Bozeman moves to phase two of preservation study; tree protections and urban forestry plan remain under review

City staff told commissioners that the historic preservation baseline report (phase one) was adopted on May 13 and that phase two — code amendments and design‑guideline updates — will move forward with consultant help.

What the work will include: Phase two will address code language for the historic overlay, draft updated design guidelines and coordinate with the UDC (Unified Development Code) and other code changes so the documents do not conflict. Staff said the design‑guideline update will likely require a separate consultant with historic‑architecture experience.

Trees and landmark nominations: The commission discussed whether the city can designate landmark trees on private property. Staff said private‑property landmark nominations would require property‑owner permission; the city cannot unilaterally impose a landmark designation on private land without the landowner's consent. Staff noted heritage‑tree programs in other jurisdictions have legal and administrative complexity, including fees and enforcement mechanisms, and recommended starting with public‑property protections and the parks/urban forestry plan.

Urban forestry and timing: Parks staff plan to update the city’s urban forest management plan beginning this summer; that process will create appropriate policy options for public trees and right‑of‑way trees and could lead to future regulatory proposals. Commissioners asked that public engagement be built into the process and requested a future work session on trees in coordination with UDC topics.

Next steps: Execute contract amendments to carry the preservation consultant into phase two, draft a scope for the design‑guideline update and coordinate urban forestry updates with UDC schedule; staff will return with code amendment materials and public engagement opportunities.