The Bozeman Unified Development Code: Overview
BOZEMAN’S NEW UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
On December 16, 2025, the Bozeman City Commission adopted Ordinance 2151, replacing Chapter 38 of the municipal code with a new framework for land use, zoning, and development across the city. Effective February 1, 2026.
The revised Unified Development Code (UDC) is Bozeman’s primary regulatory tool for guiding what types of development can occur where, through standards for zoning districts, building design, subdivisions, and more. Its adoption comes after years of community input and debate, reflecting the city’s rapid population growth and the urgent need for regulations that address housing shortages, environmental concerns, and urban expansion.
Designed to align with long-term goals outlined in the Bozeman Community Plan, Climate Action Plan, and affordable housing priorities, the UDC balances growth with sustainability while complying with state laws including the Montana Land Use Planning Act. Residents and developers can access the full code and supporting resources at engage.bozeman.net/udc.
Background and Need for Update
Bozeman first adopted zoning regulations in 1935, with the original UDC implemented in 2003. By 2022, city officials recognized the need for a major update to accommodate the city’s booming population. Bozeman has been one of the fastest-growing micropolitan areas in the U.S., and the existing regulatory framework was ill-equipped to handle modern challenges: climate change, housing affordability, and infrastructure strain.
The update was initiated to implement goals from the 2020 Bozeman Community Plan, which emphasizes sustainable development, diverse housing options, and preservation of neighborhood character. Key drivers included compliance with new state laws requiring cities to allow multi-unit housing in commercial zones and to adopt at least five housing strategies to boost supply. Prior to the update, roughly 50% of Bozeman’s land was zoned exclusively for single-family dwellings, with parking mandates, setbacks, and minimum lot sizes further restricting denser development.
The Development Process
The UDC update spanned more than three years, involving over 2,000 community responses, five City Commission work sessions, and a complete rewrite of the initial draft following significant public backlash.
| 01 | Summer 2022: Update process launched. City staff conduct surveys, forums, community chats, and advisory board meetings, gathering over 2,000 public responses. |
| 02 | 2023: Initial draft released. Significant public backlash prompts a full rewrite of the document. |
| 03 | Winter 2024 to Spring 2025: Supplemental public engagement continues. The City Commission holds five work sessions to review alternatives and refine the code. |
| 04 | September 19, 2025: Revised draft released publicly via engage.bozeman.net/udc, accompanied by an interactive zoning map comparison viewer and summary tables of changes. |
| 05 | November 3, 2025: Public hearings begin. |
| 06 | November 17, 2025: Community Development Board recommends approval with amendments. |
| 07 | November 24, 2025: Editorial corrections and minor revisions released. |
| 08 | December 2, 2025: City Commission provisionally adopts the code incorporating 24 amendments. |
| 09 | December 16, 2025: Final adoption via Ordinance 2151. A 90-foot maximum building height is set for the B-3 (central business) district. |
| 10 | February 1, 2026: New UDC takes effect, replacing Chapter 38 of the municipal code in its entirety. |
Key Changes Introduced
The revised UDC introduces six major areas of change designed to promote sustainable, equitable growth across Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley.
Zoning District Consolidation
The code consolidates zoning districts to simplify regulations, separating the former R-A (residential-agricultural) zone into lower- and medium-density categories. A new B-3C district was created for Main Street between Grand and Rouse. Overall zoning changes increase density while strengthening transitions between zones to preserve neighborhood character.
Housing Diversity and Affordability
Multi-unit dwellings and mixed-use developments are now permitted in commercial zones as required by state law. Reduced minimum lot sizes and setbacks could allow up to eight dwellings in 10,000-square-foot, three-story buildings in former single-family areas. Projects with at least 50% affordable units are exempt from on-site parking requirements.
Environmental Protections
Revisions enhance protections for wetlands, riparian corridors, and wildlife migration paths, aligning with the newly adopted Sensitive Lands Protection Plan. The code also promotes green building practices and integrates goals from the Climate Action Plan.
Parking and Transportation
Parking minimums are reduced in certain areas to encourage walkable, transit-oriented development and free up land for housing. Projects meeting affordable housing thresholds are fully exempt from on-site parking requirements.
Building Heights and Design
Lower-density zones now carry maximum height limits, with mass and scale standards refined to maintain aesthetic and functional harmony. Public notice provisions and review processes were updated to improve community involvement in major development decisions.
Usability Improvements
The document features improved formatting, clearer language, and better organization, making it more accessible for residents, developers, and builders navigating the regulatory framework.
Impact on Housing and Development
The UDC is expected to significantly influence Bozeman’s housing market and overall development landscape. By increasing allowable densities and diversifying housing types, the code aims to boost supply amid sustained high demand. Allowing triplexes and fourplexes in single-family zones could maximize land use, directly addressing the fact that 13% of land zoned for small apartments was effectively limited to single-family development under the prior code. This aligns with state mandates to encourage multi-unit housing and may help offset the doubling of short-term rentals between 2020 and 2023, which reduced available long-term housing stock.
For builders and developers, streamlined processes and reduced parking requirements may lower project costs and spur more activity. Increased environmental scrutiny on sensitive lands could add steps to approvals for properties near wetlands or foothills. Overall, the code positions Bozeman for predictable, responsive growth that preserves natural beauty while accommodating continued expansion.
Public Response
The UDC update generated considerable public debate throughout its development. The 2023 draft drew criticism for potentially disrupting neighborhood character, prompting revisions focused on balancing density with new height limits and edge transitions. Some residents raised concerns about displacement from denser developments or the loss of single-family exclusivity, while others pushed for more aggressive affordability measures. Public comments during hearings highlighted specific concerns over zoning near Centennial Park and the need to protect historic and affordable housing stock.
Despite the divisions, city leaders praised the collaborative nature of the process. The Bozeman Welcoming Neighbors Coalition supported the changes for promoting abundant, diverse housing options, while the Better Bozeman Coalition raised concerns about impacts on established single-family neighborhoods.
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