To avoid a code violation please see the 12 most common that occur in the City of Bozeman.
Otherwise known as: If you landscape it, don’t park on it, unless it is the backyard. Parking is not allowed in front or side yards outside of the driveway area. The driveway cannot be expanded beyond the area in front of a garage. This includes trailers, boats, snowmobiles, 4-wheelers, etc.
Otherwise known as: This looks like a trailer park. RVs and campers can only be stored in an enclosed garage or in the back yard. They cannot be left on the driveway.
Otherwise known as: It’s time to build a shed if you’re going to store that much stuff. *Some restriction may apply. Appliances cannot be stored outside in the front or side yard. Refrigerators must have the doors removed or chained shut for safety. Materials, supplies, merchandise, equipment and commercial vehicles outside of a building are not allowed in residential zones.
Otherwise known as: The used car lot. In a single household only 4 unrelated persons may live together. If 2 are related, only 2 more may live there; if 3 are related only 1 more may live there; if 4 are related no more unrelated persons may live there. There is no limit of persons living in a house if all are related. This includes children.
Otherwise known as: A home is not a home if your business gets too big. Home occupations must operate in a manner that the neighbors are not aware of its existence. (continued...)
By right they must take up no more than 25% of the home, require no alterations, hire no more than ½ time help on site, do not generate storage, increase vehicle traffic, produce noise, dust, smell or vibration. A Conditional Use Permit granted from the Board of Adjustment is available for home occupations in accessory structures and which might be greater in scope.
Otherwise known as: The unapproved face lift. All exterior changes to structures and lots in either the Conservation Overlay or the Entryway Overlays require review and approval by the Planning Department. This includes any demolition, installation of windows, solar panels, fences, sheds, etc., but does not include paint.
Otherwise known as: Looks like we live in the desert. The front yard,(outside of the driveway), the side yard and the rear yard each must be planted in 75% live vegetation. The boulevard strip in front of each house must also be planted with 75% live vegetation and one tree every 50 ft. The City has information on acceptable species of trees, low maintenance turf grass and drought tolerant species of live vegetation.
Otherwise known as: Can they see me from space? Light fixtures must have the bulb entirely inside an opaque fixture and be pointed so that all light is directed downward.
Otherwise known as: All the stuff that belongs in the dump, but never seems to make it there. It is a public nuisance for any owner or occupant to allow the accumulation, abandonment or storage of trash, rubbish or junk on private or public property. These conditions affect public health and result in dangerous and unsanitary conditions. In addition, trash totes may be out on public right-of-way only on trash pickup day.
Otherwise known as: Uncles Pete’s “classic” truck (motor may not be included). Inoperable vehicles may not be kept in any residential zone. This refers to any vehicle that is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, scrapped, junked or partially-dismantled condition which includes having un-inflated tires, no wheels, or lacking other parts necessary for the normal operation on the vehicle.
Otherwise known as: When your property looks like a fortress because of the barricade around it. Fences cannot exceed 4 feet in front yards and corner side yards, and 6 feet in rear yards. The finished side must be facing out. Remember COA approval required in 1.
Otherwise known as: I can’t fit any more stuff in the garage. Sheds and accessory structures under 120 sq. ft. in size do not require a building permit. They cannot be located in any front, side yard, or corner side yard, and must be at least 3 feet from property lines. Remember the COA approval required in 1.