The Bozeman City Commission unanimously approved the city's comprehensive Unified Development Code on December 16th, reversing a recent decision to lower maximum building heights in the downtown area back to 90 feet. The rewrite of Chapter 38, which governs zoning, land use, and building design, took two years to develop and will take effect February 1st, 2026. The key debate centered on whether buildings in the B-3 district surrounding downtown should reach 90 feet, as recommended in the 2019 Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan, or stay at 70 feet as the commission had voted two weeks prior. Commissioner Douglas Fischer argued the 90-foot limit reflected years of public engagement, while opponents, including Commissioner Jennifer Madgic and incoming commissioner Alison Sweeney, contended the city should use additional height as leverage to secure affordable housing commitments. The commission ultimately restored 90 feet, passing 4-1, with Mayor Terry Cunningham and Deputy Mayor Joey Morrison noting the December 2nd reduction felt like a "sudden move" without adequate discussion.
In other business, the commission approved annexation and R-3 zoning for 17.9 acres near Story Mill Park on a former Superfund site. The property, bisected by the East Gallatin River, is estimated to yield roughly 82 dwelling units once wetlands and environmental constraints are accounted for. City Attorney Greg Sullivan confirmed liability for institutional groundwater controls rests with the landowner. The zoning vote passed 4-1, with Commissioner Madgic opposing, citing environmental constraints and the property's location on the city's edge.
The commission unanimously approved a 14-item consent agenda, highlighted by a new turf field partnership with Bozeman School District and Gallatin County's transfer of Gardner Park's 8.5 acres to the city. Six advisory board positions were filled, and commissioners recognized community members including longtime Community Development Board member Hap Happel for nine years of service.