The City of Bozeman is updating its Unified Development Code (UDC) and is asking for public input on project scope: which topics should they address in this update? The UDC guides a huge number of decisions related to development and land use, such as zoning, subdivision and site development, parking and transportation, affordable housing, and environmental protection. If you think the City should focus on WATER, they need to hear from YOU.  

The impacts of development on water resources, such as wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and irrigation ditches, are primarily governed by the UDC under Article 6: Natural Resource Protection. These water resources provide essential ecosystem services, including flood control, water storage, and pollution removal, that safeguard infrastructure and public safety. Protecting and maintaining them is the cornerstone of sustainable growth.

What is the issue? The current draft UDC does not address Article 6. We think it should. The main challenge is not necessarily with the codes themselves, but with their usability and enforcement. Time and again, we have experienced and heard from others that:

1. The process of documenting existing site conditions and proposed impacts is confusing and at times, contradictory;

2. Water resources are often one of the last things considered in the design process;

3. Regulatory language designed to protect water resources is confusing despite the best intentions; 

4. There is a lack of technical capacity to provide adequate development review.