HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-25 Public Comment - M. Kaveney - HPAB - comments for Landmark Program ReportF.
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From:Marcia Kaveney
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]HPAB - comments for Landmark Program Report
Date:Wednesday, April 16, 2025 11:58:32 AM
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Dear Historic Preservation Board Members-
Tonight you will be discussing the Phase 1 report of the Landmark Program and next steps which include plansfor updating UDC codes.
I am writing to encourage you to codify the NCOD landscaping guidelines as compulsory standards in the UDCupdate. I urge this specific code inclusion because mature trees and vegetation on or near boulevards add much to aneighborhood's character and because the mature trees themselves are appreciating assets to Bozeman's UrbanForest.
I also urge this, because I have discovered, in recent site plan or COA approvals, that NCOD landscapingguidelines are usually not included in staff reports or applicant narratives. As I learned during the Guthrie 2 appealhearing, development staff have interpreted the NCOD guidelines as non-compulsory because of the word "guideline"itself. To give NCOD guidelines and standards "teeth" it's time to ensure they are codified and can therefore receivefull attention from staff.
Arguably, mature trees are as significant as some of the built environment when looking at preservation ofneighborhood character and as such should be protected. One small change to the UDC code that could make a largepositive change in staff interpretation of tree protection is shown below- in bold and underlined.
Thank you for your consideration of this code text amendment.
Sincerely, Marcia Kaveney
DIVISION 38.340. - OVERLAY DISTRICT STANDARDS
Part 1. - Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District and Historic Preservation
Sec. 38.340.010. - Intent and purpose.
It is further the purpose of the conservation district designation to protect and enhance neighborhoods or areasof significant land planning or architectural character, historic landmarks or other built or natural features for the
educational, cultural, economic benefit or enjoyment of citizens of the city. It will be the policy and responsibility ofthe administrative entities of this part 1 to:
Protect, preserve, enhance and regulate historically significant structures, archaeological or cultural sites, andareas that:
Are unique or irreplaceable assets to the city and its neighborhoods,such as mature trees and vegetation on orwithin 10 feet of boulevards;