HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-25 Public Comment - T. Steinway - UDC Requested Edit - Activation DepthFrom:Tyler Steinway
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Chris Saunders; Rob Pertzborn
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC Requested Edit - Activation Depth
Date:Monday, November 3, 2025 12:10:39 PM
Attachments:UDC Requested Edit - Activation Depth 2025.11.3.pdf
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Good Morning –
Please see the attached for review & consideration starting with the Community Development
Board.
Thank you,
Tyler
Tyler Steinway, AICP | Senior Planner
Intrinsik Architecture, Inc.
106 East Babcock Street Suite 1A Bozeman, Montana 59715
O. 406.582.8988 Direct: 406.426.9568 M. 406.220.8210
3 November 2025
Community Development Board / City Commission
via Email: Csaunders@bozeman.net
RE: Unified Development Code 9/19 Draft
Subject: Request for Amendments: Activation Depth
We find that Section 38.260.120.A.3.c Activation Depth for parking spaces is somewhat vague and
can be misinterpreted. We request slight modifications to point Subsection C, below.
Original Language
Parking spaces and other vehicle use areas are not allowed in any portion of the required
active depth.
Proposed Language
Parking spaces and other vehicle use areas are not allowed in any portion of the required
active depth used to meet the build-to requirements. Parking spaces are allowed in the
activation depth in areas that exceed the build-to requirements.
The original standard could be misinterpreted to suggest that parking spaces must always be
screened behind an activation depth, even though the applicability section clearly states that the
standards apply only to portions of the build-to zone. This revision removes that ambiguity, making
it clear that the activation depth requirement for parking applies only to the build-to percentage.
Parking areas located beyond the build-to zone may be screened internally by the building. Exterior
surface parking lots are allowed in the area with landscape screening. It makes sense to be able to
also screen the parking inside a building. Building lengths are limited in other sections of the code.
Please see the requested edits on the following page.
Thank you for your considerations,
Intrinsik Architecture
Robert J. Pertzborn, AIA Tyler Steinway, AICP
PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT | SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 2-113 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE | BOZEMAN, MONTANA
ARTICLE 2 - ZONING DISTRICTS
sec. 38.260.120. - Activation
A. Active Depth
The horizontal depth of a building that must contain active uses.
1. Purpose
To help minimize the impact of inactive spaces on the public realm and to promote a comfortable,
safe, engaging, and attractive built environment.
2. Applicability
a. Active depth standards apply to the portions of a building used to meet the required build-to -
see 38.260.080.
b. The active depth requirement applies to the ground story of a building only.
3. Standards
a. Applicable portions of a building must provide the minimum active depth required by the
zoning district.
b. No more than 20% of the floor area of the required active depth can be used for inactive uses
such as storage, hallways, stairwells, elevators, and equipment rooms.
c. Parking spaces and other vehicle use areas are not allowed in any portion of the required
active depth.
4. Measurement
Active depth is measured inward from the exterior face of the building facade,
Figure 38.260.120-1. Active depth measurement.
Active Depth (min)
Ground Floor only