Bozeman HPAB Meeting: Landmark Program & NCOD Guidelines Discussion – March 31, 2026
Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting – March 31, 2026
The Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) met on March 31, 2026, at 6:00 pm to continue discussion of the Local Landmark Program Development, receive updates on the Certified Local Government (CLG) grant, and hear about the upcoming NCOD Design Guidelines engagement. The board also approved the minutes from February 18, 2026, and heard public comments.
Minutes Approval
- The board approved the minutes of the February 18, 2026 meeting after an amendment to include the request to discuss the interim zoning ordinance on a future agenda in the FYI section. The amendment passed 4–0 (James Webster, Mitchell Korus, Ashley Wilson, Michael Wiseman in favor; Allyson Brekke abstained). The minutes as amended were then approved 4–0, with one abstention.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Initial public comment (non‑agenda): Daniel Carty provided comment.
- During the landmark program discussion:
- Natsuki Nakamura (Bozeman resident, Economic Vitality Board member, Beta Bozeman Coalition) expressed concerns about the NCOD’s perceived regulatory sufficiency and cautioned against replacing the NCOD with the landmark program. She urged a joint HPAB–Urban Parks and Forestry Board conversation on a Heritage Tree Program.
- Daniel Carty advocated for including natural elements—such as the urban forest, irrigation ditches, and unpaved trails—in the landmark program and urged the board to champion a heritage tree program.
- Linda Simones stressed that historic preservation must be accessible, raising concerns about high petition signature thresholds (e.g., 75%) and costly zone map amendment fees that could discourage participation.
Discussion Items: Local Landmark Program Development
- Presentation: Community Development Director Erin George and consultant Adrienne Burke (Community Planning Collaborative) presented phase‑two work on the local landmark program, covering regulatory vs. non‑regulatory options, examples from other communities (Billings, Fort Collins, Aurora, etc.), and proposed criteria for significance and integrity.
- Key issues debated:
- How the landmark program would function inside the NCOD: because the NCOD already requires design review and certificates of appropriateness, a regulatory landmark inside the NCOD would duplicate existing processes. A non‑regulatory, honorary tier was suggested for properties within the NCOD.
- The legal requirement for landmark districts to go through a zoning map amendment (ZMA), including review by the Community Development Board (planning commission). Board member Ashley Wilson voiced concerns that this process would be burdensome and costly, potentially discouraging nominations.
- Alternatives discussed: starting with a single‑site landmark program (no ZMA needed), offering incentives (fee waivers, facade grants), and using design guidelines to provide different levels of protection.
- Other considerations: age thresholds for landmarks, treatment of facades, and the role of Secretary of Interior standards.
- Board feedback: The board agreed to revisit the city attorney to explore alternatives to the full ZMA process for landmark districts. They also emphasized the need to keep the program accessible and attractive to property owners.
Key Outcomes
- Staff will circle back with the city attorney to investigate alternative methods for establishing landmark districts that avoid a separate ZMA and Community Development Board review.
- The board informally agreed to place a discussion on the interim zoning ordinance on a future meeting agenda.
- The board acknowledged the receipt of the CLG grant approval (already acted upon by the City Commission) and the upcoming NCOD Design Guidelines engagement week.
- The meeting was extended to 8:15 pm to continue the discussion.
FYI Items
- Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant: Rebecca (staff) reported that the City Commission approved the 2026–2027 CLG grant application at its March meeting; HPAB was informed for awareness.
- NCOD Design Guidelines Update: The Lakota Group will conduct a community engagement week starting April 13, 2026, including:
- Community open house on Monday, April 13, 6–8 pm.
- Neighborhood focus group sessions (by invitation) on Tuesday, April 14.
- Walking tours on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.
- Presentation to HPAB at their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15.
- Interim Zoning Ordinance: The board expressed interest in adding this topic as a discussion item at a future meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:14 pm.
Meeting Transcript
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