
sewer easement. "
13. Upon future development, the applicant must provide an estimate of the peak-hour
sanitary sewer demands, certified by a professional engineer, for the proposed project.
The City will analyze and determine if sewer capacity is available to accommodate the
project. The applicant is advised that sewer capacity is allocated on a first come first
serve basis and is not entitled until preliminary plat or site plan approval.
14. The applicant must contact the City’s Engineering Department to obtain an analysis of
cash-in-lieu of water rights for the proposed annexation. The determined amount must be
paid prior to the adoption of Resolution of Annexation, if applicable.
15. The applicant must properly abandon the existing on-site septic tank and leach field prior
to connection to the City sanitary sewer system. The applicant must report the
abandonment to the City Water and Sewer Superintendent for inspection, and the
applicant must report the abandonment to the Gallatin City County Health Department. In
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 14 of 51
addition to abandonment of the septic tank and leach field, the applicant must
demonstrate that the sanitary sewer service to the septic tank has been completely
disconnected from the old septic system prior to connection to the City sanitary sewer
system.
16. The applicant must completely disconnect the on-site well from the house prior to
connection to the City water system to protect the City’s system from cross
contamination. The applicant must contact the City Water and Sewer Superintendent to
inspect the disconnect prior to connection of water service from the house to the City
water system.
SECTION 3 - RECOMMENDED CONTINGENCIES OF ZONE MAP
AMENDMENT
Please note that these contingencies are necessary for the City to complete the process of the
proposed amendment. These contingencies only apply in the event that the related annexation
request has previously been approved.
Recommended Contingencies of Approval:
1. That all documents and exhibits necessary to establish an initial municipal zoning
designation shall be identified as the “5532 Fowler Lane Zone Map Amendment.” All
required documents must be returned to the City within 60 days of the City Commission
action to annex the property or the preliminary approval shall be null and void.
2. That the Ordinance for the Zone Map Amendment shall not be finalized until the
Annexation Agreement is signed by the applicant and formally approved by the City
Commission. If the annexation agreement is not approved, the Zone Map Amendment
application shall be null and void.
3. That the applicant must submit a Zone Amendment map, titled “5532 Fowler Lane Zone
Map Amendment”. The map must be supplied as a PDF. This map must be acceptable to
the City Engineer’s Office and must be submitted within 60 days of the action to approve
the zone map amendment. Said map shall contain a metes and bounds legal description
of the perimeter of the subject property including adjacent rights-of-way or street
easements, and total acreage of the property to be rezoned; unless the property to be
rezoned can be entirely described by reference to existing platted properties or certificates
of survey.
SECTION 4 - RECOMMENDATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS
Annexation
Having considered the criteria established for an annexation, the Development Review
Committee (DRC) recommends approval of the requested annexation.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 15 of 51
The City Commission will hold a public meeting on the annexation on April 8, 2025. The
meeting will be held at 121 N. Rouse Avenue, Bozeman. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
Zone Map Amendment
Having considered the criteria established for a zone map amendment, the Staff recommends
approval as submitted. The 5532 Fowler Lane Zone Map Amendment (ZMA) is in
conjunction with an annexation request. Staff’s recommendation and staff responses are
predicated on approval of the annexation, application 24492.
The Development Review Committee (DRC) considered the amendment. The DRC did not
identify any infrastructure or regulatory constraints that would impede the approval of the
application.
The Community Development Board in their capacity as the Zoning Commission will hold a
public hearing on this ZMA on March 17, 2025 and will forward a recommendation to the
Commission on the Zone Map amendment.
The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the zone map amendment on April 8,
2025. The meeting will be held at 121 N. Rouse Avenue, Bozeman. The meeting will begin
at 6 p.m.
SECTION 5 - ANNEXATION STAFF ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
In considering applications for approval of annexation, the City Commission must consider
the following goals and policies. These are established by the Commission, not state law, and
the Commission has some discretion in applying them. Goals are aspirational, policies more
directly set standards. The Commission may balance issues in these goals and policies and
reach conclusions that as a whole, establish the benefit of the annexation outweighs identified
drawbacks.
In conducting analysis and making findings regarding goals and policies staff considers all
the City’s planning documents and the regulations of the municipal code. Not all goals and
policies are fully addressed at annexation. Compliance with a policy or goal may occur later
during a land development process when a specific regulation is applied.
Related code sections and associated timing that might further address the policies and goals
are included in the analysis below, where appropriate. Examples provided are illustrative,
and do not represent a comprehensive listing but are illustrative.
Commission Resolution No. 5076 Criteria
Commission Resolution No. 5076 Goals
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 16 of 51
Goal 1: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations of land contiguous to the
City.
Criterion Met. The property in question is contiguous to the City limits on the east for
approximately 332 lineal feet and on the north for 1300 lineal feet..
Goal 2: The City encourages all areas that are totally surrounded by the City to
annex.
Criterion not met. This goal is only applicable to county areas that where the city has grown
around them, not to annexations on the edge of the city. The subject property is adjacent to
the city on its north and east bounds, and contiguous with county land to the west and south.
Goal 3: The City encourages all properties currently contracting with the City for
City services such as water, sanitary sewer, and/or fire protection to annex.
Criterion met This goal is only applicable to property that already receives municipal
services. The subject property contains no structures utilizing or contracting with City
services.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
40.03.1380 Consent
to Annexation
Service outside of
the city limits
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
and Specifications
Policy
After annexation and
prior to extension of
services
Goal 4: The City of Bozeman requires annexation of all land proposed for
development lying within the existing and planned service area of the municipal water
and sewer systems as depicted in their respective facility plans, any land proposed for
development that proposes to utilize municipal water or sewer systems.
Criterion met. The subject property lies within the planned service area of the municipal
water and sewer services. No specific development plan has been submitted. Applicant seeks
R-4 zoning for eventual residential development at urban rather than rural intensity. Future
proposed developments will be required to utilize municipal water or sewer systems.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
24
Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 17 of 51
38.350.030.D Required connection
to water and sewer
municipal systems
Water and sewer
facility plans
Subdivision or site plan
review, or approval to
connect
38.410.070,
Municipal water,
sanitary sewer and
storm sewer
systems.
Installation of water
and sewer services
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
and Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review, or approval to
connect
Goal 5: The City encourages annexations within the urban area identified on the
future land use map in the current Bozeman Growth Policy.
Criterion Met. As shown in Section 1, the subject property is planned as ‘Urban
Neighborhood’ and is within the urban area of the growth policy. See the discussion under
Criterion A of Section 6 of the report for more information on the growth policy.
Goal 6: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations to make the City boundaries
more regular rather than creating irregular extensions which leave unannexed gaps
between annexed areas or islands of annexed or unannexed land.
Criterion Met. The proposed annexation continues expansion of city boundaries in a
methodical regular manner. Visual observation shows a continuance of the regular city
boundary with this property annexed.
Goal 7: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations which will enhance the
existing traffic circulation system or provide for circulation systems that do not exist at
the present time.
Criterion Met. The subject property will provide additional right of way for Fowler Lane to
the west which is designated by the City as a minor arterial. Easements or future easements
for Fowler Lane are required by the terms of annexation (see Terms of Annexation 8 and 10
above). Although the improvements will not happen at the time of annexation, future
development will be required to install these improvements as their frontage requirements.
Upon future development, Fowler Lane will need to be constructed to the City’s adopted
standards adjacent to the subject property. Adjacent development to the north constructed the
portion of Fowler connecting to Stucky Road to a municipal standard. Future development
within the annexing area will create a local street network to provide local services and will
also provide connections back to the existing street network
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Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.400.010
Transportation
facilities and access
Construction and
placement of streets
Transportation
Master Plan, Design
Standards and
Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.400.020, Street
and road dedication
Construction and
placement of streets
Transportation
Master Plan, Design
Standards and
Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.400.050 Street
and road right-of-
way width and
construction
standards
Construction and
placement of streets
Transportation
Master Plan, Design
Standards and
Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.410.060
Easements
Location and form
of easements
Transportation
Master Plan
Annexation for collector
and arterial streets.
Subdivision or site plan
for all others.
Goal 8: The City prefers annexation of parcels of land larger than five (5) acres in
size, but will allow annexation of smaller parcels if factors such as topographic
limitations, sanitary disposal needs, fire access, maintenance of public facilities, etc.,
justify a smaller annexation.
Criterion Met. The subject property is approximately 10 acres.
Goal 9: The City seeks to obtain water rights adequate for future development of
the property with annexation.
Criterion Met. Annexation itself does not modify demand for water as it does not
authorize any construction. After annexation, the subject property will be bound to the
provisions of 38.410.130 which requires evaluation of water adequacy and provision of water
if needed at time of development. The municipal code section requires water rights or an
equivalent to be provided. Exact timing and amounts will be evaluated during development
review when detailed information to support determination of required quantity of water to
provide service is available. . There are several methods to address the requirements of
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 19 of 51
38.410.130. The annexation agreement will provide notice of this requirement, see
Recommended Terms of Annexation #6.c., 12, 16, and 17. The landowner will consent to
this requirement by signature on the annexation agreement.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.410.130 Water
Adequacy
Water rights to serve
new development
Water master plan,
Integrated Water
Facility Plan
Annexation, subdivision
or site plan review
Goal 10: The City of Bozeman encourages annexations for City provision of clean
treated water and sanitary sewer.
Criterion Met. The subject property is located within the City’s planned water and sewer
service area. See Goal 4 above. Any future development will be required to connect to the
City systems.
Per Term of Annexation 9-17, the Annexation Agreement needed to finalize the annexation
requires the applicant to design extensions of services to meet the City’s adopted
infrastructure standards. These include provisions for minimum water pressure and volumes,
adequate sewer flows by volume, gravity flow of sewers, and other standards necessary to
protect public health and safety and ensure functional utilities.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.350.030.D Required connection
to water and sewer
municipal systems
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
and Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review, or approval to
connect
38.410.070,
Municipal water,
sanitary sewer and
storm sewer
systems.
Installation of water
and sewer services
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
and Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review, or approval to
connect
27
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Resolution No. 5076 Policies
Policy 1: Annexations must include dedication of all easements for rights-of-way for
collector and arterial streets, adjacent local streets, public water, sanitary sewer, or
storm or sewer mains, and Class I public trails not within the right of way for arterial
or collector streets. Annexations must also include waivers of right to protest the
creation of special or improvement districts necessary to provide the essential services
for future development of the City.
Criterion Met. As discussed in Section 5, Goal 7, additional right of way is being included
for Fowler Lane. The Recommended Terms of Annexation include requirements for this
right of way provision. See Terms of Annexation 8.
Future construction of streets and Class I public trails at the time of development are subject
to the following:
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.400
Transportation
Facilities and
Access
Streets standards for
size and
construction
Transportation
Master Plan
Easements for arterial,
collector street, and
Class 1 Trails with
annexation. All others
with subdivision or site
plan review.
38.410.060
Easements
Location and form
of easements for
utilities
Transportation
Master Plan, Sewer
collection facilities
plan, Water
facilities plan
Annexation for collector
and arterial streets.
Subdivision or site plan
for all others.
38.420.110
Recreation
Pathways
Location and
requirement to
install.
Park, Recreation,
and Active
Transportation Plan
Annexation for Class 1
Trails easement.
Subdivision or site plan
for all else.
Policy 2: Issues pertaining to master planning and zoning must be addressed prior
to or in conjunction with the application for annexation.
Criterion Met. The subject property is planned for Urban Neighborhood. No change to the
growth policy is required. The application includes a request for initial zoning of R-4. See the
zone map amendment section of this report for analysis of the zone map amendment criteria.
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Policy 3: The application for annexation must be in conformance with the current
Bozeman Growth Policy. If a Growth Policy Amendment is necessary to accommodate
anticipated uses, the amendment process must be initiated by the property owner and
completed prior to any action for approval of the application for annexation.
Criterion Met. The property is designated “Urban Neighborhood” on the future land use map.
No growth policy amendment is required. See discussion under zone map amendment
Criterion A.
Policy 4: Initial zoning classification of the property to be annexed will be determined
by the City Commission, in compliance with the Bozeman Growth Policy and upon a
recommendation of the City Zoning Commission, simultaneously with review of the
annexation petition.
The City Zoning Commission will review the requested zoning district designation on March
17, 2025. The Community Development Board’s recommendation, acting in their capacity as
the Zoning Commission, will be passed along to the City Commission for review and
consideration along with the annexation request on April 8, 2025.
[Note: The annexation and the placement of a zoning district designation on the property by
the City does not guarantee available services. Section 38.300.020.C of the Unified
Development Code states: “Placement of any given zoning district on an area depicted on the
zoning map indicates a judgment on the part of the city that the range of uses allowed within
that district are generally acceptable in that location. It is not a guarantee of approval for any
given use prior to the completion of the appropriate review procedure and compliance with
all of the applicable requirements and development standards of this chapter and other
applicable policies, laws and ordinances. It is also not a guarantee of immediate
infrastructure availability or a commitment on the part of the city to bear the cost of
extending services.”]
Policy 5: The applicant must indicate their preferred zoning classification as part of the
annexation petition.
Criterion Met. The applicant has requested a zoning designation of R-4, Residential High
Density district. See Section 6 of this report for analysis of the requested zoning.
Policy 6: Fees for annexation processing will be established by the City Commission.
Criterion Met. The appropriate application processing and review fees accompanied the
application.
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Policy 7: It is the policy of the City that annexations will not be approved where
unpaved county roads will be the most commonly used route to gain access to the
property unless the landowner proposes a method to provide for construction of the
road to the City’s street standards.
Criterion Met. The subject property is accessed on the west by Fowler Lane which is a minor
arterial street. It is currently not paved, however, upon future development, Fowler Lane will
need to be constructed to the City’s standards adjacent to the subject property.
Policy 8: Prior to annexation of property, the City will require the property owner to
acquire adequate and usable water rights, or an appropriate fee in lieu thereof, in
accordance with Section 38.410.130 of the municipal code, as amended.
Criterion Met. The property owner shall provide usable water rights, or cash in-lieu of water
rights thereof, in an amount to be determined by the Director of Utilities , as outlined by
Section 38.410.130 of the municipal code at the time of future development. Term of
Annexation 14, requires notice of this requirement to be part of the annexation agreement.
Satisfaction of this requirement will occur with future development.
Future provision of water rights at the time of development is subject to the following:
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.410.130 Water
Adequacy
When water rights
are due and in what
form
Water facility plan
Integrated Water
Resources Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
Policy 9: Infrastructure and emergency services for an area proposed for annexation
will be reviewed for the health, safety and welfare of the public and conformance with
the City’s adopted facility plans. If the City determines adequate services cannot be
provided to ensure public health, safety and welfare, the City may require the property
owner to provide a written plan for accommodation of these services, or the City may
reject the petition for annexation. Additionally, the parcel to be annexed may only be
provided sanitary sewer service via the applicable drainage basin defined in the City
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan.
Criterion Met. City infrastructure and emergency services are available to the subject property.
The property is located adjacent to existing urban development that is currently served by
Bozeman Fire and Police Departments.
Water and sewer infrastructure is installed up to the northwest corner of the property within
the Fowler Lane ROW. Additional water and sewer service will be required as the property
develops.
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Per Term of Annexation 6.a, 6.d, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 15, the Annexation Agreement required
to finalize the requested annexation will require the applicant to design extensions of services
to meet the City’s adopted infrastructure standards. These include provisions for minimum
water pressure and volumes, adequate sewer flows by volume, gravity flow of sewers, and
other standards necessary to protect public health and safety and ensure functional utilities.
Future construction of infrastructure or provision of services at the time of development is
subject to the following:
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
18.02 International
Fire code
Adopt standards for
fire prevention and
control
Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Site plan and building
permit
38.270 Completion
of Improvements
When infrastructure
and other
improvements must
be completed with
development
Facility plans and
design standards
applicable to the
particular
improvements
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.400
Transportation
Facilities and
Access
Streets standards for
size and
construction
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.410.060
Easements
Location and form
of easements for
utilities
Transportation
Master Plan, Sewer
collection facilities
plan, Water
facilities plan
Annexation for collector
and arterial streets.
Subdivision or site plan
for all others.
38.400.010 Streets,
general
Access for
emergency services
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan.
38.410.070
Municipal water,
sewer systems
Location and
requirement to
install.
Sewer collection
facilities plan,
Water facilities plan
Subdivision or site plan.
38.410.090 Fire
protection
requirements
Development design Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Subdivision, site plan,
and building permit
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 24 of 51
38.420 Parks Standards for
location, type, and
development of
parks and trails
Park, Recreation,
and Active
Transportation Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
Policy 10: The City may require annexation of any contiguous property for which city
services are requested or for which city services are currently being provided. In
addition, any person, firm, or corporation receiving water or sewer service outside of
the City limits is required as a condition of initiating or continuing such service, to
consent to annexation of the property serviced by the City. The City Manager may
enter into an agreement with a property owner for connection to the City’s sanitary
sewer or water system in an emergency condition upon the submittal by the property
owner of a petition for annexation and filing of a notice of consent to annexation with
the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The contract for connection to city
sewer and/or water must require the property owner to annex or consent to
disconnection of the services. Connection for purposes of obtaining City sewer services
in an emergency requires, when feasible as determined by the City, the connection to
City water services.
Criterion Met. Currently there existing dwellings serviced by existing septic systems. City
services are not currently being provided to this property and no emergency connection has
been requested. Future development will be required to connect to City services and the
owner will not later than that time need to abandon the existing septic and well (see Terms of
Annexation 15). This annexation is not a result of an emergency condition requiring
connection.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
40.03.1380 Consent
to Annexation
Service outside of
the city limits
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
and Specifications
Policy
Prior to extension of
services
32
Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 25 of 51
Policy 11: The annexation application shall be accompanied by mapping to meet the
requirements of the Director of Public Works. Where an area to be annexed can be
entirely described by reference to a certificate of survey or subdivision plat on file with
the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder the mapping may be waived by the Director of
Public Works.
Criterion Met. Mapping to meet the requirements of the Director of Transportation and
Engineering must be provided with the Annexation Agreement. Typically, this is a PDF
containing the metes and bounds legal description of said property. (Mapping requirements
are addressed in Recommended Term of Annexation # 2).
Policy 12: The City will assess system development/ impact fees in accordance with
Montana law and Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 9, Bozeman Municipal Code.
Criterion met. This annexation does not require immediate payment of fees. The annexation
agreement will provide notice of obligations to pay impact fees at times of triggers as
required in 2.06 Division 9, BMC.
Policy 13: Public notice requirements: Notice for annexation of property must be
coordinated with the required notice for the zone map amendment required with all
annexation. The zone map amendment notice must contain the materials required by
38.220.410, BMC.
Criterion met. Notices of the public hearing have been sent, published in the newspaper, and
posted on the site as set forth under this policy. See Appendix A for further discussion on
noticing specifics.
Policy 14: Annexation agreements must be executed and returned to the City within 60
days of distribution of the annexation agreement by the City, unless another time is
specifically identified by the City Commission.
Criterion Met. Suggested terms of annexation include a notice that the agreement, once
prepared and provided to the applicant, must be signed, and returned within the stated period.
This policy will be implemented only if the Commission acts to grant approval. If the
application is denied, then no annexation agreement will be necessary. This policy will be
implemented after the Commission acts on preliminary approval or denial of this application.
Policy 15: When possible, the use of Part 46 annexations is preferred.
Criterion met. This annexation is being processed under Part 46 provisions.
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Policy 16: Where a road improvement district has been created, the annexation does
not repeal the creation of the district. The City will not assume operations of the district
until the entirety of the district has been annexed. Any funds held in trust for the
district will be used to benefit the district after transfer to the City. Inclusion within a
district does not lessen the obligation to participate in general city programs that
address the same subject.
Criterion neutral. No road improvement district is associated with this application.
Policy 17: The City will notify the Gallatin County Planning Department and Fire
District providing service to the area of applications for annexation.
Criterion met. The Gallatin Planning Office and Hyalite Rural Fire District were notified via
email on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. As of the date of this staff report, no comment has been
received.
Policy 18: The City will require connection to and use of all City services upon
development of annexed properties. The City may establish a fixed time frame for
connection to municipal utilities. Upon development, unless otherwise approved by the
City, septic systems must be properly abandoned and the development connected to the
City sanitary sewer system. Upon development, unless otherwise approved by the City,
water wells on the subject property may be used for irrigation, but any potable uses
must be supplied from the City water distribution system and any wells disconnected
from structures. The property owner must contact the City Water and Sewer
Superintendent to verify disconnects of wells and septic systems.
Criterion Met. Terms of Annexation 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 requires full compliance with
this policy. There are existing dwellings on onsite. If annexation is approved and prior to any
new development, all septic systems and water use for human consumption will be severed
and abandoned. All future development will be required to connect to city services.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.350.030.D Required connection
to water and sewer
municipal systems
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
and Specifications
Policy
Subdivision or site plan
review or approval to
connect
40.03.1380 Consent
to Annexation
Service outside of
the city limits
Water and sewer
facility plans,
Design Standards
After annexation and
prior to extension of
services
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 27 of 51
and Specifications
Policy
SECTION 6 - ZONE MAP AMENDMENT STAFF ANALYSIS AND
FINDINGS
In considering applications the advisory boards and City Commission must consider the
following criteria (letters A-K). As an amendment is a legislative action, the Commission has
broad latitude to determine a policy direction. The burden of proof that the application should
be approved lies with the applicant.
A zone map amendment must be in accordance with the growth policy (criteria A) and be
designed to secure safety from fire and other dangers (criteria B), promote public health,
public safety, and general welfare (criteria C), and facilitate the provision of transportation,
water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements (criteria D). Therefore, to
approve a zone map amendment the Commission must find Criteria A-D are met.
In addition, the Commission must also consider criteria E-K and may find the zone map
amendment to be positive, neutral, or negative with regards to these criteria. To approve the
zone map amendment, the Commission must find the positive outcomes of the amendment
outweigh negative outcomes for criteria E-K.
In determining whether the criteria are met, Staff considers the entire body of plans and
regulations for land development. Standards which prevent or mitigated negative impacts are
incorporated throughout the entire municipal code but are principally in Chapter 38, Unified
Development Code. For information about how the code as a whole applies examples of
specific code sections and the timing of future application is provided as part of the analysis
below.
Section 76-2-304, MCA (Zoning) Criteria
A. Be in accordance with a growth policy.
Criterion Met. The Bozeman Community Plan (BCP) 2020, Chapter 5, p. 73, in the section
titled Review Criteria for Zoning Amendments and Their Application, discusses how the
various criteria in 76-2-304 MCA are applied locally. Application of the criteria varies
depending on whether an amendment is for the zoning map or for the text of Chapter 38,
BMC. The first criterion for a zoning amendment is accordance with a growth policy.
Future Land Use Map
The proposed amendment is a change to the zoning map. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze
compliance with the future land use map. Chapter 3 of the BCP 2020 addresses the future land
use map. The introduction to that chapter discusses the importance of the chapter. Following
are some excerpts.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 28 of 51
“Future land use is the community’s fundamental building block. It is an illustration of the
City’s desired outcome to accommodate the complex and diverse needs of its residents.”
“The land use map sets generalized expectations for what goes where in the community.
Each category has its own descriptions. Understanding the future land use map is not
possible without understanding the category descriptions.”
The area of this application is within the anticipated growth area of the City. As shown on the
maps in Section 1, on the excerpt of the current future land use map, the property is designated
as Urban Neighborhood. The Urban Neighborhood designation description reads:
“This category primarily includes urban density homes in a variety of types, shapes,
sizes, and intensities. Large areas of any single type of housing are discouraged. In
limited instances, an area may develop at a lower gross density due to site constraints
and/or natural features such as floodplains or steep slopes. Complementary uses such
as parks, home-based occupations, fire stations, churches, schools, and some
neighborhood-serving commerce provide activity centers for community gathering and
services. The Urban Neighborhood designation indicates that development is expected
to occur within municipal boundaries. This may require annexation prior to
development.
Applying a zoning district to specific parcels sets the required and allowed density.
Higher density residential areas are encouraged to be, but are not required or
restricted to, proximity to commercial mixed-use areas to facilitate the provision of
services and employment opportunities without requiring the use of a car.”
The correlation between the future land use map of the growth policy and the zoning districts
is presented in Table 4 of the Bozeman Community Plan 2020. As shown in the following
Correlation with Zoning Table excerpt, the R-4 district is an implementing district of the Urban
Neighborhood.
In finding that this application meets criterion A, the analysis is cognizant that in many
planning efforts and discussions over the decades, the Planning Board and City Commission
have considered the various elements of the question of to grow or not grow and the
consequences of either approach. After considering this question, they have concluded that
having growth within the physical boundaries of Bozeman results in better outcomes than not.
Therefore, the BCP 2020 approaches growth as something that overall is positive but
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 29 of 51
recognizes that it does not come without drawbacks and that the community will change over
time.
The Applicant narrative makes a case in support of the requested zoning classification. Staff
generally concurs with these findings. Sheet 001 - Narrative of the Application, Project
Narrative, specially addressed the zoning review criteria and can be reviewed in the planning
project public document repository [External Link to Zoning Narrative].
As part of the City’s Community Plan Hub web site, the City is tracking its efforts to meet the
goals and objectives detailed in the BCP 2020. For example, under the City of Unique
Neighborhoods Theme is the Bozeman Residential Density Map – Community Plan Indicators
Map. The residential density map shows the nearest development to the subject property, the
Meadow Creek Subdivision, has a density of approximately 5 dwelling units per net acre. The
development in progress to the north has an active planning entitlement for 237 dwelling units
with a density of 11.7 dwelling units per acre. This data will improve its accuracy as the City
infills. Currently, there are undeveloped parcels that skew the results and push the value lower
than if you exclude vacant parcels in the calculation.
37
Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 30 of 51
Figure 1: Average Living Units per Acre by Zoning Designation, City of Bozeman/MT Dept. of Revenue
However, the histogram associated with the map shows the following general trends in relation
to each zoning district.
The R-4 zoning district correlates with the principles applied in the Bozeman Community Plan
2020 (BCP 2020). Some of the ten principles listed under Basic Planning Precepts of the Plan
are supported by the R-4 district. For example, “land use designations must respond to a broad
range of factors, including infrastructure, natural, and economic constraints, other community
priorities, and expectations of all affected parties concerning private development.” And
“gathering places and open spaces, including parks and trails, should be in convenient locations
to those they serve. Quality and function are superior to quantity alone.” The latter is achieved
by the City’s adopted development code.
Goals and Policies
A zoning amendment is also evaluated against the goals and policies of the BCP 2020. Most
of the goals and policies are not applicable to this application. Relevant goals and objectives
have been identified by staff. Conflict with the text of the growth policy hasn’t been identified.
The Short-Term Action list on page 63 of the BCP 2020 describes 14 items to implement the
growth policy. The first two relate to direct changes to the zoning map in support of listed
goals and objectives. These include increasing the intensity of zoning districts in already
developed areas. Beginning on page 71 of the BCP 2020 in the section titled Zoning
Amendment Review, the document discusses how the City implements zoning for new areas,
amendments to areas, and revisions to existing text. This section includes a discussion of when
the City may initiate a zoning change to a more intensive district to increase development
opportunities. This section demonstrates that the City, as a matter of policy, is supportive of
more intensive zoning districts and development. It is inconsistent with this approach to zone
at annexation for lower intensities than what infrastructure and planning documents will
support. This policy approach does not specify any individual district but does lean towards
the more intensive portion of the zoning district spectrum.
Goal N-3: Promote a diverse supply of quality housing units.
As noted above the area is designated as Urban Neighborhood according to the Future Land
Use Map (FLUM). This category primarily includes urban density homes in a variety of types,
shapes, sizes, and intensities. A variety of residential structures fall within the R-4 zone
including moderate sized apartments, two to four attached unit structures, and single-detached
structures. Currently, there are three homes on the subject project. The existence of the R-4
zoning does necessitate a change to the existing structures, although it permits attached housing
assuming all associated standards for lot size, parking, open areas, circulation are met.
Goal DCD-1: Support urban development within the City.
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The proposed zoning is occurring in conjunction with an annexation. Any future development
will be required to occur at urban densities and will be within the City. If the City Commission
declines the annexation, then the requested R-4 zoning will not occur.
DCD-2.2 Support higher density development along main corridors and at high visibility
street corners to accommodate population growth and support businesses.
Fowler Lane is a designated Minor Arterial as shown in the Bozeman Transportation Master
Plan, 2017 Edition. The subject property is within 0.75 miles of a variety of commercial
interests at the corner of Stucky Road and South 19th Avenue.
Therefore, placement of higher density development adjacent to Fowler Lane is consistent with
this objective.
DCD-1.11 Pursue annexations consistent with the future land use map and adopted facility
plans for development at urban intensity.
The proposed zoning is consistent with the future land use map and is within the current
facilities plans.
Goal RC-3: Collaborate with Gallatin County regarding annexation and development
patterns adjacent to the City to provide certainty for landowners and taxpayers.
Gallatin County has been notified of the proposed annexation.
RC-3.4 Encourage annexation of land adjacent to the City prior to development and
encourage annexation of wholly surrounded areas.
The property is not wholly surrounded within the city but is adjacent for over 1600 feet.
In addition to goals and objectives, the BCP 2020 includes descriptive statements regarding
what the goals and objectives seek to support and create. Page 27 of the BCP 2020 includes
the descriptive language for Theme 2, A City of Unique Neighborhoods. Reviewing the
language, themes of housing diversity, inclusion, and equity to serve different housing needs
are prevalent. Theme 2 emphasizes the importance of neighborhoods in the City’s
development. It is notable that none of the goals and objectives associated with Theme 2 calls
for fixing the character of developed areas in their status or prohibit the evolution of an area’s
character.
Therefore, staff finds the requested R-4 zoning classification comports with the Criterion A
and is in accordance with a growth policy.
B. Secure safety from fire and other dangers.
Criterion Met. There are three residential buildings currently on the lot and served by the
Hyalite Rural Fire District. Future development will be served by the Bozeman Fire
Department. Fire protection water supply will be provided by the City of Bozeman water
system. The property is not within any delineated floodplain nor does it have other known
natural hazards not common to the City as a whole. Upon annexation the subject property will
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 32 of 51
be provided with City emergency services including police, fire and ambulance. Future
development of the property will be required to conform to all City of Bozeman public safety,
building and land use requirements. The City provides emergency services to adjacent
properties and no obstacles have been identified in extending service to this parcel.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
18.02 International
Fire code
Adopt standards for
fire prevention and
control
Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Site plan and building
permit
38.400
Transportation
Facilities and
Access
Streets standards for
size and
construction
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.400.010 Streets,
general
Access for
emergency services
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan.
38.410.090 Fire
protection
requirements
Development design Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Subdivision, site plan,
and building permit
C. Promote public health, public safety, and general welfare.
Criterion Met. See comments in Section 6, Criteria A, B and D. City development standards
included in Chapter 38, Unified Development Code, building codes, and engineering standards
all ensure that this criterion is met. Adequate water and sewer supply and conveyance provide
for public health through clean water. Rapid and effective emergency response provides for
public safety. The City’s standards ensure that adequate services are provided prior to
construction of homes which advances this criterion. General welfare has been evaluated
during the adoption of Chapter 38 and found to be advanced. Provision of parks, control of
storm water, and other features of the City’s development standards advance the general
welfare. Compliance with the BCP 2020 advances the well-being of the community as a whole.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 33 of 51
The existing right-of-way and condition of Fowler Lane ensures adequate facilities for the
existing development. The application of terms of annexation requiring annexing the right-
of-way for Fowler Lane will ensure adequate facilities for any future development. Future
Development on site will require any improvements not installed to mitigate impacts and
meet the city’s complete street policies.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
18.02 International
Fire code
Adopt standards for
fire prevention and
control
Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Site plan and building
permit
38.400
Transportation
Facilities and
Access
Streets standards for
size and
construction
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.410.070
Municipal water,
sewer systems
Location and
requirement to
install.
Sewer collection
facilities plan,
Water facilities plan
Subdivision or site plan.
38.410.090 Fire
protection
requirements
Development design Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Subdivision, Site plan,
and building permit
38.420 Parks Standards for
location, type, and
development of
parks and trails
Park, Recreation,
and Active
Transportation Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.5 Project Design Site layouts,
landscaping,
building
configuration, signs,
lighting
Site plan and building
permit
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 34 of 51
D. Facilitate the provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks
and other public requirements.
Criterion Met. This property is included in future planning areas. The City conducts extensive
planning for municipal transportation, water, sewer, parks, and other facilities and services
provided by the City. The adopted plans allow the City to consider existing conditions and
identify enhancements needed to provide additional service needed by new development. The
City implements these plans through its capital improvements program that identifies
individual projects, project construction scheduling, and financing of construction.
Fowler Avenue has been recently constructed to an urban design standard and municipal water
and sewer mains extended to the northern edge of this property. The installed mains have the
capacity to serve this property with appropriate extensions into the site.
As stated in 38.300.020.C, the designation of a zoning district does not guarantee approval of
new development until the City verifies the availability of needed infrastructure. All zoning
districts in Bozeman enable a wide range of uses and intensities. At time of future subdivision
or site plan review the need for individual services can be more precisely determined. No
subdivision or site plan is approved without demonstration of adequate capacity.
38.300.020.C, “Placement of any given zoning district on an area depicted on the zoning
map indicates a judgment on the part of the city that the range of uses allowed within that
district are generally acceptable in that location. It is not a guarantee of approval for any
given use prior to the completion of the appropriate review procedure and compliance with
all of the applicable requirements and development standards of this chapter and other
applicable policies, laws and ordinances. It is also not a guarantee of immediate
infrastructure availability or a commitment on the part of the city to bear the cost of
extending services.”
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
18.02 International
Fire code
Adopt standards for
fire prevention and
control
Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Site plan and building
permit
38.400
Transportation
Facilities and
Access
Streets standards for
size and
construction
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.410.060
Easements
Location and form
of easements for
utilities
Transportation
Master Plan, Sewer
collection facilities
Annexation for collector
and arterial streets.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 35 of 51
plan, Water
facilities plan
Subdivision or site plan
for all others.
38.410.070
Municipal water,
sewer systems
Location and
requirement to
install.
Sewer collection
facilities plan,
Water facilities plan
Subdivision or site plan.
38.410.090 Fire
protection
requirements
Development design Fire/EMS master
plan, International
Fire Code
Subdivision, site plan,
and building permit
38.420 Parks Standards for
location, type, and
development of
parks and trails
Park, Recreation,
and Active
Transportation Plan
Subdivision or site plan
E. Reasonable provision of adequate light and air.
Criterion met. This criterion is not about individual preferences for a given degree of visual
openness but about preservation of public health. The R-4 district provides adequate light and
air through the Bozeman Unified Development Code’s standards for park and recreation
requirements, on-site open space for residential uses, maximum building height, lot coverage,
and setback requirements.
The form and intensity standards, Division 38.320, provide minimum lot areas, lot widths, lot
coverage and maximum floor area ratios, and prescribe require minimum separation from
property lines and limits building heights. Section 38.520.030 requires building placement to
ensure access to light and air. Division 38.420 and Section 38.520.060 require dedication of
parks and on-site open spaces to meet needs of residents. The standards provide a reasonable
provision of adequate light and air. Zone edge transitions do not apply in this location if the
R-4 is approved pursuant to section 38.320.060, BMC.
In addition to the zoning standards, adopted building codes contain more detailed
requirements for air circulation, window placement, and building separation that further
ensure the intent of this criterion is satisfied.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.320 Form and
Intensity Standards
Standards for
building placement
and maximum size
Subdivision, site plan
review, building permit
38.420 Parks Standards for
location, type, and
Park, Recreation,
and Active
Transportation Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 36 of 51
development of
parks and trails
38.520.060 On-site
residential and
commercial open
space
Private land open
area requirements
Site plan
F. The effect on motorized and non-motorized transportation systems.
Criterion met. Potential future development within a zoning district of R-4 will affect the City’s
motorized and non-motorized transportation system with potential increased traffic and vehicle
trips along Fowler Lane, and surrounding local streets, at the time of future development. The
subject property 10-acres and is located near to the intersection of Fowler Lane and Blackwood
Road. Due to the small size, potential impacts will be limited and therefore can be
accommodated by the existing street network.
The proposed zoning will allow for a higher density of uses than is currently allowed under
Agricultural Suburban County Zoning district. The City’s transportation plan is used to
evaluate transportation needs over the long term throughout the City and will evaluate impacts
of motorized vehicles along with bikes and pedestrians. The parks and trails plan also examine
and specify options for extensions of the existing trail network through this site. Future site
development will examine impacts in greater detail on the transportation network, parks, and
trails system, and municipal facilities when specific construction has been identified.
Furthermore, these future development reviews will ensure that development under the new
zoning will comply with the City’s standards for the provision of onsite parking for bicycles
and vehicles, as well as the requirements for onsite circulation.
Traffic impacts will be studied by the development team to demonstrate compliance with the
City’s long-range transportation plans. Future project development review will ensure
compliance with the acceptable traffic limits identified in the transportation plans, as well as
provide for the dedication of rights of way, construction or reconstruction of streets and trails,
payment of impact fees, and other contributions to service capacity as will be applicable to this
project.
As previously mentioned, the City conducts extensive planning for municipal transportation,
water, sewer, parks, sustainability, and other facilities and services provided by the City. The
adopted plans allow the City to consider existing conditions; and identify enhancements
needed to provide service to new development.
The subject properties are within the City’s land use, transportation, parks, and utility planning
areas. Those plans show this property as developing within the City when development is
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 37 of 51
proposed. Fowler Lane is classified as a minor arterial according to the Bozeman Area
Transportation Master Plan, 2017 Update [External link].
Future development and redevelopment of the property will be required to comply with
transportation-related standards and reviewed for impacts on the surrounding streets,
intersections, and sidewalks, and improvements to the transportation network to serve the
site, which will improve the overall transportation system. These improvements include
provisions for non-motorized transportation systems. The change in zoning district will have
a minimal effect on required road improvements, pedestrian or bicycle facilities, or similar
compliance with standards. The site is adjacent to Fowler Lane which has capacity to carry
additional traffic.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.400
Transportation
Facilities and
Access
Streets standards for
size and
construction
Transportation
Master Plan
Subdivision or site plan
review
38.410.060
Easements
Location and form
of easements for
utilities
Transportation
Master Plan,
Annexation for collector
and arterial streets.
Subdivision or site plan
for all others.
38.420.110
Recreation
Pathways
Location and
requirement to
install.
Park, Recreation,
and Active
Transportation Plan
Annexation for Class 1
Trails easement.
Subdivision or site plan
for all else.
The City has set minimum standards applicable to development to limit block length, ensure trail
and sidewalk connections, and provide streets adequate to carry traffic projected from
development. These standards are not applied at the time of the ZMA but are implemented
during the subdivision and site plan processes required before any construction may begin. See
also Section 6, Criterion D.
Prior to occupancy or other appropriate trigger the applicant must show all applicable
transportation systems are adequate to serve the proposed development and must meet minimum
City standards. The Applicant has been advised of specific code provisions that will apply with
future development proposals.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 38 of 51
G. Promotion of compatible urban growth.
Criterion Met. The Bozeman Community Plan establishes a preferred and compatible development
pattern. “The land use map sets generalized expectations for what goes where in the community…
The land use categories and descriptions provide a guide for appropriate development and
redevelopment locations for civic, residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses. The future
land use designations are important because they aim to further the vision and goals of the City
through promoting sustainability, citizen and visitor safety, and a high quality of life that will
shape Bozeman’s future.” (Community Plan P. 51)
Individuals may have widely varying opinions about what constitutes compatibility. To address
this wide variation of viewpoint, Compatible development and Compatible land use are defined in
Article 38.7 BMC to establish a common reference for consideration of this criterion and
application of development standards. They are defined as:
“Compatible development. The use of land and the construction and use of structures
which is in harmony with adjoining development, existing neighborhoods, and the
goals and objectives of the city's adopted growth policy. Elements of compatible
development include, but are not limited to, variety of architectural design; rhythm of
architectural elements; scale; intensity; materials; building siting; lot and building size;
hours of operation; and integration with existing community systems including water
and sewer services, natural elements in the area, motorized and non-motorized
transportation, and open spaces and parks. Compatible development does not require
uniformity or monotony of architectural or site design, density or use.
Compatible land use. A land use which may by virtue of the characteristics of its
discernible outward effects exist in harmony with an adjoining land use of differing
character. Effects often measured to determine compatibility include, but are not
limited to, noise, odor, light and the presence of physical hazards such as combustible
or explosive materials.”
As noted in the definition of Compatible development, there are many elements that contributed
to compatibility. The final sentence of the definition deserves emphasis “Compatible development
does not require uniformity or monotony of architectural or site design, density or use.”
Compatible development can be different than what is already in place. The City has adopted a
variety of standards to implement compatibility.
The proposed R-4 district is a residential district. The allowed uses for residential districts are set
in 38.310.030. Table 38.310.030.A - Permitted general and group residential uses in residential
zoning districts, shows permitted uses in the R-4 district and Table 38.310.030.B details permitted
accessory and non-residential uses in residential zoning districts.
The form and intensity standards for residential districts are in 38.320.030. Existing development
in the area includes moderately sized apartment buildings, two to four attached dwellings, and
single-detached residential structures. The minimum density for R-4 is 8 dwelling per net acre.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 39 of 51
The more intensive development elements allowed in the R-4 district is subject to additional
development standards established in Article 38.5, Project Design, of the municipal code. These
standards address both site and building design to enable differing uses and scales of development
to meet the definition of compatible in the municipal code and presented above. Section
38.500.010. – Purpose states:
“This article (38.5) implements the Bozeman's growth policy. Overall, this article:
A. Provides clear objectives for those embarking on the planning and design of
development projects in Bozeman;
B. Preserves and protects the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of
Bozeman;
C. Ensures that new commercial and multi-household development is of high quality and
beneficially contributes to Bozeman's character;
D. Ensures that new developments within existing neighborhoods are compatible with,
and enhance the character of Bozeman's neighborhoods;
E. Promotes an increase in walking and bicycling throughout the City;
F. F. Enhances the livability of Bozeman's residential developments;
G. Maintains and enhances property values within Bozeman.”
The intent of the R-4 district, 38.300.100.E, BMC, “is to provide for high-density residential
development through a variety of housing types within the city with associated service functions.
This purpose is accomplished by:
1. Providing for minimum lot sizes in developed areas consistent with the
established development patterns while providing greater flexibility for clustering
lots and mixing housing types in newly developed areas.
2. Providing for a variety of compatible housing types, including single and multi-
household dwellings to serve the varying needs of the community's residents.
3. Allowing office use as a secondary use, measured by percentage of total building
area.
Use of this zone is appropriate for areas adjacent to mixed-use districts, commercial
districts, and/or served by transit to accommodate a higher density of residents in
close proximity to jobs and services.”
The proposed amendment is associated with an annexation creating an incremental increase in the
size of the City. As discussed in Section 6, Criterion A above, both the City’s and County’s growth
policies expect this area to transition from rural to urban development. The unannexed areas
adjacent to this property are agricultural or detached homes on an individual large lot in
conformance with the Gallatin County AS zoning.
The City Commission has adopted standards to control development impacts and support
compatibility. The following excerpt from the BCP 2020, page 75 describes the City’s approach.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 40 of 51
“What combination of uses under what conditions can work well together? There is a
wide range of possible answers for each community to consider. Some communities
take a highly prescriptive worst-case view and try to restrain all possible points of
perceived conflict. This tends to create a very homogenous community with little
interest or scope for creativity. Bozeman takes a different approach. The worst case
scenario is recognized as unlikely, but possible. Development standards deal with the
majority of cases, while restraining extraordinary problems.
The City creates standards under items 1 through 3; when one district is adjacent to
another and is consistent with the growth policy, any physical conflicts will be minimal,
if present at all. The City’s zoning policy encourages continued development of mixed
uses. … The City uses the broad scope of its development standards to enable differing
uses to be successful near each other. This shows on the zoning map where districts
providing a wide diversity of uses are intermixed.”
This proposal amends the zoning map and not the text. Therefore, no element of this amendment
modifies the standards of any zoning district. The character of the districts as created by those
standards remains intact.
As noted above, the City Commission has latitude in considering the geographical extents of a
zoning district. Application of any municipal zoning district to the subject property will alter the
existing agricultural character of the subject property. It is not expected that zoning freeze the
character of an area in perpetuity. Rather, it provides a structured method to consider changes to
the character.
Application of any municipal zoning district to the subject property and subsequent development
will alter the existing character of the subject property. Zoning doesn’t freeze the character of an
area in perpetuity. Rather, it provides a structured method to consider changes to the character.
The BCP 2020 notes,
“…when considering an amendment to the zoning map both the actual and possible
built environment are evaluated. If the amendment is accompanying an annexation
request, there is often a substantial change in use that will occur. In this case, the
Commission must look at what the growth policy recommends for the area, as there is
less built context to provide guidance.”
Staff concludes that although the R-4 is different than some surrounding zoning, it is compatible
urban growth as called for in the growth policy. See also discussion for Section 6, Criteria A &
H.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.310 Permitted
Uses
What can be done
where in the city.
Growth policy Subdivision, site plan,
building permit
48
Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 41 of 51
38.320 Form and
Intensity Standards
Standards for
building placement
and maximum size
Subdivision, site plan,
building permit
38.320.060 Zone
Edge Transitions
Height adjustments
on the edge of some
zones
Site plan
38.340 Overlay
District Standards
Historic
preservation
SOI Standards for
Historic
Preservation,
Design Guidelines
for Historic
Preservation
Site plan and building
permit
38.5 Project Design Site layouts,
landscaping,
building
configuration, signs,
lighting
Site plan and building
permit
H. Character of the district.
Criterion Met. Section 76-2-302, MCA says “…legislative body may divide the municipality into
districts of the number, shape, and area as are considered best suited to carry out the purposes
[promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community] of this part.”
This proposal amends the zoning map and not the text. Therefore, no element of this amendment
modifies the standards of any zoning district. The character of the districts as created by those
standards remains unaltered. Even though the criterion is most applicable to text amendments it
still must be applied to consideration of zoning map amendments. The requested zoning meets the
requirements of this criterion because, although different, it is compatible with surrounding zoning,
existing roads and a park will provide a buffer between future development on this parcel and
existing residential uses, and promotes urban growth as called for in the BCP 2020. Housing is the
dominant use in both the proposed R-4 district and the adjacent R-3 and R-4 districts. The proposed
amendment only applies to the Applicant’s property and does not change what is or is not allowed
on adjacent property.
As noted above, the City Commission has discretion within the limits of the State established
criteria in considering the location and geographical extents of a zoning district. Implementation
of zoning must also be in accordance with the adopted growth policy. As noted in Section 6,
Criterion A, the City policy calls for a diverse and densifying land use pattern. See discussion in
Section 6, Criterion A.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 42 of 51
The BCP 2020 includes several objectives applicable to this criterion. These are:
N-1.11 Enable a gradual and predictable increase in density in developed areas over
time.
N-1.2 Increase required minimum densities in residential districts.
N-3.5 Strongly discourage private covenants that restrict housing diversity or are
contrary to City land development policies or climate action plan goals.
Application of any municipal zoning district to the subject property and subsequent development
will alter the existing character of the subject property, which is suburban. Likewise, development
under any municipal zoning district will be visually different from adjacent unannexed property.
This is true even if both are used for similar types of housing due to the differences between
municipal and county zoning. Similarly, development will likely be different from other annexed
properties. For example, properties to the east are zoned City of Bozeman R-3 and developed as
detached single-household structures.
Zoning doesn’t freeze the character of an area in perpetuity. Rather, it provides a structured method
to consider changes to the character. The BCP 2020 notes,
“…when considering an amendment to the zoning map both the actual and possible
built environment are evaluated. If the amendment is accompanying an annexation
request there is often a substantial change in use that will occur. In this case, the
Commission must look at what the growth policy recommends for the area, as there is
less built context to provide guidance.”
See Section 6, Criterion A above for discussion about the application and growth policy and
anticipated change to the character of the area.
The City has defined compatible development as:
“The use of land and the construction and use of structures which is in harmony with
adjoining development, existing neighborhoods, and the goals and objectives of the
city's adopted growth policy. Elements of compatible development include, but are not
limited to, variety of architectural design; rhythm of architectural elements; scale;
intensity; materials; building siting; lot and building size; hours of operation; and
integration with existing community systems including water and sewer services,
natural elements in the area, motorized and non-motorized transportation, and open
spaces and parks. Compatible development does not require uniformity or monotony
of architectural or site design, density or use.”
As noted above, the City Commission has latitude in considering the geographical extents of a
zoning district. To date, the City of Bozeman has not defined a specific area outside of the area
itself to be rezoned for consideration of this criterion. A review of the existing uses within a quarter
mile radius of the amendment site shows generally consistent zoning and use agricultural and
suburban to the south and west, urban and residential to the north and east. Notably are R-4, the
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 43 of 51
same as what is being proposed which allows a variety of housing types in close proximity, R-3,
is a municipal district and allows a wide variety of housing types including detached homes,
townhomes, and other forms of attached homes, as well as various institutional and light
commercial uses.
Page 77 of the BCP 2020 describing review of zoning map amendments states “When evaluating
compliance with criteria, it is appropriate to consider all the options allowed by the requested
district and not only what the present applicant describes as their intensions.” When evaluating
compatibility between zoning districts, Staff considers the full range of allowable uses, not only
what is built now or proposed by a specific project.
The property is not within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District, a historic district, or
any other designated area.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.310 Permitted
Uses
What can be done
where in the city.
Growth policy Subdivision, site plan,
building permit
38.320 Form and
Intensity Standards
Standards for
building placement
and maximum size
Subdivision, site plan,
building permit
38.320.060 Zone
Edge Transitions
Height adjustments
on the edge of some
zones
Site plan
38.340 Overlay
District Standards
Historic
preservation
SOI Standards for
Historic
Preservation,
Design Guidelines
for Historic
Preservation
Site plan and building
permit
38.5 Project Design Site layouts,
landscaping,
building
configuration, signs,
lighting
Site plan and building
permit
Development within the City is more land efficient than rural or suburban development in
unannexed areas. Urban intensity development whether more intensive apartment style
development or more typical medium density residential is much more land efficient than
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 44 of 51
rural/suburban development.. Development within the City also provides for a wide range of
housing types to meet a wide range of housing needs. Development within the City lessens
likelihood of conversion of agricultural and open spaces to other uses but does convert uses on
some land with annexation. The City expects urban development within the municipal boundary.
Table 4 of the BCP 2020, see Section 6, Criterion A above, identifies the implementing zoning
districts of the Urban Neighborhood future land use category. That category allows for zoning
districts that authorize a wide range of possible future development. There are no zoning districts
which are limited to only one type of development. All zoning districts implementing the Urban
Neighborhood category provide for a range of housing types, institutions, and commercial
activities. The expansiveness and intensity allowed varies between districts. As noted in this report,
the BCP 2020 calls for evaluation of the entire range of uses in zoning districts when evaluating
criteria for zoning amendments.
The proposed R-4 zoning district and the adjacent R-3 and existing R-4 zoning districts are
residential in nature and are more similar than different in uses and standards. Development in R-
4 that is more intensive than that allowed in some municipal zones, such as an apartment building,
is subject to the standards of Article 38.5. Article 38.5 imposes a variety of standards on site and
building design. However, a text amendment in 2021 allows “limited apartments” in the R-3
district. Limited apartments are structures that host up to eight dwellings units.
Evaluation of this situation is guided by the growth policy. On page 76 of the BCP 2020 under
discussion of application of this zoning criteria is says:
“Second, when considering an amendment to the zoning map both the actual and
possible built environment are evaluated. If the amendment is accompanying an
annexation request there is often a substantial change in use that will occur. In this
case, the Commission must look at what the growth policy recommends for the area,
as there is less built context to provide guidance.”
The standards adopted by the City prevent physically dangerous spillover effects. An example is
the capture, treatment and discharge controls from additional storm water runoff as additional
impervious surfaces are built. Required setbacks from property lines, landscaping requirements,
and similar site and building standards address character and compatibility. These and other
standards carry out the intent and purpose of the City’s land development standards in Chapter 38
of the municipal code.
Sec. 38.100.040. - Intent and purpose of chapter.
A. The intent of this unified development chapter is to protect the public health, safety and
general welfare; to recognize and balance the various rights and responsibilities
relating to land ownership, use, and development identified in the United States and
State of Montana constitutions, and statutory and common law; to implement the city's
adopted growth policy; and to meet the requirements of state law.
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Staff Report for the 5532 Fowler Ln Annexation and Zone Map Amendment Page 45 of 51
Zoning does not prohibit change but provides a structure within which change can occur. Such
changes include modifications to both the text and zoning map. Such amendments are authorized
in the zoning enabling act for municipalities. Landowners have both property rights and
responsibilities. The City has adopted development standards to ensure that responsibilities are
met while landowners exercise their property rights. The City has not chosen, and is not required,
to adopt standards for all issues. For example, standards have not been adopted regarding
preservation of view sheds or extra separation of buildings from unannexed property.
Staff concludes that although the R-4 is reflective of the character of the district. See also
discussion for Section 6, Criteria A, G, and F.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.310 Permitted
Uses
What can be done
where in the city.
Growth policy Subdivision, site plan,
building permit
38.320 Form and
Intensity Standards
Standards for
building placement
and maximum size
Subdivision, site plan,
building permit
38.320.060 Zone
Edge Transitions
Height adjustments
on the edge of some
zones
Site plan
38.340 Overlay
District Standards
Historic
preservation
SOI Standards for
Historic
Preservation,
Design Guidelines
for Historic
Preservation
Site plan and building
permit
38.5 Project Design Site layouts,
landscaping,
building
configuration, signs,
lighting
Site plan and building
permit
I. Peculiar suitability for particular uses.
Criterion met. The proposed amendment does not modify the existing standards of the R-4 district.
Therefore, the impact of the amendment is limited to this application site. The proposed use is
residential, the same as the dominant use in the vicinity and has proximity to educational and
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commercial activities used to support the residential uses. The Future Land Use Map show this
area designated for residential use.
Municipal Code
Section and Title
Subject Related
Documents
When standard is
applied
38.310 Permitted
Uses
What can be done
where in the city.
Growth policy Subdivision, site plan
review, building permit
38.320 Form and
Intensity Standards
Standards for
building placement
and maximum size
Subdivision, site plan
review, building permit
38.600 Natural
Resource Protection
Protect watercourses
and wetlands
FEMA Floodplain
study
Subdivision, site plan
review, building permit
J. Conserving the value of buildings.
Neutral. The proposed amendment does not modify the existing standards of the R-4 district. R-4
zoning is residential in nature and allows a variety of housing types as long as the minimum density
of 8 DU per acre is achieved. The immediate Future land Use and zoning surrounding the property
is residential in nature.
The form of the future development is not known at this juncture and will emerge with future
development applications. The permitted uses must conform to the adopted zoning.
Any new structures at the site will be required to meet setback and other protective requirements
set forth in the Bozeman Municipal Code. Compliance will alleviate potential negative impacts
to the value of surrounding buildings and properties. As described in earlier criteria, the proposed
zoning is compatible with existing buildings on adjacent properties and does not create any new
situations not in compliance with municipal code.
K. Encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the jurisdictional
area.
Criterion Met. The proposed R-4 zoning designation will encourage the most appropriate use
of land as the property is adjacent to both residential and commercial uses. There is access to
the city’s services, including streets, thus can support a higher intensity of uses as allowed
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within the R-4 zoning district. Furthermore, the proposed R-4 zoning designation is generally
consistent with the BCP 2020 future land use map designation of “Urban Neighborhood”.
PROTEST NOTICE FOR ZONING AMENDMENTS
IN THE CASE OF WRITTEN PROTEST AGAINST SUCH CHANGES SIGNED BY THE
OWNERS OF 25% OR MORE OF THE AREA OF THE LOTS WITHIN THE AMENDMENT
AREA OR THOSE LOTS OR UNITS WITHIN 150 FEET FROM A LOT INCLUDED IN A
PROPOSED CHANGE, THE AMENDMENT SHALL NOT BECOME EFFECTIVE EXCEPT
BY THE FAVORABLE VOTE OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE PRESENT AND VOTING
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION.
The City will accept written protests from property owners against the proposal
described in this report until the close of the public hearing before the City
Commission. Pursuant to 76-2-305, MCA, a protest may only be submitted by the owner(s)
of real property within the area affected by the proposal or by owner(s) of real property that
lie within 150 feet of an area affected by the proposal. The protest must be in writing and
must be signed by all owners of the real property. In addition, a sufficient protest must: (i)
state the writing is a “protest”, rather than merely expressing opposition; (ii) contain a
description of the action protested sufficient to identify the action against which the protest is
lodged; and (iii) contain a statement of the protestor's qualifications (including listing all
owners of the property and the physical address), to protest the action against which the
protest is lodged, including ownership of property affected by the action. Signers are
encouraged to print their names after their signatures. A person may in writing withdraw a
previously filed protest at any time prior to final action by the City Commission. Protests
must be delivered to the Bozeman City Clerk, 121 North Rouse Ave., PO Box 1230,
Bozeman, MT 59771-1230.
APPENDIX A - DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND
BACKGROUND
The property owner, KDG Holdings, LLC, seek to annex a single parcel totaling 10 acres plus
adjacent rights-of-way into the City limits and establish an initial zoning of R-4, Residential
High-Density District. The property is currently zoned “Agriculture Suburban” (AS) within
the County administered Gallatin County Bozeman Area Zoning District (the Donut). The
purpose is to demolish the existing residential structures and replace it with a multi-family
residential structures.
The subject property is tract land and has never formally been through a subdivision process.
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Adjacent city zoning includes R-4 and R-3districts. The properties to the south and west have
not been annexed and are zoned AS, Agriculture Suburban in the Gallatin County/Bozeman
Area Zoning District.
The Future Land Use Map in the Bozeman Community Plan (BCP) 2020 designates the
property as “Urban Neighborhood” which includes the R-4 district as an implementing zoning
district. The subject properties are within the urban planning and municipal service area for the
City.
The property is not within the NCOD, a historic district, or a city recognized neighborhood.
The subject property has a primary access from Fowler Lane, a Minor Arterial according to
the Bozeman Transportation Master Plan, 2017 Update.
APPENDIX B - NOTICING AND PUBLIC COMMENT
Notice was published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle on March 1, and March 15, 2025. The
notice was posted on site and notices mailed by the applicant as required by 38.220 and the
required confirmation provided to the Planning Office. Notice was provided to exceed
minimum standards of State law for notice.
No public comment has been received on this as of the production of this report.
APPENDIX C - PROJECT GROWTH POLICY AND PROPOSED ZONING
Adopted Growth Policy Designation:
The property is designated as “Urban Neighborhood” in the Bozeman Community Plan 2020.
“This category primarily includes urban density homes in a variety of types, shapes,
sizes, and intensities. Large areas of any single type of housing are discouraged. In
limited instances, an area may develop at a lower gross density due to site constraints
and/or natural features such as floodplains or steep slopes. Complementary uses such
as parks, home-based occupations, fire stations, churches, schools, and some
neighborhood-serving commerce provide activity centers for community gathering and
services. The Urban Neighborhood designation indicates that development is expected
to occur within municipal boundaries. This may require annexation prior to
development.
Applying a zoning district to specific parcels sets the required and allowed density.
Higher density residential areas are encouraged to be, but are not required or
restricted to, proximity to commercial mixed use areas to facilitate the provision of
services and employment opportunities without requiring the use of a car.”
Proposed Zoning Designation and Land Uses:
The applicant has requested zoning of R-4, Residential High Density District whose intent is to:
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“Residential high density district (R-4). The intent of the R-4 residential high density
district is to provide for high-density residential development through a variety of
housing types within the city with associated service functions. This purpose is
accomplished by:
1. Providing for minimum lot sizes in developed areas consistent with the established
development patterns while providing greater flexibility for clustering lots and
mixing housing types in newly developed areas.
2. Providing for a variety of compatible housing types, including single and multi-
household dwellings to serve the varying needs of the community's residents.
3. Allowing office use as a secondary use, measured by percentage of total building
area.
Use of this zone is appropriate for areas adjacent to mixed-use districts, commercial
districts, and/or served by transit to accommodate a higher density of residents in close
proximity to jobs and services.”
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APPENDIX D - OWNER INFORMATION AND REVIEWING STAFF
Owner:KDG Holdings, LLC; 5532 Fowler Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715
Applicant:Intrinsik Architecture, Inc.; Attn: Tyler Steinway; 106 East Babcock Street,
Suite 1A, Bozeman, MT 59715
Representative:Intrinsik Architecture, Inc.; Attn: Tyler Steinway; 106 East Babcock Street,
Suite 1A, Bozeman, MT 59715
Report By:Zachary Moon, Associate Planner, Community Development Department
FISCAL EFFECTS
No unusual fiscal effects have been identified. No presently budgeted funds will be changed by
this Annexation or Zone Map Amendment.
ATTACHMENTS
The full application and file of record can be viewed at the Community Development Department
at 20 E. Olive Street, Bozeman, MT 59715. In addition, application materials can be viewed on
the City’s development map at the following link.
Application Narrative
Annexation Map
Zone Map Amendment Map
Application Drawings
Application Documents
Application Notice
59
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Community Development Board
FROM:Chris Saunders, Community Development Manager
Erin George, Community Development Interim Director
SUBJECT:Upcoming Items for the April 7, 2025, Community Development Board
Meeting
MEETING DATE:March 17, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission
RECOMMENDATION:Information only, no action required.
STRATEGIC PLAN:1.2 Community Engagement: Broaden and deepen engagement of the
community in city government, innovating methods for inviting input from
the community and stakeholders.
BACKGROUND:The following items are presently scheduled for review at the April 7, 2025,
Community Development Board meeting:
1. Update to Stormwater Facilities Plan [External Link]. Considered in the
role as the Planning Commission.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:None.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Report compiled on: March 11, 2025
60
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Community Development Board
FROM:Chris Saunders, Community Development Manager
Erin George, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:Update to Community Development Board on 2025 Montana Legislative
Session
MEETING DATE:March 17, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Community Development - Legislative
RECOMMENDATION:Receive information
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:The City conducts land use planning and regulation within the framework
established by the state. In 2023, the Montana Legislature made many
changes in laws we must address. That trend is continuing in this 2025
session. As the Board is aware, the City is working to update the Unified
Development Code. This work is, in part, to implement the changes the state
made in 2023. Staff will provide a quick overview of ongoing legislation that
may impact the UDC update.
The Legislature's website is https://www.legmt.gov/ [External Link].
The State provides a tool, Bill Explorer [External link] to enable people to
view the text of bills, track their status, identify a bill sponsor, and see other
relevant information.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None, this is an information item only.
ALTERNATIVES:Not applicable.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Report compiled on: March 12, 2025
61