Bozeman commission hears appeal of Guthrie site plan, COA and demolition approval; decision continued to April 15

The Bozeman City Commission on April 1 heard an administrative appeal of the development director’s conditional approval of the Guthrie project, a proposed four‑story, 91‑unit apartment building at North Fifth Avenue and Villard Street that includes demolition, a site plan, and a certificate of appropriateness (application 24493). The commission took public testimony and heard technical presentations from city staff, the appellants and the applicant, then continued the matter for decision to April 15.

The appeal (25033) was filed after Community Development Director Aaron George conditionally approved the Guthrie application; appellants argued the approval ignored mandatory NCOD requirements, undervalued compatibility with adjacent residences and failed required site‑plan and traffic standards. Staff recommended the director’s approval be upheld, saying the application met compulsory code standards and that design guidelines are a required review reference but are not themselves code. Applicants said the revised Guthrie (from a prior 5‑story proposal) reduced…