Bozeman Mayor, Commission Pause Unified Development Code Update Process
City looks to hear from more residents before making a decision
BOZEMAN — After months of engagement and many comments from residents asking for more time to give feedback, Bozeman’s Mayor and Commission have decided to put the Unified Development Code Update timeline on hold until after the first of the year to provide additional opportunities for community engagement.
“This is not a decision that we make lightly. We know the staff has spent a lot of time and effort meeting with community groups, setting up event engagement stations, and hosting meetings on the project,” Mayor Cyndy Andrus explained. “We’ve also heard from many residents recently who are expressing concern that they are just now learning about the project. We want to acknowledge that and allow more time for them to learn about the proposed updates and hear their comments and suggestions. Everyone deserves a chance to speak and feel heard. It is our experience that public input and suggestions often result in a better plan.”
The Unified Development Code (UDC) is the part of the city code that outlines the rules and regulations for development within the city. The city launched the update effort in the summer of 2022 to align with the city’s guiding policies and goals around growth, sustainability, and affordable housing.
Since the project kicked off in July 2022, City of Bozeman staff, consultants, and partners have attended and hosted over 70 different meetings and events. A plan for future opportunities for the public to weigh in and the new timeline for when the Commission will hear the Code Update will be developed over the next few months.
“With Commissioner Pomeroy’s resignation and the upcoming election, delaying the process until early 2024 will allow any new members of the Commission time to get up to speed and make thoughtful decisions without being rushed”, says Andrus. “Our City Code addresses complex issues like housing and growth that require robust discussions. This effort is a crucial piece of addressing some of those issues. We hope this delay shows we are listening and agree that more time is needed before we act. The UDC update provides all Bozeman residents the chance to come together in the spirit of improving our code and our community.”
More information on the project can be found at engage.bozeman.net/udc
