Demolition regulations update
Summary
Board members and preservation advocates worry penalties are too weak for owners who demolish without permits or let historic buildings rot until they're unsafe. State law limits Bozeman's options, but staff may pursue a separate update to the public nuisance code.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
Funding for the project is in the FY27 budget; state law caps demolition-violation fines at $500.
Neighbors and preservationists who lose historic buildings to neglect or unpermitted demolition.
Property owners seeking demolition face new survey, documentation, and notice requirements.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Community Development Board - Sep 21, 2026
Board members and preservation advocates worry penalties are too weak for owners who demolish without permits or let historic buildings rot until they're unsafe. State law limits Bozeman's options, but staff may pursue a separate update to the public nuisance code.
Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board - Aug 19, 2026
The board and staff worked through suggested changes to demolition rules in the NCOD — required surveys, public notice, penalties for illegal demolition. Draft code is expected at the September meeting, but state law limits the board's direct role.
Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board - Jul 15, 2026
The board is working on revising the city's demolition rules within the NCOD — what documentation is required, how to discourage 'demolition by neglect,' and whether to require updated survey forms with every demolition permit. A draft code amendment is expected at the August 19 meeting.
Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board - Jun 17, 2026
Public commenters pushed for a deconstruction ordinance to salvage building materials and shift demolition economics. Staff said it's outside the current project scope and would likely be led by Sustainability, but recommended studying San Antonio and Portland's models and starting with a cross-sector working group.
Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board - May 20, 2026
With the City Commission declining a work session on interim zoning, board members want demolition regulations for NCOD and historic properties updated first, citing ongoing demolition concerns.
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