HomeMy WebLinkAboutA3. B3 NCOD Guideline Report1
B3/ Design Guidelines conflict
Date: City Commission meeting is on May 4, 2015
Project Description: Report to the City Commission on recommended amendments to the
Bozeman Guidelines for Historic Preservation & the Neighborhood Conversation Overlay
District to address impediments to the redevelopment of the B-3 area outside of the Main
Street Historic District.
Project Location: B-3 District surrounding the Main Street Historic District
Recommended Motion: Having reviewed and considered the staff report, public comment, and all
the information presented, I hereby direct staff to bring Resolution 4598, amending the
Bozeman Guidelines for Historic Preservation & the Neighborhood Conversation Overlay
District to address impediments to the redevelopment of the B-3 area outside of the Main
Street Historic District, to City Commission for action on May 18, 2015.
Report Date: April 26, 2015
Staff Contact: Wendy Thomas, Director of Community Development
Brain Krueger, Development Review Manager
Agenda Item Type: Policy
Recommendation:
The Task Force and Planning Staff recommend all of the following actions be taken to address the
identified issues within the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District Design Guidelines:
122
2
1. Addition of a new chapter to address the B-3 area outside the Main Street Historic District;
2. Amending the Introduction Chapter to address which guidelines apply to a given property; and
3. City Commission budget funding in the coming fiscal year to draft new NCOD Design Guidelines.
Executive Summary:
The City Commission directed staff at their March 16, 2015 meeting to bring before the Commission a
series of potential reforms to the Conservation Overlay Design Guidelines that apply in the B-3 District.
The existing Bozeman Guidelines for Historic Preservation & Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District
(NCOD Design Guidelines) were adopted in 2006. Since that time, both the Bozeman Community Plan
and the Downtown Plan have recommended the updating/revision of the NCOD Design Guidelines.
Seeing a need, the Downtown Partnership took a leadership position and started working with
stakeholders to see if there was a solution to address the issue that wouldn’t require a significant
commitment of tax dollars to remedy the need. The resulting convening of a task force and the drafting
of an amended chapter to the Design Guidelines is recognized by all participant to be a solution
intended to temporarily bridge the gap between currently adopted planning documents and future,
more permanent, solutions.
To address the issue in a timely manner, Staff recommends writing an additional chapter to address the
B-3 area surrounding the Main Street Historic District. The chapter drafted by the Task Force, amended
to reference existing sections of the NCOD Guidelines and the addition of clarifying language, ie
adjusting “should” to “shall” will facilitate the transformation of the B-3 halo area. Staff recommends
the Commission consider funding for an update of the design guidelines that supports the Downtown
Plan recommendations.
Staff updated the Historic Preservation Advisory Board about this process and the Commission directive
at the April 23, 2015 meeting. At the kick off meeting for the NCOD analysis the work of the Task Force
was also mentioned.
Staff’s recommendation:
To address the current issue, Staff prefers and recommends Option 2, the creation of a new chapter of
the Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation and the Conservation Overlay District as well as
associated changes to the “How the guidelines apply” chart on page 13 of the current document. The
new chapter brings together relevant guidelines for both commercial and residential uses that are
consistent with the B-3 district.
As a more long-range solution, staff recommends Option 3, completion of a new set of design standards
and guidelines for the B-3 area outside of the Core.
123
3
Staff finds that Option 1 could bridge the gap on this issue, with modifications to remove mention of
respect for existing neighborhood character.
Note:
• This report presents all three options for consideration.
• Staff recommends that the Commission Resolution enabling the proposed modifications include
an expiration date to encourage completion of a more comprehensive design guidelines/ design
strategy for this area.
• For all three options the chart titled “How the Guidelines Apply” on p. 13 of the existing
Guidelines should be revised.
• The Introduction chapter places emphasis on new infill projects fitting within the established
neighborhood character. Staff notes that use of the Introduction may need to be excluded from
applicability in the B-3 halo area.
Recommendation:......................................................................................................................................... 1
Executive Summary: ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Staff’s recommendation: .......................................................................................................................... 2
Notes: ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Background: .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Option 1: Only Chapter 2 “Design Guidelines for All Properties” apply in the B-3 for non-historic
properties ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
Applicability: ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Section review: .......................................................................................................................................... 5
F. Building Form ................................................................................................................................ 5
G. Solid-to-Void Ratio ........................................................................................................................ 6
Action Items .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Option 2: Addendum/ new “Chapter” for the B-3 “halo area” .................................................................... 6
Applicability: ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Focus: ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
Section review/ recommended design guidelines to include: .................................................................. 7
Action items: ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Option 3: Complete the recommendation for a new set of Downtown-specific design standards and
guidelines ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Applicability............................................................................................................................................... 8
Action items: ............................................................................................................................................. 8
124
4
Background:
Department of Community Development staff met on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 to discuss the policy
conflict between the B-3 “Community Commercial Core” zoning designation, the Downtown Plan and
the existing Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation and the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
District (NCOD).
The existing Design Guidelines prioritize consideration of existing neighborhood throughout Bozeman’s
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District. This has worked well in the majority of the NCOD,
particularly in residential areas; however it is problematic in the B-3 commercial core. In the
“commercial core” or Main Street Historic District halo area, properties on the periphery originally
developed as modest residences have a zoning designation that encourages intensive non-residential
and residential uses. In many cases the value of the land exceeds the monetary value of the structure.
The Downtown Plan (2009) calls for the maximization of underutilized parcels (p. 10), the creation of
distinct “districts” (p. 10), and the creation of more housing in the downtown area and adoption of a
zoning code and design standards and guidelines that are tailored to downtown and the specific
“districts” discussed on page 10.
The Bozeman Community Plan likewise recommends updating of the design standards.
“Objective C-1.2: - Update design objectives to include guidelines for urban spaces and more
dense development.”
The Department of Community Development/ Downtown Partnership requested funding for code
overhaul and design guidelines during the FY 2015 budget and in prior years there was extensive
discussion about the need to update these documents. To date, those projects have not been funded.
Acutely aware of the potential impediments to downtown redevelopment the Guidelines could cause, in
December 2014, Chris Naumann of the Downtown Partnership worked with the Director of Community
Development to address the issue by convening a task force to bring forward a solution. We created
and distributed a survey seeking input from design professionals on their level of interest in
participation and framework for meeting. The Design Guideline Task Force (Task Force) met on April 6
and 13 from 8 AM to 12 PM, during this time they discussed the issues and drafted a proposed solution.
The Task Force recommendation is attached to this report as Appendix A. The Task Force survey was
sent to approximately 50 design professionals, of which 8 responded. Facilitate by Mr. Naumann, the
group agreed the Main Street Historic District should be preserved and the guidelines should continue
to be applied in that area. They identified the issues they felt were an impediment to redevelopment
within the B-3 outside of the historic district and then drafted a new chapter for the guidelines.
Planning Staff attended the meetings to listen, observe and answer questions. The NCOD Design
Guidelines are here for your reference.
125
5
Concurrently, planning staff began an examination of the most effective way to address the NCOD
Design Guidelines. Staff considered three options:
1. Amending Chapter 2, Design Guidelines for All Properties, to apply in B-3 to non-historic
properties;
2. Writing a new chapter to address the B-3 property outside the Main Street Historic District; or
3. Complete rewrite of the NCOD Design Guidelines.
Option 1: Only Chapter 2 “Design Guidelines for All Properties” apply in
the B-3 for non-historic properties
This option would seek to revise two sections in Chapter 2, Building Form and Solid to Void Ratio, in
order to revise guideline language to be applicable to the B-3 halo area as well as the residential
neighborhoods and the Main Street Historic District.
Applicability:
“This chapter covers design guidelines for all properties. It includes a variety of topics that may arise in
rehabilitation projects, new building designs and site improvements.” (p.44)
Section review:
F. Building Form
(This is the section that causes the most conflicts because it places emphasis on responding to the
existing built environment.)
Policy: A similarity of building forms also contributes to a sense of visual continuity. In order to maintain
this sense of visual continuity, a new building should have basic roof and building forms that are similar
to those seen traditionally. Overall façade proportions should be in harmony with the context.
Guidelines:
1. Use traditional building forms.
• Simple rectangular solids are usually appropriate.
2. Exotic building and roof forms that would detract from the visual continuity of the street are
discouraged.
• Geodesic domes and A-frames are not generally considered traditional building forms and
should not be used in the designated historic districts.
• Sloping roof forms such as gable and hip roofs are appropriate in most residential and transition
areas.
• Flat roofs are appropriate most commercial and transition areas, and in some cases may be
appropriate in residential areas.
126
6
G. Solid-to-Void Ratio
Policy: A typical building appeared to be a rectangular solid, with small holes “punched” in the walls for
windows and doors. Most buildings had similar amounts of glass, resulting in a relatively uniform solid-
to-void ratio. This ratio on a new building, the amount of façade that is devoted to wall surface, as
compared to that developed as openings, should be similar to that of historic buildings within the
neighborhood.
Guideline:
1. Use a ratio of solid-to-void (wall to window) proportional to and in harmony with the context of
buildings found in the zone district.
Action Items
1. Adopt new language addressing massing and scale in F “Building Form” and G “Solid to Void
Ratio” as proposed.
2. Revise chart on page 13 to note that only Chapter 2 applies to new infill projects in the B3 halo
(exclude the Introduction).
Option 2: Addendum/ new “Chapter” for the B-3 “halo area”
The new chapter proposed here is comprised of existing text from the NCOD Design Guidelines and
additional changes which are shown as underlined text. This text differs from the text shown in
Appendix A in that it is more detailed and more comprehensive. The Task Force focused on the areas
where they felt there was a clear need for revision or clarification. That Task Force draft did not address
issues such as topography, landscaping and streetscape design. These elements are important and
should be addressed as part of the design process. This may be accomplished in several ways, the
provisions in other chapters can be referenced in the new chapter, or the new chapter can include these
provisions. It was the intent of the Task Force to not repeat in the new chapter content that is
addressed in other places within the Guidelines; therefore it is staff’s recommendation that the new
chapter include references to other provisions within the Guidelines. The new chapter should reference
existing text addressing: Topography, Alleys, Streetscape, Landscape Design, Site Lighting, Utilities &
Service and Site Furniture. The existing text with the Guidelines is attached as Appendix B for your
reference.
Where the B-3 interfaces with the historic neighborhoods in a critical area. Staff recommends that
additional text be added to the Task Force Chapter to address this interface in order to allow all
property owners the use and enjoyment of their property. It is critical to realize that all property
owners within the NCOD have a stake in these guidelines and no property owner(s) should have an
unfair benefit or burden due to the revision of the guidelines.
127
7
Applicability:
This section would be created specifically for new infill projects within the B-3 “halo,” not on Main
Street, or within the Main Street Historic District. It would not be used to review projects classified as
“historic.”
Focus:
• Pull best practices from multi-family residential and commercial districts outside of the core
• Explicitly discuss mixed use buildings
• Explicitly discuss building mass, scale, height and screening when adjacent to residential areas.
Section review/ recommended design guidelines to include:
Staff recommends that the text in the Task Force Chapter be amended to include provisions that
address and include the following:
1. New infill structures adjacent to, or across an alley from properties with residential zoning
shall step down a building’s height to not exceed the maximum allowable height in an
adjacent residential zone district. 1
2. Along rear facades that abut or have adjacency to residential zone districts, a building form
shall step down in size, and not be a continuous facade plane.
• Consider using additive forms, such as sheds, stairs and decks. These forms must, however,
remain subordinate to the primary structure.
• Use projecting roofs at the ground floor over entrances, decks and separate utility
structures to establish a human scale that invites pedestrian activity.
3. Large expanses of glass are discouraged. Divide large glass surfaces into smaller windows
to reduce their perceived scale.
1 Note that something along these lines is a recommendation of the Downtown Plan: “This plan does not
recommend any changes to allowable height for downtown districts. However, a new code should consider
reducing heights for some small distance where a downtown district abuts a single family district. This is a common
technique used in many cities to ensure a comfortable transition from greater intensity to lower intensity. The
horizontal dimension for this transition might be in the range of 50 to 100 feet and the height might be equivalent
to what is allowed in the residential district or perhaps slightly higher. There also might be additional screening
requirements. The City might also consider allowing additional height to developments in downtown if it provides
an extraordinary item of public benefit that involves extra cost, such as a live theatre, public meeting rooms, a
public park, a high level of sustainable features, or if it has unique functional requirements. Downtown Bozeman
already has a few buildings that exceed the current height limits and they serve as landmarks. It is also a common
device not to allow new development within a downtown to compete with long-standing landmark structures.” (p.
38)
128
8
4. Clearly define the primary entrance to the building.
5. Amend “should” to “shall”, as language that does not provide clarity is contrary to creating a
predictable process.
Action items:
1. Finalize a B-3 Halo specific Chapter
2. Revise chart on page 13 to include new chapter (reference) for infill projects in the B3 halo area
Option 3: Complete the recommendation for a new set of Downtown-
specific design standards and guidelines
Applicability
“It is vitally important that downtown development be guided by a sound set of design standards and
guidelines. Downtown is currently governed by a set of guidelines, but these are principally applicable to
the core and not other areas. A set of standards and guidelines should be created to help inform new
development outside of historic Main Street. Some should be numerical and fixed (such as set-to lines,
heights, upper level step-backs, and requirements for storefront windows.). But most can be descriptive
and inspirational and use graphics to explain (such as encouraging overhead canopies, artful signs, rich
details, etc.) These need not be onerous or lengthy but should be displayed in a concise, highly-
illustrated, user-friendly document. Finally, by their very nature, design guidelines (in contrast to
standards) are intended to allow flexibility and choices, producing many different solutions, so long as
their intent is fulfilled.” (Page 39 of the Downtown Improvement Plan, underlined emphasis added)
Action items:
• Adopt an interim step to enable investment
• Identify funding sources and secure a commitment of funds
• Prepare and issue a Request for Proposals for consulting services
• Complete a new set of design standards and guidelines
• Adopt a new set of design standards and guidelines, hold community training sessions.
129
APPENDIX A
SUBCHAPTER 4-B3
GUIDELINES FOR THE
B-3 COMMERCIAL CHARACTER AREA
Downtown Bozeman should be the location of buildings of greatest height and intensity in
the community. This chapter discusses guidelines for properties zoned B-3 (Central
Business District) and designated “Community Core” that serves as a transition between the Main Street Historic District and residentially zoned neighborhoods. Many of these properties include existing non-conforming low density residential or low intensity single
story commercial uses. While some buildings certainly warrant preservation;
underdevelopment of this transitional zone is a major concern. The downtown district is
planned for continued intensification over time with building additions as well as new construction replacing dilapidated and underutilized older structures on underdeveloped properties. Housing–for all income levels–should be encouraged by a variety of methods to
support the continued economic vitality of the Downtown Bozeman business district, which
is broadly recognized as one of Bozeman’s strongest assets.
This chapter discusses guidelines for new commercial, residential and mixed use development located within B-3 zoned areas but outside of the defined Main Street Historic
District, as shown in Figure 1.1. Note that buildings individually listed on the National
Register of Historic Places are not subject to this section.
Figure 1.1 B-3 District surrounding the Main Street Historic District
130
In this Subchapter: A. Mass and Scale
B. Building Quality
C. Building Roof Form
D. Site Design
E. Parking Facilities
F. Signs
131
A. Mass and Scale
Policy: The scale and character of the Main Street Historic District should be protected.
The other parts of downtown, including the area covered under this subchapter, should be
able to accommodate compatible contemporary development of greater height and density. Varied mass and scale along a streetscape and block is inevitable and can contribute to
more interesting urban pattern that continues to evolve over time.
1. Provide density to meet the goals and objectives of the Downtown Bozeman
Improvement Plan. Avoiding underdevelopment should be the primary concern
when considering building mass and scale.
• Floor area ratio for any new construction project should be a minimum of 1.0 FAR. Lower FAR ratios are acceptable with renovation or remodeling existing
structures.
• Floor-to-floor heights for commercial and mixed use buildings should be able
to accommodate a variety of uses for the future. The first floor level of new
commercial and mixed use buildings should maintain a minimum floor-to-floor height of 15 feet whenever possible.
• Buildings with 100 percent residential uses are exempt from the floor-to-floor
height requirement but are still encouraged to consider taller first floors to
provide flexibility for a variety of uses over time.
2. Innovative development and diversity of design is encouraged.
• Buildings and streetscapes should be of high quality and reflect a variety of architectural styles. Decorative architectural adornment or other architectural
patterns that convey a false sense of historic period are discouraged.
Buildings and additions should undergo a critical and rigorous design process
by design professionals that includes an emphasis on environmental
considerations.
3. A new building should exhibit clear order and comprehensive composition on all elevations.
• Entire facades of a single surface should be discouraged. A combination of
materials and articulation of building elements should be expressed in the
proposed architectural character.
• Layering of design elements is encouraged. • The designs of new buildings should consider stepping back after the fourth
floor to provide a meaningful and usable break in the façade on one or more
elevations.
• A clear narrative of the design process and intent and compliance with these
guidelines shall be included in the application.
132
B. Building Quality Policy: New buildings should be designed to a high level of permanence and quality.
1. New buildings should be designed to the level of permanence and quality
appropriate for Downtown Bozeman.
2. Sustainable methods and techniques should be applied to building design but also integrated with site layout and infrastructure design.
C. Building Roof Form Policy: Roof forms should be primarily flat roofs with other roof forms that fit to the
architectural character of the application.
1. Use flat roof lines as the primary roof form.
• Rooftop balconies and decks are encouraged. • Green roofs should be considered. • Mechanical equipment should be located on the roof when feasible. Solar
applications are encouraged to screen other mechanical equipment.
2. The use of other roof forms.
• Depending on the architectural style and site context, a variety of other roof
forms can also be appropriate.
• Roof forms should respond to the mix of uses as well as a mix of mass and
scale.
133
D. Site Design Policy: All sites in downtown should be designed to make the experience of pedestrians
and bicyclists safe, comfortable and visually appealing.
1. Create strong connections between downtown’s sub-districts, and between
downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.
• Place the facade of the building at the minimum front setback line except
when creating a public space.
• Areas along Mendenhall and Babcock shall conform to setback requirements
of the UDC.
2. Public spaces should be made active through programming or utilizing
opportunities with adjacent uses that promote vitality and safety.
134
E. Parking Facilities Policy: Minimize the visual impacts of parking. 1. Enclosed parking, integrated into individual new buildings as well as additions (if
feasible), is preferred whenever possible to surface parking lots.
• Considerations should be given to both on-grade or subgrade options.
2. Shared parking structures are preferred to surface parking lots; however, a
parking structure should be designed so that it creates a visually attractive
and active street edge.
• When feasible, a parking structure in the area should be wrapped with
commercial uses or another active use along the street edge to separate the
facility from the street and to add activity to the street
• Other methods of accomplishing this include, but are not limited to
- Murals or public art
- Landscaping and urban plazas
3. For residential projects, enclosed parking is preferred to surface parking lots.
• If individual enclosed parking is provided, consider locating it in a garage
accessed internally or from an alley, when feasible.
• Locating enclosed parking on the front facade of a multi-household building is
inappropriate. Doing so may increase the perceived mass and scale of the
structure as a whole.
135
F. Signs
Policy: All signs should be designed to fit the overall context of the building and the district.
1. Commercial and Mixed Use projects should include a variety of creative and clear signage.
• Wall-mounted and projecting signs, as well as canopy and awning signs in
some circumstances, are preferred over free-standing monument and pole
signs.
• Directory signs support a pedestrian scale and are strongly encouraged where
appropriate.
• Artful, whimsical and creative signage is encouraged. A comprehensive sign plan may be required; however, it is not intended to promote monotony.
2. Residential projects are encouraged to include building identification signage
to add to Bozeman’s overall sense of place.
• Wall-mounted signage is most appropriate.
• Artful, whimsical and creative signage is encouraged.
136
APPENDIX B
EXISTING NCOD DESIGN GUIDELINE TEXT
FOR REFERENCE IN NEW CHAPTER
A. Topography
Policy: Site work should be planned to protect the assets of the existing topography.
Guidelines:
1. Minimize cut and fill on a site.
• Divide large grade changes into a series of benches and terraces, where feasible.
• Design a building foundation to conform to the existing topography, rather than creating
extensive cut and fill.
• Step the foundation of a building to follow site contours, when feasible.
2. If stepping the foundation is not possible, disguise the cut with building placement and/or
building walls, and provide a landscape buffer system at the top of cut.
3. Minimize the visual impacts of cut and fill on a site.
• Regrade the site as a stable, “natural” slope, when feasible.
B. Street Patterns
Policy: Historic settlement patterns seen in street and alley plans often contribute to the distinct
character of the historic district and therefore they should be preserved. These street plans
influence the manner in which primary structures are sited and they also shape the manner in
which secondary structures and landscape features may occur on the site.
Guidelines:
1. Respect historic settlement patterns.
• Site a new building such that it is arranged on its site in a way similar to historic buildings in
the area. This includes consideration of building setbacks and open space.
C. Alleys
Policy: Alleys accommodate service functions and provide pedestrian connections and
secondary vehicle access. All alleys, both paved and unpaved, contribute to the character of the
district.
Guidelines:
1. Unpaved lanes contribute to the distinct character of the neighborhood; therefore, they
should continue in their "rustic" state, when feasible.
• In some instances where it is necessary to keep dust levels down, and it is necessary to pave
the alley, recycled asphalt is the preferred material.
2. The traditional scale and width of alleys should be continued.
137
• Maintain the traditional character and scale of an alley by locating buildings and fences
along the alley edges to maintain the alley edge.
D. Streetscape
Policy: Maintain the traditional character of the streetscape. This includes a rich collection of
varying street designs, sidewalk types and street trees.
Guidelines:
1. Maintain the variety of street paving designs.
• Most streets in the neighborhood are paved and have both curb and gutter. However, some
streets lack sidewalks or paving. Thus, they possess their own character and serve as
informal pedestrian ways. This tradition of unpaved streets should continue when it is not a
hazard to pedestrians or bicyclists.
2. Maintain the variety of sidewalk designs.
• Where a detached (sidewalks separated from the street by a strip of grass) sidewalk exists, it
should be preserved.
• Where no sidewalk exists a new sidewalk is required; it should be constructed to be in
character with the traditional sidewalks in the neighborhood.
3. Continue the use of planting strips.
• Planting strips should act as a transition between public and semipublic spaces.
• Where planting strips between the curb and sidewalk exist they should be maintained.
• If new detached sidewalks are installed in the neighborhood, new planting strips should be
provided.
4. Continue the pattern of street trees in a block. Because street trees serve various aesthetic
and practical functions, they should be maintained.
• Existing street trees should be preserved, when feasible.
• If a new detached sidewalk is to be created, street trees should be an accompanying
feature.
• If a new sidewalk is to be installed, it should detour around mature street trees, when
feasible.
• When an existing street tree dies, it should be replaced.
• Any new developments should include street trees.
• The historic urban design character for street tree placement should be considered when
enforcing city street standards.
E. Landscape Design
Policy:
Traditionally, plant beds were located around building foundations, along walkways and
sometimes in front of fences. Some of these plantings may have historic significance and should
138
be retained, to the extent feasible. Some mature trees may also contribute to the historic
landscape and should be preserved.
Guidelines:
1. Preserve and maintain mature trees and significant vegetation within all corridors.
• Include existing vegetation as a part of a landscape design scheme where appropriate.
• In development areas, healthy trees and vegetation clusters should be identified for
preservation. Special consideration should be given to mature trees, 6” or greater in
diameter, and to vegetation clusters with significant visual impact. Vegetation designated
for preservation should be incorporated into new development site design to the maximum
extent possible.
F. Site Lighting
Policy:
Standards for outdoor lighting are provided in the Unified Development Ordinance. This section
addresses some of the qualitative aspects of lighting design that should also be addressed. Light
spill onto adjacent properties and into the night sky should be minimized. The light level at the
property line is a key design consideration. This is affected by the number of fixtures, their
mounting height, and the lumens emitted per fixture. It is also affected by the screening and
design of the fixture.
Guidelines:
1. Lighting shall be shielded to prevent any off-site glare.
• Light fixtures should incorporate cut-off shields to direct light downward.
• Luminaires (lamps) shall not be visible from adjacent streets or properties.
G. Utilities and Service Areas
Policy: Service areas should be visually unobtrusive and should be integrated with the design of
the site and the building.
Guidelines:
1. Orient service entrances, waste disposal areas and other similar uses toward service lanes
and away from major streets.
• Screen service entrances with walls, fences or plantings.
• When it will be visible from a public way, a service area screen should be in character with
the building and site it serves.
• Locate areas for outdoor storage, truck parking, trash collection or compaction loading, or
other such uses so as not to be visible from abutting streets.
2. Position service areas to minimize conflicts with other abutting uses.
• Minimize noise impacts by locating sources of offensive sounds away from other uses.
• Use an alley system to locate service areas, when feasible.
139
H. Site Furniture
Policy: Site furnishings, including bicycle racks, waste receptacles and light standards, are features of
contemporary life in Bozeman. Few of these elements appeared historically in the community and it is
important that the character of these elements not impede one’s ability to interpret the historic
character of the area.
Guidelines:
1. Site furniture should be simple in character.
• Avoid any highly ornate design that would misrepresent the history of the area.
• Benches, bike racks and trash receptacles are examples of site furnishings that may be
considered.
• In public open spaces within a project, trash and recycling receptacles should be placed near
seating areas and at points of entry.
I. Signs
Policy: All signs should be developed with the overall context of the building and the area in mind. The
placement or location of a sign is perhaps the most critical factor in maintaining the order and integrity
of a commercial building. Consistent placement of signs according to building type, size, location and
even building materials creates a visual pattern that the driver, or pedestrian, can easily interpret and
utilize to the mutual benefit of merchants, tourists and customers.
Guidelines:
1. A flush-mounted or letter sign should be subordinate to the overall building composition.
• A sign should appear in scale with the facade.
• Locate a sign on a building such that it will emphasize design elements of the facade itself. On a
historic building a sign should not obscure architectural details or features.
• Mount a sign to fit within existing architectural features. Use the shape of the sign to help
reinforce the horizontal lines of moldings and transoms seen along the street.
2. A window sign may be considered.
• A window sign may be painted on the glass or hung just inside a window.
3. A projecting sign, which projects from the building front, may be considered.
• A small hanging sign is easier for a pedestrian to read than other sign types and is encouraged.
• A small hanging sign should be located near the business entrance, just above the door or to the
side of it.
• A hanging sign should be mounted perpendicular with the building facade.
• A hanging sign should provide clearance between the sidewalk surface and the bottom of the
sign.
4. Awning and canopy signs may be considered.
140
• Consider a canopy or awning sign where a flush-mounted sign would obscure architectural
details.
5. A directory sign may be considered.
• Where several businesses share a building, coordinate the signs. Align several smaller signs, or
group them into a single panel as a directory.
• Use similar forms or backgrounds for the signs to tie them together visually and make them
easier to read.
6. A pole mounted or monument sign may be considered.
• A freestanding sign may be used in areas where buildings are primarily set back from the street
edge. For example, a freestanding sign may be used in the front yard of a residence with an
accessory commercial use.
• A monument sign may be used in areas where buildings are primarily set back from the street
edge.
7. Using a symbol for a sign is encouraged.
• A symbol sign adds interest to the street, can be read quickly and is remembered better than
written words.
141