HomeMy WebLinkAboutdeparture-032321
190 NORTHSTAR LANE
BOZEMAN, MT 59718
406-581-5730
www.headwatersmt.net
Page 1 of 2
March 22, 2021
Martin Matsen
Director of Planning
City of Bozeman – Planning Department
Re: Gallatin Park Mixed Use #20428
Building Placement Departure Request
Dear Mr. Matsen,
This letter is to request a departure from the building placement requirements of the Other Block Frontage standard
38.510.030.G for the Gallatin Park Mixed Use submittal. Ms. Garber mentioned the possibility for a departure during
the concept review.
38.510.030.G(Other Block Frontages) – Building Placement: Where allowed in the applicable zoning district, buildings
may be placed up to the sidewalk edge provided block frontage standards herein are met (except where otherwise
noted herein). 10’ minimum from setback for other buildings, except where greater setbacks are specified in the
district per division 38.320.
The requested departure is to reduce the front setback from 20’ to 14’ to maximize the lot usage. The applicants did
not request the full reduction to a 10’ setback as a result of an existing 12’ public utility easement. The requested 14’
allows building construction without having to relocate any of the existing dry utilities within that easement.
The subject property is zoned M-1, which specifies a front setback of 20’, but has a note that refers back to Section
38.510 for setback standards. By being able to reduce the front setback from 20’ down to 14’, we are able to provide
almost three more feet of width in the proposed residential open space, as well as provide additional room in front of
the other onsite buildings. The additional width within the residential open space allows the project to provide over
133% of the required open space area.
We believe the purpose of the 20’ front setback within the M-1 Zoning is to prevent large buildings without inviting
front façades from encroaching on the pedestrian experience on the adjacent sidewalk. We believe that the requested
reduction in setback is more than offset with an inviting front façade, extensive full-height windows, over 40%
transparency, several building jogs, and accentuated views into the front of the building.
Departure Criteria:
Minimum Setback: The building design is a mesh of storefront style design with other portions of the building that do
not have full-height windows, being setback further from the sidewalk. A full storefront design was not possible due to
existing power, gas, and communications interfering with the building placement. Therefore, the building was designed
with the outermost jogs and building entrance being almost 100% windows. The entrance is also accentuated by a wall
which frames the doorway, providing a clear distinction of where to enter. The areas without full height windows have
a proposed landscape hedge which separates the building from the sidewalk. This mix of separation and windows will
help focus pedestrian attention to the store fronts.
Façade Transparency: As mentioned above, the mix of fully transparent sections of building, mixed with sections which
are further setback and include a landscape buffer, will provide visual interest to pedestrians and highlights the sections
of store front with large windows. The front façade has over 40% of transparency planned.
190 Northstar Lane, Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 581-5730 www.headwatersmt.net Page 2 of 2
Figure 1 – Building Frontage Elevation
We request that you consider our departure to allow this project to utilize as much of the lot as possible which will
provide improved building separation and an increased residential open space area. We believe the façade of building 3
more than offsets the reduction in setback.
We appreciate your time in reviewing our request and if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at
581-5730.
Sincerely,
______________________________
Jeremy May, P.E.
Headwaters Engineering, Inc.
H:\1204\001\DOCS\Siteplan\departure.doc
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EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTGGGGGGGGNGRAPHIC SCALE1 inch = ft.0( IN FEET )102020DRAWN BY:DATE:Plot Date: 3/22/2021 8:26 AMH:\1204\001\ACAD\SHEETS\C-2-3.dwgREVISION DATE:190 NORTHSTAR LANE, BOZEMAN, MT 59718HEADWATERSMT.NET406-581-5730PROJECT #:LOCATION:GALLATIN PARK DRIVEDEPARTURE REQUESTEXHIBITJRM03/23/211204.001BOZEMANINCREASED OPEN SPACE WIDTHWALL FRAMING ENTRANCEFULL HEIGHT WINDOWSFULL HEIGHT WINDOWS20' SETBACKREQUESTED 14' SETBACKFULL GLASS ENTRANCEAREAS WITHOUT FULLWINDOWS SETBACKFURTHEREXISTING DRY UTILITIESEXISTING 5' CONCRETE SIDEWALKGALLATIN PARK DRIVE12' PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENTBUILDING #3