HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-25 Public Comment - S. Roe - Final UDC suggestionsFrom:Sandra Roe
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Final UDC suggestions
Date:Sunday, November 30, 2025 8:06:28 PM
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Hello Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Commissioners,
I'm writing today to ask for some additional improvements to the development code before final adoption. I
generally support the recommendations submitted by the Better Bozeman Coalition in November and available on
their website resources page.
Here are a few more:
1). Remove the loophole in the Zone Edge Transition code that would allow developers to cede a few feet or even
inches to increase the right-of-way, thereby getting out of building the actual transition.
2). Cap height in the B-3 zone at 60 feet as required by state law SB-243, and only award extra height through the
AHO incentives, so that we get affordable housing.
3). Keep the Bon Ton and Centennial Park neighborhoods as R-A, the way they are shown in the proposed map,
while adopting the Existing Building Alternative to allow structures over 35 years old to internally divide into 4
units.
4). Add the word "maximum" to the section of code in 38.410.010.B Natural Environment, per the Bozeman Tree
Coalitions recommendations. Our Sensitive Lands Plan actually uses this language, so it should be incorporated in
code.
5). Require new and relocating frats and sororities to have a single gathering space that accommodates a minimum
of 70 people. We should aim to avoid conflicts we've seen in the past so that both residential neighborhoods and
Greek Houses can thrive.
6). Gallatin Watershed Council has made many workable suggestions for improving the UDC. Please require an
aquatic resource delineation report at pre-application as well as other recommendations from their public comment
submitted November 21st.
7). Please incorporate some of the recommendations from the Midtown Neighborhood Association detailed in their
public comment, including those with regards to zoning map conflicts, parkland dedication, and transportation
standards in code.
8). Do not expand the B-3 zoning district to East Curtiss. The neighbors have submitted many interesting histories
of their homes, which they have lovingly restored or renovated under strict Historic Preservation Guidelines, and
with considerable expense. Expanding B-3 could result in negative impacts to this historic district, especially if the
zone edge transition loophole remains!
Thank you for incorporating these code improvements in the final Unified Development Code update.
While I have not written my own words about these issues, I heartily support each one that BBC has recommended.
It is astounding to me that one individual Bozeman citizen who wants to be a responsible community member, has
to commit to unending complex and time-consuming oversight of Commission work to protect the value of their
property, let alone the nature of their community going forward. The Commission should be on the side of the
citizens, who have already invested in this community, before the interests of developers, most of whom don’t care
if there are no trees, too tall buildings, lost history, loss of water, lack of parking, etc.
Thank you,
Sandra Roe329 Lindley PlaceBozeman, MT 59715
Sent from my iPad