HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-26 Public Comment - M. Bateson - NCOD guidelines need teethFrom:Mary Bateson
To:Bozeman Public Comment; Sarah Rosenberg; Alison Sweeney
Subject:[EXTERNAL]NCOD guidelines need teeth
Date:Wednesday, February 18, 2026 8:21:26 AM
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Dear Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board and City Commission,
I am writing to STRONGLY ENDORSE the sentiments expressed in the following letter from the
Better Bozeman Coalition (BBC). Thanks so much to the HPAB and City Commission for
ensuring that the NCOD guidelines have teeth!
Sincerely, Mary Bateson, Bozeman Resident
BBC’s words: “Bozeman residents value historic preservation, and we need to have
NCOD guidelines with teeth to ensure that new development in the historic core of
Bozeman is compatible with the existing neighborhood.
According to the results of a community survey released in October 2024 by the City of
Bozeman and the Community Collaborative consultants, residents want to see more
incentives for the reuse of older or historic buildings and design that compliments the
historic appearance of the neighborhood. Many expressed concern with the loss of
historic buildings and increased building height.
During the UDC update, we heard that the Standards for the Certificate of
Appropriateness have no teeth. It is the request of the public that the standards for the
issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness be rewritten to be objective and
enforceable, especially as pertains to height, mass, and architectural elements.
Standards should be made binding. Any guidelines should be used to help implement
those binding standards. And, it should be very clear in the code that new development
within the NCOD must also abide by the standards.
We thank the City of Bozeman for undertaking this important update of the historic
preservation code and look forward to seeing the Landmark Program as a whole.”