HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 Public Comment - P. Olliff - Please Strengthen Section 38.410.010 in the UDC UpdateFrom:Peggy Olliff
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Please Strengthen Section 38.410.010 in the UDC Update
Date:Monday, December 1, 2025 8:23:16 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Commissioners,
I’m writing to ask you to strengthen the General Design Standards, Section 38.410.010(Natural Environment), during the upcoming UDC adoption. The section currently states that
development “must, to the extent possible, preserve the natural terrain, natural drainage,existing topsoil, trees and other existing vegetation.”
In practice, the phrase “to the extent possible” is not strong enough. It leaves room forcomplete site clearing with little justification. We have seen this firsthand before, even when
City plans emphasize preservation.
The Sensitive Lands Protection Plan (p. 87) already uses stronger language, stating that
native plants and mature trees should be preserved “to the maximum extent possible.” It alsonotes that preservation is more cost-effective and that once disturbed, a site’s ecological and
visual integrity is difficult to restore.
To align with the City’s own adopted plans, please revise Section 38.410.010 to read:
“The design and development of all land uses must be properly related to topography,and must, to the maximum extent possible, preserve the natural terrain, naturaldrainage, existing topsoil, trees, and other existing vegetation.”
This small but important change will strengthen land stewardship in Bozeman and help ensure
that preservation goals are actually implemented.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,Peggy and Tom Olliff
4857 Victory St.
Bozeman, MT 59718