In a recent government meeting, the Bozeman Community Development Department proposed a significant amendment to the Northeast Historic Mixed Use District (NEMU) zoning regulations. The amendment aims to allow apartments as a permitted use on the second and subsequent floors of buildings, as well as in basements, without area restrictions. Currently, apartments are classified as an accessory use, limited to occupying less than 50% of the floor area.

Elizabeth Kramblett from the Community Development Department presented the proposal, emphasizing that the change would facilitate a more vibrant mixed-use environment in the NEMU district, which has evolved from a primarily industrial area to one that accommodates a blend of residential and commercial uses. The proposed amendment does not alter the existing prohibition of residential units on the ground floor, which remains a point of contention among community members.

The NEMU district, established in 2002, was designed to recognize the area's diverse land use patterns. The recent shift in the district's designation from industrial to community commercial mixed use in 2020 has prompted this amendment, aligning with the city’s growth policy that encourages residential development on upper floors of mixed-use buildings.

During the meeting, Kramblett noted that the staff had conducted a thorough analysis of the amendment against state review criteria and found that all criteria had been met. The development review committee also expressed no objections to the proposal. Public comments were largely supportive, with some residents expressing concerns about increased density and its impact on traffic and parking in the area.

Tyler Steinway, representing the applicant, highlighted that the amendment would not increase building height or mass but would instead allow for a more flexible mix of uses within structures. He emphasized that this change would promote adaptive reuse of existing buildings and enhance the vibrancy of the district.

Community members, including Amy Kelly Huitzma, president of the Northeast Neighborhood Association, voiced their hopes for the district to evolve into an arts and culture hub, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by increased residential density. The meeting concluded with a recognition of the potential for future expansion of the NEMU boundaries, contingent on community interest and planning considerations.