Bozeman’s neighborhoods could be changed forever

The City of Bozeman is in the process of changing its Unified Development Code (UDC), zoning map and zoning designations. The proposed new code would combine zones R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-S into a newly designated R-A zone which would allow up to 8 dwelling units, or a 10,000 square foot, 3 story building. This is just one example of the many changes proposed in the code. Other changes would allow similar higher density infill in other zones and weaken the historical preservation protections that made Bozeman the unique city that it is today.

Public Outcry

Although the City Commission set out with an objective of engaging the key stakeholders in the city’s future, in the end few residents had a chance to comment at the beginning of the UDC update process. As a result, many residents became aware of the future-altering proposed changes only last month, near the end of the process.

Not surprisingly, during October hundreds of concerned residents attended city Planning Board meetings and spoke opposition to the proposed changes.

Temporary Delay in the City’s Decision Process

In response to the public outcry the City Commission has announced that it has paused the decision process until early next year. Currently the City is seeking public input on how to design a more effective engagement process. Actual engagement with the process will start early next year.

To learn more visit the City’s webpage, Building Our Future Together - Development Code Update.

To help preserve the unique character of Bozeman’s neighborhoods, Join the Better Bozeman Coalition