Memorandum
REPORT TO:
City Commission
FROM:
Tom Rogers, Senior Planner
Chris Saunders, Community Development Manager
Erin George, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:
Work Session with City Commission Regarding Possible Text Amendments to Chapter 38, Unified Development Code, Bozeman Municipal Code Related to Zone Edge Transitions and Building Materials Standards
MEETING DATE:
October 27, 2026
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Community Development - Legislative
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on identified questions.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
BACKGROUND:
The City's Unified Development Code establishes many standards to address public concerns about the mass and scale of new buildings. One of those, zone edge transitions, requires buildings to be designed with certain features if located at the boundary between some zoning districts. The City Commission held a work session to discuss zone edge transitions on Aug 25, 2026. After giving some direction, the Commission requested a follow up discussion on further details which is the origin of this meeting. Information on and potential discussion on building materials is also included. The Commission welcomes thoughts and recommendations in support of this discussion.
Standards for new development were recently updated and adopted during the 2025 Unified Development Code update finalized on Dec. 12, 2025. Maximum building height for each zoning district is set in Divisions 38.210 through 38.230; and the rule of interpretation for height for all zoning districts is in Section 38.260.100. The rule of interpretation describes how heights are measured, identifies allowed encroachments above maximum height, and other details. Zone edge transitions are described and applied per Section 38.260.070. The primary focus of discussion on zone edge transitions for this meeting is the B-3 district but decisions made may also affect other districts. The UDC text [external link] is available online.
A staff memo, maps, and other information are attached to this agenda item. Public comments related to this item are available in Laserfiche [external link]. Staff will summarize the content in the memo and present additional materials. Links to prior Commission meetings related to this topic are included in the attached staff memo.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:
As identified by Commission.
ALTERNATIVES:
Determine direction, if any, for drafting of amendments for public review.
FISCAL EFFECTS:
Remaining contracted consultant funds from the UDC update project were carried over into the FY27 budget to assist with preparation for this discussion, and the possibility of additional code work.