HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.0 108 West Babcock Departure Request - S Willson Ave sidewalk
102 N Broadway, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587.1997 Fax (406) 587.0311
2024.08.26
Bozeman Planning Division
20 E Olive Street
Bozeman, MT 59715
Re: 108 West Babcock St – Site Plan Application No. 8249
Departure Request from Storefront Block Frontage Standards 38.510.030.B
‐ S Willson Ave Sidewalk Width
Dear Planning Staff:
This letter serves as a request for a departure from the Bozeman UDC Section 38.510.030 – Block Frontage
Standards Table 38.510.030.B which states that 12 feet minimum between curb edge and storefront (area
includes clear/buffer zone with street trees). The site plan Sheet C1.1 shows that there is a proposed
sidewalk width of 7’‐0” along S Willson Ave which does not meet the minimum width requirement of 12’‐
0”. Below is a discussion of the present and future site conditions per Section 38.510.030.B of the UDC
addressing this deviation request.
There is currently a 2200 square feet two story unoccupied building on the property, which was most
recently used to house a multidisciplinary Engineering firm (IMEG). The current sidewalk along West
Babcock is 7’‐0” in width and contains no street trees or site lighting.
The proposed redevelopment would include the demolition of the existing structure, new construction of
a four‐story multi‐use building with commercial space and residential entry/lobby on the ground floor,
commercial space on the second floor, and two residential units per floor on the third and fourth floors –
15,000 square feet total building area, along with associated site improvements. Access to the property is
via the alley to the West.
Due to the existing character of the length of S Willson Ave which includes a landscape boulevard and
mature and historic tress and sidewalk width of 5’‐0, we are proposing to not disrupt this pedestrian
experience by maintaining the landscape boulevard yet widening the sidewalk to 7’‐0” for the length of
the property along Willson. Visually the street front will be consistent with the neighboring properties
along both sides of S Willson Ave up to the intersection of West Babcock. Recognizing that any existing
trees in the boulevard may not survive during construction, although attempts will be made to save them,
new trees will be planted, as required. A small landscape buffer against the building will add a layer of
visual color against the building façade.