Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting - February 18, 2026

The Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) met on February 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to approximately 8:42 PM. The meeting focused on the update of the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) Design Guidelines, including a special presentation from the consulting firm Lakota Group and discussion of a community engagement plan. The board also received significant public comment from residents expressing concerns about new development height, enforceability of guidelines, and the need to preserve historic character.

Consent Calendar

• None present.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Ball, city resident, expressed strong opposition to increased building heights in the B3 zone, stating that zoning changes have diminished property values and that the concept of a gentle transition from downtown to neighborhoods has been abandoned. He urged the board to reinstitute pragmatic protections.
• Mark Campanelli, Bogert Park resident, stated that the NCOD guidelines are being treated as optional by staff, which he called "ridiculous." He argued the NCOD purpose is code that must be achieved, with guidelines providing flexibility.
• Angie Kaciolek, speaking for herself and as INC rep for Northeast Neighborhood Association, argued that the NCOD guidelines were intended to carry weight and are not mere suggestions. She provided examples from city code where "guidelines" are treated as enforceable standards.
• Daniel Carty, Bozeman resident and NCOD resident, reported that a developer told residents to "get out of our way" during a neighborhood walk. He called for the NCOD to have "legal teeth" to protect historic character, viewsheds, urban forest, and solar access.
• Marcia Kaveny, Bozeman resident and co-founder of the Bozeman Tree Coalition, asked whether landscaping design guidelines will be included in the update and whether the Heritage Trees program will be part of the landmark program.
• Ken Sinnay, NCOD resident since 1993, expressed concern about out-of-scale new construction (citing the Depot Street project) and emphasized the importance of height transitions and solar access for downtown livability.
• Zehra Osman, Bozeman resident, cited portions of the Bozeman Municipal Code and the Secretary of the Interior Standards to argue that the existing code and guidelines already provide sufficient tools if enforced. She welcomed Lakota Group and urged that the update produce enforceable standards.

Discussion Items

• H.1 Special Presentation – NCOD Design Guideline Update: Lakota Group (Saraj Al Sahani, Matt Cole, Scott Ferris, Douglas Carrie, Doug Gilbert) presented their background, emphasizing a focus on community engagement, clear and user-friendly graphics, and balancing preservation with economic vitality. They outlined a two-phase process: Phase 1 (research and engagement) and Phase 2 (drafting and review). Board members asked about engaging the design community and educating the public on preservation benefits. Lakota noted that they have worked in communities with similar growth pressures and that they will conduct stakeholder interviews and walking tours.
• I.1 Action Item – NCOD Design Guidelines Update Community Engagement Plan Discussion: Staff presented the proposed community engagement plan, which includes open houses, stakeholder meetings, a neighborhood focus group, surveys, walking tours, and an Engage Bozeman project page. The board discussed several proposed amendments, including adding the Inner Neighborhood Council (INC) as a key external partner, making the online survey and walking tours required methods, and ensuring walking tours occur early in the process. After discussion, the board voted 5-0 to approve the plan as amended.
• J. FYI/Discussions: Member James Webster requested that an item regarding an Interim Zoning Ordinance to address the 90-foot height allowance in B3 be placed on the next meeting's agenda. Staff noted they would need to consult with the city attorney before adding it, given it involves a commission decision and zoning authority delegated to the Community Development Board.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve minutes from the January 21, 2026 HPAB meeting carried 6-0.
• Motion to amend the community engagement plan (to include INC as a key external partner, add walking tour and survey as listed methods, and ensure walking tours are included in the Phase 1 timeline) carried 5-0.
• Motion to approve the NCOD Guidelines Update Community Engagement Plan as amended, recommending it to the City Commission, carried 5-0.
• The City Commission is expected to consider the plan for adoption on March 10, 2026.
• Homework for board members: review existing NCOD guidelines before the April work session with Lakota Group, focusing on what works, what is unclear, and what is missing.
• Next HPAB meeting is scheduled for March 31, 2026, focusing on the local landmark project.