The Bozeman Downtown Business Improvement District board heard a comprehensive presentation on building height standards and zone transition requirements on Wednesday but declined to take formal action on the issues ahead of a City Commission work session scheduled for Tuesday, August 25.
City Planning Staff Chris Saunders walked the board through technical details of the Unified Development Code adopted last winter, including shadow analysis comparing 70-foot and 90-foot buildings, setback requirements, and different types of zone transitions designed to mediate relationships between commercial and residential districts. The presentation covered how other communities approach similar issues and emphasized that multiple code standards beyond height—including building massing, articulation, and frontage placement—influence how structures affect adjacent properties and pedestrian experience.
Board Discussion and Public Comment
Public comment from Bozeman resident Daniel Carty urged the board to recommend reducing the maximum B-3 building height from 90 feet to 60 feet and requiring zone transitions across all streets and alleys regardless of width. Carty cited the city's strategic plan and community plan, arguing that taller buildings failed to comply with goals around preserving Bozeman's sense of place.
Board members individually shared perspectives rather than voting on a formal recommendation. Mark Kehke expressed reluctance to take action with only four of seven members present, though he noted the board would have no other opportunity to weigh in before the commission met. Board members generally agreed that the street-level experience and building articulation mattered more than height alone, pointing to examples like the Armory—which is tall but well-regarded—versus the Freestone Building, which feels imposing despite proximity to the sidewalk.
Board Members' Positions
Susan Neubauer emphasized the importance of setbacks at the pedestrian level and suggested modifications to the code rather than wholesale rejection. Eric Sutherland highlighted concerns about impacts on longtime residential property owners and called for more thoughtful consideration given Bozeman's rapid growth. Eric Bowman noted the code had undergone extensive study and expressed concern about rapid changes undermining property owners' ability to plan. He suggested the transition zones warranted further study without necessarily rewriting the entire code.
The board decided to allow members to submit individual public comments to the City Commission rather than issue a formal board recommendation. Commissioner Erik Nelson stated he would carry forward the board's input to the Tuesday meeting.
Procedural Votes
At the meeting's start, the board approved minutes unanimously on a roll call vote.
Downtown Updates
Staff reported two open positions with the Downtown Partnership: a weekend maintenance position and the operations manager role. New holiday garland has arrived, completing a five-year cycle of replacing holiday decorations. Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the city will move to monthly collection of BID assessments through the county rather than the current front-loaded annual payment, with approximately $30,000 in uncollected assessments from the prior year. Staff noted this change requires further planning with city finance. Downtown conditions remain stable, with slight increases in graffiti but overall low levels. The parking vision plan and Bozeman Creek project are expected to return with first drafts this fall.