HomeMy WebLinkAbout001 - Laurel Meadows NarrativeLaurel Meadows
Subdivision Preliminary Plat RC 2
April 2026
Table of Contents
1. Project Team
2. Narrative
I. Project Overview
II. Pre Application Checklist Items
III. Documentation of Supplemental Materials
Appendices
Appendix A – Alignment with Community Plan
Appendix B – Pre-App Comment Response
Appendix C.1: Vicinity Map
Appendix C.2: Future Land Use Map
Appendix C.3: Current Zoning Map
Appendix A.4: New UDC Zoning
Appendix C.5: Land Use Diagram
Appendix C.6: Draft Community Design Framework Masterplan
Appendix C.7: Neighborhood Center Graphic
Appendix C.8: Conceptual Green Plan
Appendix D: Phasing Plan
Appendix E: Parks Master Plan
Appendix F.1: Design Regulations
Appendix F.2: Bylaws
Appendix F.3: Articles of Incorporation
Appendix F.4: Covenants
Appendix G: Traffic Impact Study
Appendix H: Norton Ranch Phase 5 Waiver of Right to Protest SID
Appendix I: Floor Plain Report
Appendix J: Wetland Report
Appendix K: Water Design Report
Appendix L: Sewer Design Report
Appendix M: Stormwater Design Report
Appendix N: DEQ MFE Application Form
Appendix O: Groundwater Data
Appendix P: Ditch Check List requirements
Appendix Q: Geotechnical Report & Supplements
Appendix R: Water Rights Memo
Appendix S: Concurrent Construction Request Letter
Appendix T: Wildlife Memo
Appendix U: Weed Management Plan
Appendix V: Vegetation Memo
Appendix W: Service Letters – Non-Municipal Facilities
Appendix X: Variance Memo and Supporting Documents
Appendix Y: Letter for Design Standard Deviations
Appendix Z: Title Report
1. Project Team
OWNER & 8FC, LLC
APPLICANT Attn: Patrick Eibs
PO Box 11388
Bozeman, MT 59719
Ph. 406.539.1366
Email: peibsk9@yahoo.com
REPRESENTATIVE Kilday & Stratton
Attn: Greg Stratton
2880 Technology Boulevard W Suite 271
Bozeman, MT 59719
Ph. 406.599.5603
Email: Greg@Kildaystratton.com
PROJECT CONSULTANTS
PLANNING Intrinsik Architecture, Inc.
Attn: Tyler Steinway
106 East Babcock Street Suite 1A
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.582.8988
Email: tsteinway@intrinsikarchitecture.com
ENGINEERING Morrison - Maierle
Attn: James Nickelson
2880 Technology Boulevard W
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.922.6824
Email: jnickelson@m-m.net
LANDSCAPE Design 5
ARCHITECTURE Attn: Nate Beck
111 North Tracy Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.587.4873
Email: nbeck@design5la.com
3. Narrative
I. Project Overview
The Laurel Meadows Neighborhood (“Laurel Meadows” or the “Property”) is a 40.83 acre
property that is located south of The Lakes at Valley West and north and east of Norton
(East) Ranch (Appendix C.1). Directly to the east of the property lies signiflcant linear
parkland including a perpetual wetland easement encompassing Baxter Creek, and
creates the extension of Broken Park to the north. Laurel Meadows is envisioned as an
active community which should appeal to a diverse set of residents with a range of income
and demographics, and that also contributes to surrounding amenities that will be shared
by surrounding neighborhoods. The Applicant would like to request that this application be
reviewed under the new Unifled Development Code that was recently adopted on
December 16th.
One of the biggest goals of Laurel Meadows is expansion, protection and enhancement of
existing parks, open space and trails. One of the unique challenges and opportunities of
this property is a number of jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional wetlands. These wetlands
provide an amazing opportunity to create open space and expand an extensive trail system
connecting the surrounding neighborhoods with more multimodal transportation options.
The planned linear park expansions along the eastern edge of the project is envisioned to
be the focal point or center of the neighborhood. From this park, residents will be able to
travel both north and east to schools as well as south and east to commercial amenities.
During Phase 5 of Norton Ranch (west of the subject property), this area was subdivided
into 4 restricted lots. These 4 restricted lots require further subdivision review or Master
Site Plan review prior to any development occurring on them. The intent of our project is to
further subdivide these 4 lots into 108 total lots, 99 developable lots, 5 open space lots, 2
park lot and 2 restricted lots.
The Laurel Meadows project features smaller lots than those typically found in Bozeman.
The applicant’s vision for this property is to address a market need by providing smaller
starter homes that are affordable to current Bozeman residents.
Land Use Analysis
Laurel Meadows neighborhood is to be developed under the Residential C District (R-C).
The intent of the R-C district is to provide for medium to high density residential
developments through a variety of housing types. Additionally, this property is designated
Urban Neighborhood by the Community Plan Future Land Use map, which encourages
urban density homes in a variety of types shapes and sizes. It is our intent to create a
residential neighborhood surrounded by parks and open space. Please see Appendix C.5
for more details on the proposed land uses. Additionally, please Appendix A for additional
information on the alignment of this proposal with the City’s adopted Community Plan.
The neighborhood has been designed to be complimented by vibrant, urban and
pedestrian-oriented complete streets. The proposed street sections provide for safe and
broad connections across the whole neighborhood. The proposed on-street and off-street
connections encourage pedestrians and bicycle travel through the whole site. Pedestrian
block separators play a big role in the creation of this off-street pedestrian network. Rather
than building several streets, we prioritized the pedestrian connection to move people in all
directions. The natural spaces have been incorporated throughout the development to
serve the community need for both neighborhood residents and visitors alike.
Per UDC 38.420.060, parkland, excluding linear trail corridors, must have frontage along
100% of its perimeter on public or private streets or roads. It is our intention to classify the
Laurel Meadows Neighborhood Parkland as a linear trail corridor. Baxter Creek, existing
wetlands, connections to other intersections along West Babcock and other critical
features also constrain the ability for 100% street frontage, but the flnal layout will be a
unique and accessible park with signiflcant street frontage. It is our intention to build upon
an existing linear park. Additionally, the Bronken Park soccer complex to the north provides
127 parking spaces and is about ¼ mile from the site. This is ample parking for anyone
wishing to utilize the park features and trail system. Within the Laurel Meadows
neighborhood, Donner Drive will provide street frontage and parking for the park area,
please see landscape plan set for more details.
The layout of Laurel Meadows continues the theme of existing open space in the area: large
contiguous blocks of parkland with soft edges. This is present at the Valley West
subdivision, the neighborhoods to the north, and Bronken Park to the north. The Laurel
Meadows neighborhood will serve as an extension of these parks to the south, minimize
impacts to the stream and wetlands, and provide a north/south trail corridor as identifled in
the PRAT Plan. All community services within the area beneflt from this added parkland,
including residents of Valley West, Springhill Presbyterian Church, and Petra Academy. The
interior layout of the neighborhood will provide residents with multiple east/west trail
connections over to these blocks of parks and existing natural amenities.
The parks within Laurel Park are planned to be phased. While the flner details are included
in the Parks Master Plan (Appendix E), the current thinking is that Phase 1 will dedicate the
required amount of land (and make the base line improvements), and Phase 2 (which will
be complete with Phase 3 and 4) will install the necessary improvements in lieu for the
remainder of the project.
Future phases (Phases 3 and 4) are currently shown as conceptual, but the understanding
is that any increase in developable areas will require improvements in lieu.
There is a strong likelihood that the improvements planned in Phases 1 will exceed the
minimum requirements. The applicant would like the ability to bank credit for any park
improvements completed above the required amount in Phases 1, to be used towards
future phases.
The required density for the R-C zoning district is 10 Dwelling Units per Net Acre. These
requirements are met with the use of small single household lots and a few multifamily
lots. Detailed Density Calculations are provided below.
Number of
Lots/Units Total Area Area Excluded Total Area After
Exclusions Density
Total (Phase 1 & 2) 99 40.82 34.42 6.40 15 DU/AC
Park Calculations
Phase 1 & 2 (No Restricted Lots)
Laurel Meadows
Park and Recreation Requirements
Total site area (ac) 40.46
(s) school or
park sites (ac) 0.00 Total excluded (ac) 34.42
(D) Net
residential
density 15
(c) commercial lot
area (ac) 0.00
(a) ROW &
easements (ac) 17.72
(N) Net residential lot
area (ac) 6.40 Zoning District Other
(i) industrial lot
area (ac) 0.00
(d) Open
space/Park
(ac) 7.28 (du) Number of units 99
(M) Max
density by
zone 12
Required Land
Dedication
Required
Cash-in-Lieu
Adjustments to
Parkland Requirements
Approved
Parkland
Dedication
Net residential
land area (ac) 6.39
Net residential
land area (ac) 6.39
Parkland dedication
required (ac) 1.53
Land
dedication
(ac) 3.00
Dwellings/acre
(du) 8
Dwelling/acre
(du) 4
Land already provided
(ac) 0.00
Cash-in-lieu
($) $88,884.18
Acre/du of land 0.03
Acre/du of
land 0.03
Land dedication
proposed (ac) 2.07
Additional in-
lieu ($) $0.00
Land dedication
(ac) 1.53
Equivalent
land area (ac) 0.77
Land equivalent
required (ac) (0.54)
Total
CILP/IILP $88,884.18
land appraisal
value ($/sf) $2.65
Land appraisal value
($/sf) $2.65
Cash-in-lieu
($)
$88,884
.18
In-lieu fee equivalent
($) $0.00
Future Phases (Phase 3 & 4) Restricted Lots
Laurel Meadows
Park and Recreation Requirements
Total site area (ac) 40.46
(s) school or
park sites (ac) 0.00 Total excluded (ac) 30.67
(D) Net
residential
density 10
(c) commercial lot
area (ac) 0.00
(a) ROW &
easements (ac) 17.72
(N) Net residential lot
area (ac) 9.79 Zoning District Other
(i) industrial lot
area (ac) 0.00
(d) Open
space/Park
(ac) 6.57 (du) Number of units 100
(M) Max
density by
zone 12
Required Land
Dedication
Required
Cash-in-Lieu
Adjustments to
Parkland Requirements
Approved
Parkland
Dedication
Net residential
land area (ac) 9.79
Net residential
land area (ac) 9.79
Parkland dedication
required (ac) 2.35
Land
dedication
(ac) 0.00
Dwellings/acre
(du) 8
Dwelling/acre
(du) 4
Land already provided
(ac) 0.54
Cash-in-lieu
($) $136,212.12
Acre/du of land 0.03
Acre/du of
land 0.03
Land dedication
proposed (ac) 0
Additional in-
lieu ($) $208,935.54
Land dedication
(ac) 2.35
Equivalent
land area (ac) 1.18
Land equivalent
required (ac) 1.81
Total
CILP/IILP $237,794.04
land appraisal
value ($/sf) $2.65
Land appraisal value
($/sf) $2.65
Cash-in-lieu
($)
$136,21
2.12
In-lieu fee equivalent
($) $208,935.54
Total Project
Laurel Meadows
Park and Recreation Requirements
Total site area (ac) 40.46
(s) school or
park sites (ac) 0.00 Total excluded (ac) 24.29
(D) Net
residential
density 12
(c) commercial lot
area (ac) 0.00
(a) ROW &
easements (ac) 17.72
(N) Net residential lot
area (ac) 16.17 Zoning District Other
(i) industrial lot
area (ac) 0.00
(d) Open
space/Park
(ac) 6.57 (du) Number of units 197
(M) Max
density by
zone 12
Required Land
Dedication
Required
Cash-in-Lieu
Adjustments to
Parkland Requirements
Approved
Parkland
Dedication
Net residential
land area (ac) 16.17
Net residential
land area (ac) 16.17
Parkland dedication
required (ac) 3.88
Land
dedication
(ac) 4.59
Dwellings/acre
(du) 8
Dwelling/acre
(du) 4
Land already provided
(ac) 0.00
Cash-in-lieu
($) $225,096.30
Acre/du of land 0.03
Acre/du of
land 0.03
Land dedication
proposed (ac) 2.07
Additional in-
lieu ($) $208,935.54
Land dedication
(ac) 3.88
Equivalent
land area (ac) 1.95
Land equivalent
required (ac) 1.81
Total
CILP/IILP $434,031.84
land appraisal
value ($/sf) $2.65
Land appraisal value
($/sf) $2.65
Cash-in-lieu
($)
$225,09
6.30
In-lieu fee equivalent
($) $208,935.54
Irrigation and Landscape Design
The park and open space areas will use underground irrigation systems to establish native
seed areas. These systems will be designed to use high efficiency components that are
equal to or exceed the city of Bozeman water conservation guidelines. Upon establishment
of native areas, the developer will disable the systems overhead irrigation zones in native
areas, and only use on an as needed basis.
The parks department will control the water consumption in the park upon turnover to the
city and will manage the irrigation after such turnover occurs.
The developer will establish the open space seed areas and disable overhead spray
irrigation once that is achieved, all proposed open space trees or plantings will have
dedicated drip zones that will continue to be used to ensure health of the plantings.
The community design intended for this neighborhood encourages thoughtful development
while providing fiexibility for future phases of the development. The design standards and
guidelines proposed for Laurel Meadows also include provisions that promote
sustainability development.
Initial land use assumptions for Laurel Meadows are laid out in the table below.
Acreage Percent of Site
Developable Area 6.40 16%
Parks 11.29 24%
Open Space 7.28 18%
Rights-of-Ways 4.50 16%
Restricted Future Development Lots 11.35 24%
Total 40.82 100%
Additionally, please see the density calculations included below.
Number of Lots 99 Lots
Developable Area 6.40 AC
Density 15.4 DU/AC
Response to Section 38.410.010.B – Natural Environment
The applicant believes that, to the maximum extent possible, this project avoids and
offsets impacts on the natural environment. Common construction methods and design
standards require that topsoil be stripped and then restored in speciflc areas. As depicted
below, there are no trees onsite. There are several wetlands located on the site, as
documented in multiple reports. Two of the wetland complexes are located within deed-
restricted areas and will not be disturbed. The central wetland is documented as low
functioning and is disconnected from the larger wetland system, resulting in marginal
overall beneflt. Due to the access and transportation standards required by code, this
central wetland must be impacted. That said, the applicant is going above and beyond by
mitigating this impact through wetland improvements on the east side of the site, adjacent
to the existing wetland complex. We believe this approach will have a positive impact and
improve the overall function and classiflcation of the wetland. On-site mitigation is also
identifled as a high priority in the wetland design standards. While impacts are
unavoidable, the applicant has made every effort to minimize them and provide on-site
mitigation.
Laurel Meadows Phasing of Common Subdivision Infrastructure Improvements
The Applicant is proposing one preliminary plat with phasing to allow each phase to
achieve flnal plat once the necessary improvements are complete or flnancially
guaranteed. The project does propose two restricted lots which will be required to go
through a future subdivision review.
Common Subdivision Infrastructure Improvements are critical to the project’s utility,
transportation and parkland networks. Construction for these improvements will be
phased to provide the logical extension of facilities and recreational opportunities to the
project as it is developed. These Common Subdivision Infrastructure Improvements will
need to be installed or flnancially guaranteed prior to occupancy of any structures within
that phase. An application for concurrent construction will be provided with the
preliminary plat submittal.
Please see the phasing plans included in the drawing set for more details about what
infrastructure is being in each phase.
II. Preliminary Plat Checklist
The following is a summary of the Bozeman Municipal Code Section 38.220.040 (Now
Section 38.710.040) regarding submittal requirements for a subdivision preliminary plat
application, as well as a narrative response summarizing how each of the required sections
has been satisfled with this submittal.
1. Pre-application information. All information required with the pre-application plan, as
outlined in section 38.710.030.
Response: Understood. All of this information is provided.
2. Subdivision information. Name and location of the subdivision, scale, scale bar, north
arrow, date of preparation, lots and blocks (designated by number), the dimensions
and area of each lot, and the use of each lot, if other than for single-household.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
3. Subdivision map. Map of entire subdivision as specified on the application form
provided by the community development department.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
4. Streets, roads and grades. All streets, roads, alleys, avenues, highways and
easements; the width of the right-of-way, grades and curvature of each; existing and
proposed road and street names; and proposed location of intersections for any
subdivision requiring access to arterial or collector streets.
Response: Please see the Civil Plan Sheets for this information.
5. Adjoining subdivisions. The names of adjoining platted subdivisions and numbers of
adjoining certificates of survey.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
6. Adjoining owners. Names and addresses of record owners of lots and tracts
immediately adjoining the proposed subdivision.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
7. Perimeter survey. A survey of the exterior boundaries of the platted tract with bearings,
distances, and curve data indicated outside of the boundary lines. When the plat is
bounded by an irregular shoreline or a body of water, the bearings and distances of a
closing meander traverse must be given.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
8. Section corner. The approximate location of all section corners or legal subdivision
corners of sections pertinent to the subdivision boundary.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
9. Phased improvements. If the required improvements are to be completed in phases
after the final plat is filed, the approximate area of each phase must be shown on the
plat. If a phase depends on improvements not included within the geographic area of a
phase, or if timing of construction of improvements is separate from the timing of
construction of that phase, those improvements and associated phases must be
identified.
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
10. Contours. Ground contours must be provided for the tract according to the following
requirements:
Response: Please see the Preliminary Plat Sheets for this information.
11. Waivers. List of waivers granted from the requirements of section 38.710.030.9 during
the pre-application process must be submitted with the preliminary plat application.
Response: The only waiver granted with the Pre-application was to the Agriculture
section.
12. Request for exemption from department of environmental quality review. If the
developer is proposing to request an exemption from the department of environmental
quality for infrastructure plan and specification review, the preliminary plat
application must include a written request from the developer's professional engineer,
licensed in the state, that indicates the intent to request the exemption, and details
the extent of water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure that will be completed prior
to final plat approval. A detailed preliminary stormwater drainage plan must also be
submitted with the written request.
Response: Please see MFE application form for the City’s Signature.
13. Sanitation information. When the subdivision does not qualify for the certification
established in section 38.750.110 the subdivider must provide the information
regarding sanitation set forth in MCA 76-4-1.
Response: This information is included on the civil plan set as well as the sewer
design report.
B. The following information must be submitted along with the preliminary plat.
1. Area map. A map showing all adjacent sections of land, subdivision, certificates of
survey, streets and roads.
Response: This is included on the plat. Additionally Appendix C.1 provides some
of this information.
2. Non-compliance with standards.
a. Variances. Provide a written statement describing any requested subdivision variance
and the facts of hardship upon which the request is based (refer to division 38.760 of
this chapter).
b. All others. Provide a written statement: describing any intended departure, deviation,
modification, non-compliance or alternative compliance to any standard applicable to
a subdivision review; providing a BMC citation to the authority authorizing the non-
compliance; and providing the applicable criteria of review.
Response: The applicant is requesting a few variances from the Unified
Development Code. This information is included as Appendix X.
3. Noticing materials required by section 38.30.020.
Response: Please see the required noticing information included in this
application.
4. Documents and certificates. Draft copy of the following documents, and certificates
to be printed on or to accompany the preliminary plat:
a. Covenants, restrictions and articles of incorporation for the property owners'
association if covenants are proposed to ensure compliance with regulatory
standards.
b. Encroachment permits or a letter indicating intention to issue a permit where new
streets, easements, rights-of-way or drive aisles intersect state, county or city
highways, streets or roads.
c. A draft of such other appropriate certificates.
d. Provision for maintenance of all streets (including emergency access), open spaces to
meet requirements of division 38.420 or section 38.410.040, storm water facilities,
and other improvements not dedicated to the public.
Response: Please see the CCR Bylaws and Design Regulations included in
Appendix F.
5. Street profile sheets. Profile sheets for street grades greater than five percent.
Response: There are no grades greater than 5% but roadway plan and profiles are
included in the Civil Plan Set.
6. Landscaping and irrigation.
a. Proof of compliance with water conservation standards outlined in the most recent
version of the City of Bozeman Landscape and Irrigation Performance and Design
Standards Manual and sections 38.540.050.D. and 38.540.080 of this Code.
Response: Please see the Landscape sheets for all this required information for
both the park, open spaces and boulevards.
7. Application and fee. Completed preliminary plat application form, with the original
signatures of all owners of record or their authorized representatives, and the required
review fee. If an authorized representative signs on behalf of an owner of record, a
copy of the authorization must be provided.
Response: Understood.
V. Documentation of Compliance with adopted Standards 38.710.050
1. Surface Water
Baxter Creek fiows through the easterly portion of the proposed subdivision and is the only
natural surface water body on the property. The project will reclaim the borrow pit in the
southeast corner of the property and provide for an enhanced wetland in this area. For
documentation of compliance with the code requirements please refer to the following
documents: The Flood Hazard Study, the Wetland Report, The Draft Preliminary Plat, the
Agriculture Water Memo and Water Rights Memo. It should be noted that no permits are
needed for the proposed work and there are no impacts to the jurisdiction wetlands or
alterations to the creek.
2. Flood Plains
Baxter Creek fiows through the easterly portion of the proposed subdivision. There is not a
deflned fioodplain associated with Baxter Creek as it has not been mapped as part of the
FEMA process. The Baxter Creek corridor will be located in a proposed park as part of the
subdivision. As part of the original Norton East Ranch Annexation and Phase 1 of Norton
East Ranch Subdivision, the owner of the property at that time placed a covenant on the
Baxter Creek corridor which limits almost all activity within the corridor as such the
fioodplain impacts on the developable land within the proposed subdivision will be limited.
A fiood hazard study has been completed for Baxter Creek and the results of that study are
included in Appendix I. The conclusion of the study is Baxter Creek will be contained within
the watercourse setbacks. The width of the fiood hazard area varies from approximately 40
feet to 130 feet. The fiood hazard area will not impact any aspects of the proposed
development.
3. Groundwater
Groundwater Data was collected in 2021 between the months of March and December; in
2022 between the months of January and March; and in 2025 between the months of April
and August. Any data collected at the time of site dewatering was excluded from analysis.
The data collected in Monitor Well 6 has been excluded entirely due to site dewatering and
irregular data. Generally, high groundwater was observed in the spring between March and
June, and low groundwater was observed between July and September.
A memorandum with exhibits is included in Appendix O.
4. Geology; Soils; Slopes
Castle Rock Civil & Geotechnical Engineering conducted a fleld investigation of the site in
2020 and developed recommendations for development of the site in a report dated May
12th, 2025 A copy of the report is included as Appendix Q. The following section respond to
the requirements of BMC 38.710.050.A.4.a.
Geologic Hazards
There are no known natural geologic hazards on the site. There was mining activity in the
southeast quadrant of the subdivision. Most of the mining activity was located on what will
be open parkland; however a portion of the mining activity was located near restricted lot 2
and based on the Geotechnical Report it is recommended that a more detailed
geotechnical investigation be completed to determine the extents of the mining activity
and to develop recommendations for building on the mining disturbed area if any roads or
building are proposed for the disturbed area on restricted lot 2.
Protective Measures
Refer to above paragraph.
Unusual Features
There are no unusual features on the site. The site has high groundwater but that is typical
of most areas being developed in Bozeman and as such is not unusual. There are no
slopes greater than 15% on the site.
Soils Map
A soils map and NRCS soil information is included in the Geotechnical Report.
Cuts and Fills
It is not anticipated that cuts or fllls will exceed three feet on the project.
5. Vegetation
The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) maintains a statewide database for
natural and human land cover. The subject property is shown to consist of: Introduced
Upland Vegetation - Annual and Biennial Forbland, Cultivated Crops, Rocky Mountain
Lower Montane, Foothill, and Valley Grassland, and Low Intensity Residential.
A memorandum and map regarding vegetation is included as Appendix V and the weed
management plan is included as Appendix U. All critical plant communities will be
protected as they reside within an area of the project that is protected by a restrictive
wetland protection covenant.
6. Wildlife
Please see the attached Wildlife Memo included as Appendix T. In summary, there are (a)
no direct observations of, and (b) no critical habitat for, T&E species on the subject
property. Occurrences of several MNHP-deflned species of concern were documented in
the past within the greater project area, though most are unlikely to occur on the property
due to inadequate habitat. The proposed subdivision has the potential to cause temporary
construction-related disturbance and long-term habitat modiflcation; however,
implementation of standard FWP design considerations can help reduce impacts and
preserve adjacent wetland and riparian habitat values.
7. Agriculture
I wavier we granted by the planning department with the Pre-Application.
8. Agricultural Water User Facilities
There is an abandoned “agricultural drain/man-made canal” runs along the west side of
Baxter Creek. This relic irrigation feature was investigated in June 2021 and April 2022.
There is no source fiow to the ditch on the south side and there is no outfiow on the north
side. A headgate and culvert pipe were observed up ended and non-operational near the
mid-section of the ditch within the subject property. Pictures documenting the abandoned
nature of this un-used irrigation feature are included in the back of this memo.
According to the Water Resources Survey of Gallatin County, Montana (1953), there is a
small “private” irrigation ditch that is in the proximity of the subject property. Because of
this “private” status, there is no irrigation ditch company to provide discontinuance
information.
Please see the ditch noticing checklist as well as the Agricultural Water User Facilities
memo included as Appendix P.
9. Water and Sewer
Included in this application is a water distribution design report. This report demonstrates
that The water distribution system serving this project is in accordance with the MDEQ
Circular No. 1; Montana Public Works Standard Speciflcations (MPWSS); The City of
Bozeman Modiflcations to MPWSS; City of Bozeman Design Standards; and the City of
Bozeman Fire Service Line Standard.
The report shows, Utilizing the existing 12-inch water mains located in Laurel Parkway and
Babcock Street and then infllling the proposed project with 8-inch mains the area water
distribution system meets the required design criteria and will be able to serve the interior
needs of the lots which will result in additional looping and redundancy for the area. Water
service and flre service lines will be sized as part of the site plan applications for each lot.
Additionally, a sewer design report is also included in this application. This design report
provides a basis of design for the Laurel Meadows Subdivision development sewer main
extension improvements project. The sewer collection system to service the Laurel
Meadows Subdivision will be designed and installed in accordance with the Montana
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Circular No. 2; Montana Public Works
Standard Speciflcations (MPWSS); The City of Bozeman Modiflcations to MPWSS; and the
City of Bozeman Wastewater Facility Plan.
The design report is to verify that there is adequate capacity to receive wastewater fiows
from the Laurel Meadows development. The following design report follows the section
numbering of the Circular DEQ-2 Standards for Public Sewage Systems, December 21,
2018.
10. Stormwater Management
A detailed stormwater management plan is included with the Preliminary Plat application.
Stormwater runoff from the right of ways and lots will be directed as street runoff to inlets
and then conveyed to stormwater retention ponds for storage and treatment along the
northern side of the site. Please refer to the stormwater design report and management
plan for more detailed information on the proposed design.
11. Streets, Roads & Alleys
The Transportation Study for this project included up to 300 new residential units and
would produce up to 2,829 new daily vehicle trips in the area at full build-out. The current
unit count is a decrease in density from the 500 units previously planned on this property.
As currently proposed, the Laurel Meadows will not create any new roadway capacity
problems on adjacent roadways that have not been identifled with other recent projects. In
general, the projected impacts and recommendations for the Laurel Meadows are the
same as previously identifled in the 2022 TIS prepared for this development. The planned
right-turn restriction at the intersection of Cottonwood Road and Fallon Street with the
Urban Farm development will correct the existing LOS concerns at this location. Based on
the current traffic projections, the intersection of Durston Road and Laurel Parkway will
function at LOS C through full buildout of the Laurel Meadows in 2030. By 2045 this
intersection may experience higher levels of delay from the existing planned developments
and the current growth trends in this area. While the Laurel Meadows will not create a
failure condition at this intersection, it and the remaining Norton Ranch developments will
absorb most of the remaining reserve capacity at this four-way STOP. When the Urban
Farm development is completed between 2030 and 2045, this intersection will likely
require the installation of a traffic signal or roundabout to continue basic operations. It is
also possible that the signalized intersection of Durston Road with Cottonwood Road will
require the installation of an eastbound right-turn lane on Durston Road to function
through 2045.
Please see the Traffic Impact Study included as Appendix G for more information.
12. Non-municipal Utilities
The following publicly and privately owned utilities have been notifled and provided copies
of the Preliminary Plat for the Laurel Meadows Neighborhood:
· Northwestern Energy (gas and electric)
· Lumen (communications)
· Charter (communications)
· Yellowstone Fiber (communications)
Copies of the letters to each of these utilities requesting design input are included, along
with any other correspondence.
Northwestern Energy will provide natural gas and electric services to the development.
These facilities will be located in public utility easements along the roadways within the
subdivision. New electric and natural gas lines will be placed underground.
Lumen and/or Charter Communications and/or Yellowstone Fiber will provide cable,
telephone and flber services to the development. These facilities will be located in public
utility easements along the roadways within the subdivision. New lines will be placed
underground.
The Preliminary Plat illustrates the existing water, sewer, storm and dry utilities present on
the site and adjacent to the site.
13. Land Use.
Included in this subdivision are 107 total lots, 99 developable lots, 5 open space lots, 1
park lot and 2 restricted lots. It is envisioned that the 99 developable lots will contain a mix
of single household dwellings and duplexes. There are no commercial or industrial lots in
this subdivision. Please refer to the Pre-Application map for the exact area of each block
and lot. Please see the table above indicating the amount of developable land.
The restricted lots will be subject to further subdivision review. The idea behind this is to
allow the market to respond to the flrst two phases before we decide on a home type and
lot layout. The future subdivision will be required to extend Street B to Donner Drive but all
other road infrastructure will be decided at that future subdivision application.
14. Parks and Recreation Facilities
Please refer to the Parks Master Plan in Appendix E for all details on the proposed Parks and
recreation Facilities.
15. Neighborhood Center Plan
Per section 38.410.020.A if every lot is within a half mile of an existing neighborhood center
they are exempt from these requirements. Appendix C.7 shows that every lot is within a half
mile and therefore is exempt from the Neighborhood Center requirements.
16. Lighting Plan
Conceptually streetlights are shown on the Civil Plan Set at the intersections of roadways
and midblock crossings. It is our understanding that these lights will be permitted through
a future infrastructure review and the flner details such as Lumineers and photometrics
have not been provided. It is understood that those are required with the infrastructure
review.
17. Miscellaneous.
Public Lands
There are public lands adjacent to or within 200 feet of all sides of the subdivision. All such
public land is City parkland. The subdivision will not have any negative effect on access to
this public land. The proposed development will provide additional access to the Baxter
Creek corridor park through the construction of trails within the proposed park and a
connecting trail to the Baxter Creek corridor park.
Hazards
There is no current mining on the site, no high pressure gas lines, no structures and no high
voltage power lines on the property. As noted in the soils section of the narrative the mining
that has occurred on the southeast corner of the site presents a potential hazard for
construction of buildings or roads if the mined area is not remediated prior to such
construction. This concern is only associated with a portion of restricted lot 2.
Wildlands-Urban-Interface
The proposed development is located a signiflcant distance away from wildlands and
surrounded by urban development. It is not anticipated that any extraordinary provisions
are required to reduce structure ignitability for the development.
18. Affordable Housing
This project is not proposing to deed restrict any lots or units for affordable housing. That
being said, the goal of the project is to create small lots which will allow for the starter
homes. The goal for this project is to create non-deed restricted affordable housing.
19. Water Rights
The proposed subdivision is planned for completion in four phases. Phases I and II of the
subdivision (this submittal) have a net estimated water demand of 28.37 acre-feet/year.
This water demand is proposed to be supplied entirely by municipal water from the City of
Bozeman, acquired through a cash-in-lieu arrangement for water rights. No offsets to the
cash-in-lieu of agreement are proposed.
Please see the attached Water Rights Memo Appendix R for more information.
20. Proposed subdivision advances the adopted growth policy.
Additionally, please see Appendix A for more information on conformance with the
Community Plan.