UDC
To achieve a future in Bozeman with abundant housing, diverse housing options, and responsible land use, we need to allow more homes to be built and make better use of existing land. The City has been engaging the public around the revisions to the Unified Development Code (UDC) through a series of meetings, and online surveys. Under the Montana Land Use Planning Act, the City is required to encourage creation of housing and must adopt at least 5 housing strategies in the UDC updates.
Bozeman Welcoming Neighbors Coalition recommends these top 5 options:
Allow, as permitted use, triplexes or fourplexes, where a single family dwelling is permitted
Allow multi-unit dwellings or mixed-use developments as a permitted use on all lots where office, retail, or commercial are primary permitted use
Eliminate minimum lot sizes
Eliminate setback requirements
Eliminate parking requirements
Our community is mired in a deep housing shortage, particularly of starter homes, small apartments, and smaller, age-friendly housing. 50% of Bozeman is currently designated for single-family dwellings, and 13% of the land zoned for small-apartments is de-facto single family zoning due to the size of the lot. Parking mandates, setbacks, and minimum lot size are administrative regulations preventing housing from being built where it makes the most sense. By lifting impediments and ensuring available land is maximized to develop these desired small apartments and townhomes, we can ensure a more affordable future for Bozeman where everyone’s housing needs are met.
