Planning Checklists, Guides, & Brochures

What To Do Before You Apply

Locate the property on Bozeman's Community Development Map Viewer. This tool provides zoning information as well as helpful links to the Unified Development Code (UDC), the guiding document for the Planning Division.
Determine if your project is permitted per the UDC's Bozeman's Zoning Districts and Land Uses
Identify your Application Type - Once you have determined that the project is permitted in your zone, check this webpage (below) for the appropriate checklists, forms, and brochures separated by application type.

How to Submit an Application

Appeals

Appeal Process

Info Sheet & Code Links:

Appeal of Administrative Project Decision | BMC 38.250.030
Administrative Interpretation Appeal | BMC 38.220.150

Forms and Checklists:

Project Decision Appeal (PDF)
Administrative Interpretation Appeal (coming soon)

How to Submit:

Review checklist linked above. Once all application materials are gathered, apply online via the ProjectDox portal. You will receive emailed tasks prompting for uploaded checklist materials, and fee payments.

Timeline:

Administrative Project Decision Appeal: must be taken by filing with the department of community development by 5:00 p.m. on the tenth working day following the final decision of the administrative review authority a documented appeal and appeal fee. Upon receipt of the completed appeal the department of community development must inform the administrative review authority from whom the appeal is being made of the submission of the appeal.
Administrative Interpretation Appeal: must be made by filing an application, with appropriate fees, with the department of community development within 20 working days of the interpretation decision. After receiving a completed application the city clerk must schedule consideration of the appeal at a regularly scheduled meeting of the review authority. In all cases, the complete application must include, and will not be deemed filed until, all of the materials required by section 38.220.150 are submitted.

Annexation, Zone Map and Text Amendments

Text and Zone Map Amendments

An amendment may be initiated by the city commission, city manager, zoning commission, planning board or upon petition from an owner of property within the city per Bozeman MuniCode Division 38.260.

Info Sheets

Forms and Checklists

Conceptual & Informal Applications

Conceptual or Informal Applications

Conceptual review is an opportunity for an applicant to receive written feedback on requirements, standards and procedures as well as identify critical path issues that apply to the development proposal ahead of a formal application. Concept review is required for developments subject to Section 38.230.090, BMC.

An Informal Review provides the applicant the opportunity to receive written feedback and a one-hour meeting with review staff on requirements, standards and procedures as well as identify critical path issues that apply to the development proposal ahead of a formal application. Informal review is an alternative option to the concept review process for developments subject to Section 38.230.090, BMC.

Forms and Checklists

Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation | Certificates of Appropriateness or Demolition

New construction, alterations, or movement of structures within Bozeman's Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCOD) requires review to ensure we're preserving historic character in our community. Read more about the NCOD and Historic Preservation in Division 38.240.020 of the BMC. For submittal requirements concerning Certificates of Appropriateness, review Division 38.710.080.

Info Sheet

Forms and Checklists

Improvement Agreement & Financial Guarantee

Improvement Agreement & Security Reduction or Release

When occupancy of a development subject to zoning review is requested prior to completion of all required site improvements, or when a subdivision is to be granted final plat approval prior to the completion of all required improvements, the applicant must enter into an improvements agreement with the city. All improvements agreements must meet the standards set forth in the Bozeman Municipal Code sec. 38.270.060.

Improvement Agreement (IA) Process

Applicant submits Improvement Agreement Application via the ProjectDox Portal
Applicant uploads required documents:
- Itemized estimate of improvements to be installed from Contractor to complete work
- Copy of their completed IA applications (emailed shortly after submittal)
IA drafted by Project Planner and routed to Applicant via ProjectDox
Obtain Financial Security If using an LOC or Bond, wait until the Improvements Agreement is drafted before speaking with your financial institution. This will avoid complications later in process.
Applicant submits executed IA agreement with approved financial guarantee type
- Application Fee Collected (See Planning Review Fee Schedule (PDF))
Planner signs off on Occupancy / Final Routing

NOTE: Don't forget to keep track of your guarantee so that you can request that the funds be released using the Security Reduction (SRR) process when work is completed.

3 Types of Financial Guarantees Accepted

Letters of Credit and Completion Bonds must be provided in the approved format, following the City of Bozeman's provided templates (linked below.)

Letter of Credit (PDF) from a financial institution
Completion Bond (PDF)
- Legal Review is required for all Bonds and may delay processing.
Cash (check, money order, or wire transfer)

NOTE: Credit Cards are not an accepted form of financial guarantee

Security Release or Reduction (SRR) Process

Applicant must submit Security Reduction or Release Application (SRR) Via the ProjectDox Portal
Applicant uploads required documents:
- Letter on Contractor's letterhead certifying work was completed according to approved plan
- Site Plan Indicating where work was completed
Application Fee for Reduction is Paid (If Applicable - see Planning Review Fee Schedule (PDF))
- Replacement LOC or Bond, if reduction on non-cash bond
Improvements are inspected by City Staff to confirm work was completed according to approved plan.
Refund is processed with inspection sign-off
- Please allow 2-3 weeks after inspection for refund processing
- Original LOC or Bond documents are returned to financial institution with written release
- Copy provided to property owner and applicant

Noticing for Development Projects

Noticing Materials

Notice is required in order for citizens to participate in decision making which affects their interests and provides opportunity to receive information pertinent to an application that would not otherwise be available to the decision maker per Sec. 38.220.400 of the Bozeman Municipal Code.

Required Forms & Checklists

Planned Development Zone

Planned Unit Development / Planned Development Zone

What is a Planned Development Zone (PDZ)? - NEW

A planned development zone is a combination of an amendment to the zoning map and text that creates zoning standards unique to an individual site. The PDZ requires a general development plan which establishes the general nature and configuration of development on an individual site. Planned development zones were approved by Ordinance 2104 and all required processes and submittal materials are included in that ordinance. Forms and information sheets are being developed to support PDZ applications and will be posted soon. Please contact the Community Development office if you are interested in this type of application.

What is a Planned Unit Development (PUD)? - CLOSING OUT (Replaced by PDZ)

A planned unit development is a development which proposes the flexible application of underlying zoning requirements in exchange for innovation and design excellence, including the provision of open space or affordable housing as community goods. The PUD process is no longer available for new applications. It has been replaced entirely with the Planned Development Zone described above. No previous approvals are voided by this change.

Read about Planned Unit Developments in Division 38.430 of the Bozeman Municipal Code.

Info Sheets

Planned Development Zone (PDZ) (PDF)

Required Forms

Temporary Signage for Events, Politics, etc...

Permitted temporary and special event signs (Sec. 38.560.040)

There are three types of temporary signs permitted with the submittal of an electronic application and $10 fee via ProjectDox. Once your application is processed and payment received, information is shared with Bozeman Code Compliance, so that officers are aware of permitted temporary signage.

Sales / Special Events - Permitted up to 30 Days per calendar year
New Business / Grand Opening - Permitted up to 60 days, once per lifetime of business
Seasonal - Permitted up to 180 days per calendar year

Submit Planning Application for Temporary Sign Permit via the ProjectDox Portal
Upload PDF of application to Project Dox (Received via email once application has been submitted)
You will receive your approval, or corrections electronically within a few business days.

Other Helpful Information:

Temporary signs must conform to all other sections of the sign code.
Temporary wall signs (banners placed on buildings) may not exceed what a property would normally be allowed according to the code.
Temporary freestanding signs (banners placed in yards) may not exceed what would normally be allowed in each zoning district, typically 32 square feet in area and 5-feet in height for commercial districts.
Non-commercial speech is exempt from permitting requirements as long as signs conform to the exempt signs section. Examples in residential districts are political signs that do not exceed 9 square feet per individual sign in total area at any particular time and, if freestanding, 5 feet in height. Examples in commercial districts are help wanted signs with no logo, branding, or commercial messages.
No lighting is allowed for temporary freestanding signs.
Portable signs are prohibited, except downtown.
Freestanding signs must be placed on private property, not in the public right of way, typically 1-foot or more behind the sidewalk.
The City regulates signs through Division 38.560, Bozeman Municipal Code.
A temporary sign is defined as “Any advertising display that appears to be intended or is determined by the code official to be displayed for a limited period of time rather than permanently attached to the ground or a structure.” 38.700.180 – T, BMC.
Some types of temporary signs require a permit while others do not. A list of temporary signs which do not require a permit prior to placement can be found online.
All signs must adhere to the following:
- Maximum size of 32 square feet and height of 5 feet in residential and commercial areas.
- In residential zones, multiple temporary signs up to a TOTAL of 32 square feet are allowed, with individual temporary signs not exceeding 9 square feet.
- In commercial zones, temporary signs must be at least 5 feet from the property line if the setback requirement exceeds 5 feet.
All signs, including temporary signs, cannot obstruct visibility/sight vision for the traveling public.
No distracting features like blinking lights, banners, or revolving elements.
NO TEMPORARY SIGNS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY. This includes the grass boulevard between a sidewalk and the street. For help in understanding whether a temporary sign you are seeking to place requires a permit or can be placed where you are interested in putting it, please call the City’s Department of Community Development at 406-582-2260.

All temporary signs must be placed on private property, follow the City’s sign regulations for size and features, and not block visibility. Wayfinding or government signs are the only signs allowed in the public right-of-way and can only be installed by the City or the State of Montana.

If you have any concerns regarding a sign, please contact Community Development at 406-582-2260.

Sign Applications

About Signs in Bozeman BMC Sec. 38.560.010

The content of a sign is not regulated by the City, however, the City has established dimensional and construction standards for all signs to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Signs permitted upon the issuance of a sign permit. (Sec. 38.560.060)

A Building Permit is required to ensure that signs are installed correctly in all zones unless exempt from permitting requirements per Sec.38.560.050. Permits are required for new signs and all revisions to existing signs including a change in copy and alterations. Size and types of signs permitted are based on the building's frontage, along the public right-of-way.

Complete the Sign Permit Worksheet (PDF)
This is a worksheet to determine the amount of signage allowed. (Save the application as a PDF as it will later be used to upload with plans via the ProjectDox portal)
Apply for Trade & Standalone Building Permit via the ProjectDox Portal. (Sign is a sub-option within the application.)
Upload Plans to Project Dox and continue to monitor email for project tasks and next steps.

Comprehensive Sign Plans (Sec. 38.560.080)

A comprehensive sign plan must be submitted for all NEW commercial, office, industrial and civic uses consisting of two or more tenant or occupant spaces on a lot, or two or more lots subject to a common development permit or plan.

For existing buildings, a comprehensive sign plan is not required, but highly recommended to facilitate and simplify sign permitting for tenants.

A comprehensive sign plan will not be approved unless it is consistent with this division 38.560. The purpose of the plan is to coordinate graphics and signs with building design as well as allocate sign area to individual tenants.

For multi-tenant buildings or complex please check with your landlord or email PlanningTech@bozemanmt.gov to understand the comprehensive sign plan for the development.

Review the Comprehensive Sign Plan Checklist (PDF) (Guidance on information to gather, and documentation to upload after submitting your application.)
Apply via ProjectDox Portal , selecting Planning as the application type (Comprehensive Sign Plan is a sub-option within the application.)
Upload Plans to Project Dox: Once fees have been paid, ProjectDox will provide a temporary Log-in and password for first time users; otherwise, use your existing log-in information.

Other Signage:

Window Signs - A window sign is any sign painted, attached, glued or otherwise affixed or suspended within 18 inches behind a window for the purpose of being visible from the exterior of the building. Window signs painted on the window or physically affixed to the interior of a window are exempt from permits, provided they do not occupy more than 25% of the area of the window in which it is displayed. If it exceeds 25% of the area of the window, it will be classified as a wall sign.
Prohibited Signs(Sec. 38.560.030) - Prohibited Signs include but are not limited to: roof signs, beacons, spotlights, flashing, blinking, animated, or LED signs, pennants, streamers, windsocks, stringed flags, inflatable signs, tethered balloons, and both temporary and permanent signs put up without a permit.
Signs exempt from permit requirements (Sec. 38.560.050) - Temporary Real Estate, Political Campaign, or other noncommercial speech signs do not require permits.
- In residential zones, exempt signage must be no larger than nine square feet in area or five feet in height. No more than 32 square feet of signage can be displayed at the same time.
- In commercial zones, exempt signage may be no more than 32 square feet in total area and no more than 5 feet in height. Setbacks may apply, refer to Sec.38.560.050.
- For a full list of signs exempt from permit requirements, see Sec.38.560.050.
Sandwich Board Signs (only permitted downtown) These must be placed adjacent and perpendicular to the building within 4' of the business entrance. They cannot exceed 5' in height and 3' in width. The $50 permit must be renewed annually. Please review the Engineering Infrastructure & Permits webpage for additional guidance on downtown encroachment permits for sandwich board signs.

Subdivision & Subdivision Exemption Applications & Checklists

Subdivisions

Subdivision is the division of land that creates one or more parcels containing less than 160 acres that cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a United States government section, exclusive of public roadways. Land is subdivided so that the title to or possession of the parcels may be sold or otherwise conveyed. The term subdivision includes re-subdivision, as well as some condominium projects, or land used to provide multiple spaces for recreational camping vehicles or manufactured homes.

Subdivision procedures can be found in Division 38.240 of Bozeman Municipal Code.

Info Sheet

Subdivisions & Subdivision Exemptions (PDF)

Forms and Checklists

Use Permits - Special and Temporary

Use Permits

Some uses require additional review and process to ensure compliance with zoning as well as to protect public health, safety and general welfare. Conditional, Special, and Temporary Use Permits can be found in Sec.38.230.100 BMC, Plan review criteria.

The conditional use permit process was removed from the municipal code by Ordinance 2124 which takes effect on November 18, 2022.
The new ordinance and some supporting material is available on the City’s Laserfiche archive. Uses previously reviewed as conditional uses have been changed to special use or principal use reviews. See Exhibit A in the supporting material for a listing of those changes. No previous approvals are voided by this change.

Development Review

Learn more about Development Review Process:

Planning Application & Checklist Library