The Downtown Area Urban Renewal District Board voted to recommend that the City Commission retain the current 90-foot maximum building height limit in the B-3 commercial zoning district, citing the need to allow the recently adopted development code time to function before making changes.
The board heard a detailed presentation from City Planning Director Chris Saunders on building height regulations, transition zones between different zoning districts, and shadow analysis comparing 70-foot and 90-foot structures. Saunders explained that the current 90-foot standard was adopted by the City Commission in December 2025 after multiple public hearings, replacing a previous proposal to measure height in stories rather than feet.
Height and Density Discussion
Board members emphasized that the choice between 70 and 90 feet ultimately reflects a decision about urban density rather than a specific number. Jake Van Dusen noted that the real issue is "the relationship of scale and mass," pointing out that factors beyond height—such as building articulation, window placement, and setbacks—significantly affect how residents experience downtown. John How argued that increasing density through height allowances is necessary to expand the tax base for downtown reinvestment and infrastructure improvements.
Public commenter Daniel Carty urged the board to recommend reducing the height limit to 60 feet, arguing that taller buildings would adversely affect adjacent residential neighborhoods and compromise affordable housing incentives. He cited the city's growth policy, which emphasizes balancing the needs of new and existing development.
Motion and Vote
John How moved to retain the 90-foot maximum height in B-3 and to ask city staff to consider amendments to transition zone standards. Nicholas Wickes seconded the motion. The board voted 7-0 to approve the recommendation, with all members voting in favor: Nicholas Wickes, John How, Amy Horton, Jake Van Dusen, Tony Renslow, Ryan Finn, and Marley McKenna.
The board emphasized trust in the city planning staff's expertise and noted that no applications for 90-foot buildings have been submitted under the new code, making it premature to make changes. Members also stressed the importance of honoring the multi-year process that produced the current Unified Development Code, suggesting that any future adjustments should come after real-world projects demonstrate how the regulations function. City staff indicated they will include nuanced discussion points from the board's deliberation when submitting the recommendation to the Commission.
Other Business
Executive Director Ellie Staley reported that the federal building has been placed on the federal disposal list, opening a potential acquisition opportunity for downtown renewal projects. The Downtown URD is pursuing an expansion of its district boundaries to include the federal building and Bozeman Creek areas. Staley also announced openings for an operations manager position and a seasonal maintenance role, highlighted pedestrian safety improvements on Babcock Street funded through the URD, and noted that the board received three proposals for an ADA-compliant park at Wilson School. The board approved routine minutes unanimously.