Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bozeman public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in zoning with medium priority
Data Center Code Readiness
Staff say Bozeman's review process is mostly ready for data centers, but the code lacks standards for the continuous, penetrating noise they produce and for small modular nuclear reactors some operators bring as their own power.
Tiered Creek Setbacks and Development Rights
Staff want the board's help designing a tiered system of creek setbacks — replacing the flat 75-foot rule — plus averaging of setback distances and possible transfer or purchase of development rights. Board members pushed for clear-eyed treatment of downtown parcels and fairness to landowners north of downtown.
Wetland delineation timing for new development
After the commission unanimously approved wetland code cleanups, staff was directed to study moving wetland delineation requirements earlier in the development review process.
Zone Edge Transitions for Tall Buildings
Commissioner Alison Sweeney reported the City Commission directed staff to require landscaping and trees wherever high-density zones meet lower-density ones — a small but real win for Bozeman's tree canopy.
Valet parking regulation and fees in downtown Bozeman
Bozeman's code doesn't currently authorize valet services using public curb space, but two exist and three more businesses want them. The board is shaping an ordinance, permit system, and fee — likely several thousand dollars a year per space — that would apply to new and possibly existing valet operations.
Tentative report to residents
The biennial National Community Survey found 8 in 10 residents rate Bozeman as a good place to live, but cost of living, affordable housing, and growth management scored below national benchmarks. A proposed west-side fire station bond/levy didn't win majority support yet — about 4 in 10 favor it, with 3 in 10 wanting more information.
Smaller Annexations: 133 Maus Lane and 1071 Story Mill Road
A 1.173-acre golf-course-related parcel currently outside city limits — with no water or sewer — would be annexed and zoned R-1 low-density residential. The owners want city services; the area is planned as Urban Residential in the city's growth plan.
B-3 district parking rules after October 1, 2026
A drafting omission would have let downtown B-3 parking standards lapse when state law changes take effect October 1. The fix carries forward current, more permissive downtown standards — including rules for group living arrangements and commercial uses.
Community engagement framework update
The city is updating its 2021 Engagement Framework to meet MLUPA's public participation requirements. Residents told staff the biggest problem is giving input and never seeing it reflected in decisions.
Residency requirement for city office
The draft charter now requires that only registered voters living in Bozeman can serve as mayor or city commissioner. This shapes who can run for city office in future elections.
Unified Development Code amendments
The Commission was asked to authorize work on three amendment topics in Chapter 38 of the UDC along with a public engagement plan — the rules that guide what can be built where in Bozeman.