Bozeman begins second phase of UDC engagement; commissioners weigh process for neighborhood rezoning requests

Summary

City staff reported months of supplemental engagement on a proposed Unified Development Code update and asked commissioners whether neighborhood rezoning requests should be decided as part of the UDC process or as separate zone map amendments. Public commenters emphasized housing, creek protections, trees and neighborhood character.

City of Bozeman staff on May 20 summarized the second phase of public engagement for a proposed Unified Development Code (UDC) revision and asked the City Commission to direct how to proceed with a set of requested zone map changes and which topics should be prioritized at an upcoming June 24 work session.

Erin George, director of community development, told commissioners the supplemental engagement effort ran from November through spring and included workshops, webinars, a survey and a "host your own" chat option. "No decisions are going to be made tonight and we're not writing code tonight," she said, framing the meeting as a progress report and an opportunity for direction.

Staff presented engagement statistics: roughly 491 participants at six workshops, about 230 online survey responses and close to 700 written comments received across the update project. Chris Saunders, a senior planner, summarized recurring themes including building mass and scale, zone edge transitions, parking, housing and environmental protections. He also noted statutory changes from the Montana Legislature and the new Montana Land Use Planning Act that affect local code content and procedures.

Key scheduling and procedural notes from staff: (1) the city must be compliant with the…

Bozeman begins second phase of UDC engagement; commissioners weigh process for neighborhood rezoning requests

Summary

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