Missoula Residents Get Final Say on New Zoning Rules October 9

MISSOULA — The City of Missoula will host its final public input session on proposed zoning changes that could reshape neighborhoods across the city, with a drop-in open house scheduled for October 9 from 4-7 p.m. at the Missoula County Floriculture Building at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.

The zoning open house represents the last opportunity for residents to review and comment on new zoning maps and development regulations before they go to the City Council for adoption as early as December 22, according to city documents.

“After years of gathering public input and ideas, the City of Missoula is updating its zoning map and development codes,” the city announced in an email to residents this week. The changes stem from the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan document, which the city describes as prioritizing “climate action and equity considerations.”

What’s Changed Since August

The October event follows the city’s temporary halt of all development reviews in August to implement the new Unified Development Code. That pause, which lasted through September 15, affected construction permits for new buildings and business license applications while city staff finalized the new regulations.

The new code aims to “increase overall housing capacity throughout Missoula and especially near key transit corridors” while promoting development that “utilizes existing infrastructure,” according to city documents from the August announcement.

Broader City Land Strategy

The zoning changes are part of a comprehensive approach to reshape Missoula’s development patterns. Mayor Andrea Davis convened a task force this summer that recommended treating city-owned surplus properties as a “portfolio” to advance housing and community goals rather than handling each parcel individually.

The task force identified several high-priority sites for redevelopment, including Southgate Crossing and city-owned parcels on the Northside, with proceeds potentially funding affordable housing initiatives or other community priorities.

According to the task force recommendations, “redevelopment decisions will be made with a portfolio mindset—sequencing actions, unlocking leverage, and aligning with broader community plans to deliver measurable, lasting public benefit.”

Timeline for Final Approval

The city has set an aggressive schedule for final adoption:

• October 9: Final public open house
• Early November: Release of complete Unified Development Code
• December 22: Potential City Council adoption

The city describes this as “the final step in the Our Missoula process” that began years ago with community input sessions for the 2045 Land Use Plan.

What Residents Can Expect

The October 9 open house will feature a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m., along with displays showing proposed zoning changes by neighborhood. City staff will be available to answer questions about how the new regulations might affect specific properties or areas.

The city is providing food and kids’ activities to encourage family attendance at the drop-in format event.

Zoning regulations determine what types of buildings can be constructed in different areas, how large they can be, and how close together they can be placed. The zoning map designates which areas of the city fall under which set of rules.

Questions for Residents

Key questions residents may want to explore at the open house include how the new zoning might affect their neighborhood’s character, whether new development types will be allowed in their area, and how the changes align with infrastructure capacity.

The city’s previous analysis identified current zoning codes as presenting “barriers to housing equity, supply, and affordability” and failing to “promote compatible infill” or “support mobility and climate policies.”

The Missoula County Floriculture Building is located at the Missoula County Fairgrounds, 1101 South Avenue West.