Historic Preservation Advisory Board Work Session on Landmark Criteria and Demolition - June 17, 2026

The Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB) met on June 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m. to continue discussion on the landmark program eligibility criteria and demolition regulations. The board reviewed draft purpose and criteria language, received an overview of current demolition procedures and data, heard public comment, and provided direction for next steps.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 20, 2026): The board unanimously approved the minutes (7-0) without discussion.

FYI/Discussions (Before Action Items)

• Chair Chelsea Holling Recognition: Community Development Director Erin George recognized Chair Holling’s last meeting after approximately ten years of service.
• HPAB Planner Position: The historic preservation planner position vacated by Sarah Rosenberg is being posted with an updated job description emphasizing preservation experience.
• NCOD Design Guidelines Project: A public survey is open through the end of June. The next neighborhood focus group meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daniel Carty (Bozeman resident): Urged the board to consider a deconstruction ordinance as part of demolition regulations.
• Rick Carren (609 South Sixth, Cooper Park resident): Stated that demolition of historic homes is an “existential threat” to core neighborhood integrity. Emphasized that while some homes are not salvageable, replacement structures must fit the neighborhood fabric. Called for more public review of replacement proposals.
• Natsuki Nakamura (Bozeman resident, renter): Supported updated inventory surveys for potential historic districts and a deconstruction ordinance to shift the economics of demolition. Noted a lack of penalty for demolition by neglect.

Discussion Items

• Landmark Program Purpose and Criteria: Consultant Adrienne Burk (Community Planning Collaborative) presented draft purpose language and a three-part designation test: (A) age requirement (50 years typical), (B) retention of integrity to convey significance, and (C) meeting one or more of eight significance criteria. Board feedback included:
  • Combine criteria C1 (“associated with an aspect of heritage or culture”) and C8 (“associated with a theme”) into a single criterion.
  • Retain the 50-year age threshold as a national standard, with no change.
  • Require only “one or more” from list C (keep broad to capture cultural significance).
  • Clarify the phrase “significant documented historic and cultural value” in the purpose statement (e.g., add a comma after “significant” to avoid ambiguity; consider a definition).
  • Found that the seven integrity factors in B provide sufficient guidance.
• Demolition Regulations Overview: Staff (Rebecca Harbage, Erin George) and Planning Manager Brian Krueger presented current NCOD demolition rules for historic, non-historic, and unsafe structures. Highlights:
  • Demolition data table shows 14 approvals in 2025 (seven commercial, seven single-family; only one contributing/eligible).
  • Many non-contributory determinations rely on 1984 surveys; only 2,412 of 2,797 NCOD parcels have been inventoried.
  • The economic viability analysis for historic structures is complex; staff issued a director’s interpretation to clarify “habitable condition.”
  • Board expressed concerns about demolition by neglect, outdated surveys, and lack of public notice for non-historic demolitions.
• Phase One Recommendations: Consultant Burk reviewed recommendations including updating the economic viability standards, requiring updated inventory forms (e.g., if older than 10 years), and clarifying the two-year stay process and early termination criteria.
• Deconstruction Ordinance: At a board member’s request, Burk provided examples (San Antonio, Portland) and noted a city climate action plan item on a deconstruction handbook. Staff suggested sustainability should lead that effort.

Key Outcomes

• Landmark Criteria Direction: The board agreed on the three-part test, the combined criterion (C1/C8), the 50-year age threshold, and the “one or more” standard. Staff will refine the draft language accordingly.
• Subcommittee on Demolition: A three-person subcommittee (Michael Wiseman, Allyson Brekke, Ashley Wilson) was formed to give focused attention to demolition regulations, including deconstruction, two-year stay language, and other issues. The subcommittee will report findings at future HPAB meetings.
• Next Meeting: The July 2026 meeting will focus on the NCOD design guidelines update and neighborhood focus group input.