Bozeman advisory board backs Phase 1 landmark report, delays NCOD boundary changes

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board on Thursday recommended that the City Commission approve the Phase 1 report of the Bozeman Landmark Project while removing proposed changes to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) boundary from the immediate Phase 2 scope and asking that an update of the NCOD design guidelines run concurrently with proposed code revisions.

The recommendation, advanced by Board Member Wiseman and seconded by Board Member Brecky, followed a lengthy public-comment period and a consultant presentation on the report’s recommendations for code updates, demolition review, expansion of preservation protections citywide and creation of a local landmark program. The board voted unanimously to amend the Phase 1 recommendation to move NCOD boundary alterations into the report’s “future recommendations” and to coordinate a design-guidelines update with revisions to chapter 38.34.0 of the municipal code.

Why it matters: The Phase 1 report sets policy direction for Phase 2, where staff and consultants would draft specific code language. Residents and neighborhood representatives told the board the city must strengthen enforceable standards — not just guidance — for historic preservation, demolition review and certificates of appropriateness (COAs). Several speakers urged the board to prioritize clear, mandatory criteria and enforcement mechanisms before any boundary changes are pursued.

Consultants summarized Phase 1 findings and suggested next steps. Adrienne Burke, the consultant presenting the report, said Phase 2 would focus on targeted code changes to the COA process, deviation language, demolition criteria, documentation requirements and the creation of a local landmark nomination process. Burke noted that the…