Bozeman panel backs annexation of Museum of the Rockies parcel for public‑institution zoning

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The Bozeman Community Development Board on July 7 recommended that the City Commission approve annexation and initial public‑institution (PLI) zoning for a roughly one‑acre parcel at 2221 South Third Avenue owned by the Museum of the Rockies.

Tom Rogers, a planner with the Community Development Department, told the board the applicant had requested annexation to allow city services and that staff found the proposal met state review criteria. The board voted 5‑0 to adopt the staff findings and forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission, which is scheduled to consider the annexation and zoning on July 22.

Why it matters: The property is adjacent to the museum campus and surrounded by established residential subdivisions. Annexation and PLI zoning would enable the museum to integrate the parcel with its institutional operations and to extend municipal water and sewer service to the site.

What staff said: Rogers said the site contains an older house and outbuildings and is currently unzoned in city records; staff recommended initial PLI zoning consistent with the city's future land use map and the municipal review criteria. Rogers confirmed the city followed public-notice requirements, including on‑site posting and mailed notice to adjacent owners.

Applicant and occupancy: Rob Perzborn of Intrinsic Architecture, representing Museum of the Rockies, said the purchase and annexation were intended primarily to allow hookup to city water and sewer and fuller integration with the museum campus. Perzborn confirmed the house on the parcel is occupied and that the occupant will remain while the museum evaluates longer‑term options.

Questions from the board: Commissioners asked whether the parcel's existing septic system would have to be decommissioned upon annexation; staff said decommissioning is not automatic at annexation but is typically required when further development occurs or if the system fails. Board members also asked whether the existing house would become a lawful nonconforming use under PLI; staff and the applicant said the current occupancy qualifies as a lawful nonconforming use and would not require immediate removal.

Formal action: Board member Ben Lloyd moved to adopt the staff findings for application 24714 and to recommend approval of the zone map amendment (PLI) with contingencies required to complete application processing. The motion was seconded, and the board voted 5‑0 in favor. The matter will move to the City Commission on July 22 for final action.

What happens next: If the City Commission approves annexation and initial zoning, future redevelopment or changes in use would be reviewed under the city's land-use standards and could trigger utility upgrades or additional approvals.

Provenance: Staff presentation began at 00:16:23 (Tom Rogers); final motion and roll call took place at 00:32:47.