HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-09-25 Public Comment - D. Fraser - UDC Adoption - B3 HeightFrom:Duncan Fraser
To:Bozeman Public Comment; Chuck Winn; Terry Cunningham; Jennifer Madgic; Emma Bode; Douglas Fischer; JoeyMorrison
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UDC Adoption - B3 Height
Date:Tuesday, December 9, 2025 11:42:43 AM
Attachments:Opposition to Height Reduction in B3 District Final.pdf
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Dear City Commissioners,
Please find my letter of support and request for B3 height reversal attached. Thank you.
Duncan FraserBozeman Resident
12/09/2025
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners,
I have been a Bozeman resident for over 20 years and own property in the B3 zoning district.
I am writing to request that you amend the draft Unified Development Code prior to final
adoption on December 16, 2025, by restoring the maximum height in the B3 district
(outside the B3-Core) to 90 feet.
The 90-foot height standard for the general B3 district was included in draft versions of the
UDC for more than two years. It was publicly noticed, thoroughly reviewed, and supported
by Planning Department staff, the Community Development Board, design professionals,
and the majority of public input received throughout the process.
The decision to reduce the height to 70 feet was made without public notice that the item
was under consideration for amendment, without a supporting staff recommendation, and
after approximately six minutes of discussion.
The primary letter submitted in support of decreasing the height referenced and illustrated
only the B3-Core subdistrict. The B3-Core was never proposed for any height increase and
remains fully protected under the draft UDC. The general B3 district, where the 90-foot
allowance would apply, was not accurately represented in that submission.
For context, several existing and accepted downtown buildings already exceed 70 feet:
-Baxter Hotel: approximately 130 feet (with sign) / 7 stories
-Armory: 110 feet
-The Henry: 85 feet
-Post Office and Federal Building: 85 feet
Seven stories already exists in our downtown skyline and has for decades; 90 feet is
consistent with Bozeman’s established character, not a departure from it.
Since the Affordable Housing incentives were added to B3 four years ago, no projects have
used them because the economics are not viable at 70 feet. The City’s own WARD analysis
confirmed downtown development is already marginal; a lower height limit eliminates
feasible projects and will push density into surrounding historic neighborhoods,
undermining the UDC’s transition tools.
I respectfully ask that you direct staff to prepare and adopt an amendment prior to or at the
December 16, 2025 meeting that returns the maximum height in the B3 district (excluding
B3-Core) to 90 feet. This change would bring the final code into alignment with the
recommendations of Planning staff, the Community Development Board, and the extensive
public input gathered over the past two years.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Duncan Fraser
1
Height
Limits
Building Our Future Together Initiative
6
Hotel Baxter, Bozeman MT 130 feet
Merin Building, Bozeman MT 70 feet
7
Post Office and Federal Building, Bozeman MT
85 feet
The Henry, Bozeman MT 85 feet
12
park standards
parking
sustainability
transportation
zoning districtsX City of BozemanAtten. Community DevelopmentPO Box 1230Bozeman, MT 59715