HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-25 Public Comment - R. Brey - UDC updateFrom:Ron Brey
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC update
Date:Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:45:12 AM
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This is more of a question than a comment. I think I have missed something along the way.
We are coming down the homestretch of the adoption of the UDC update. Our Community
Plan was updated in 2020.
My question has to do with the relationship between the UDC and the Bozeman Community
Plan..
Our Community Plan (Growth Policy) states in part: ”State law requires review and
consideration of the need for amendments through Section 76-1-601(3) (f), of the
Montana Code Annotated which reads:
"(f) an implementation strategy that includes:
(i) a timetable for implementing the growth policy; (ii) a list of conditions that will
lead to a revision of the growth policy; and
(iii) a timetable for reviewing the growth policy at least once every 5 years and
revising the policy if necessary;"
Statute goes on to state some requirements for that review. If this has not been done, it
appears that it will be required in 2025.
The 2023-2024 Community Plan Implementation Report further states:” The Plan will be
reviewed five years after adoption and updated as needed.”
Given the widespread discontent with the Plan implementation and public discussion
concerning needed revisions, it’s clear that updates will be needed
76-2-304 MCA Criteria and Guidelines for Zoning Regulations states:
“(1) Zoning regulations must be:
a.
Made in accordance with a growth policy
If I am understanding this correctly, the UDC (Zoning Regulations) must be made in
accordance with the Community Plan (Growth Policy) which is up for revision yet this year.
Meaningful revisions could require another update of the UDC in short order.
The requirement for accordance makes sense to me. The Community Plan is a 20 year
vision of what is desired for the community over that time frame.. The UDC is an essential
tool in realizing that vision. To reverse the order of adoption so that the Plan is developed
to coordinate with existing development regulations turns the planning process on its head
and ignores the state mandated sequence of vision followed by implementation strategies.
What am I missing?
Ron Brey
Bozeman