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Round 1: Interim Zoning Urgency Ordinance (with 12-month extension)

Update

Approved unanimously on October 16, 2023 for 6 months. Effective immediately, through April 16, 2024.
Extension of this ordinance is scheduled for approval on March 25, 2024 at City Council.

Introduction

The City of Missoula Community Planning, Development and Innovation Department (CPDI) is amended the City of Missoula Title 20 Zoning Code. The proposed amendments comply with mandates outlined in the seven bills affecting the zoning code recently passed by the Montana State Legislature.

Overview of Bills & Changes

Key themes for these bills include changes to various zoning regulations, including:

  • Allowing microbreweries to co-locate with beer & wine sales
  • Raise maximum limit for Residential Day Cares from 12 to 15 children/adults.
  • Allowing data centers & digital asset mining in industrial districts.
  • Allowing Religious Assemblies to accommodate temporary overnight visitors.
  • Setting a maximum of 1.0 parking space per unit for multi-dwelling buildings in Commercial districts.
  • Repeal TED standards related to: public noticing, parkland dedication, and conditions of approval.
  • Repeal the Design Review Board.
  • Amend and repeal design standards unrelated to public health & safety within Design Excellence (Section 20.25), Use- and Building-Specific Standards (Section 20.40), ADUs (Section 20.45), Landscaping (Section 20.65), and Signs (Section 20.75).

The City's amendments to the City of Missoula Title 20 Zoning Code incorporate State law changes into our local regulations and create a solid baseline for the Our Missoula: Growth Policy Update and Code Reform project. The proposed amendments are limited to integrating legislative changes from the 2023 session and correcting obvious mistakes. Changes are in:

  • Chapter 20.01 – Introductory Provisions;
  • Chapter 20.05 – Residential Districts;
  • Chapter 20.10 – Business and Commercial Districts;
  • Chapter 20.15 – Industrial and Manufacturing Districts;
  • Chapter 20.20 – Open Space, Public, and Aviation Districts;
  • Chapter 20.25 – Overlay Districts;
  • Chapter 20.40 – Use- and Building-Specific Standards;
  • Chapter 20.45 – Accessory Uses and Structures;
  • Chapter 20.60 – Parking and Access;
  • Chapter 20.65 – Landscaping;
  • Chapter 20.75 – Signs;
  • Chapter 20.85 – Review and Approval Procedures;
  • Chapter 20.90 – Administration;
  • Chapter 20.100 – Terminology; and,
  • Chapter 20.105 – Use Classifications.

In addition to the mandatory legislative changes, staff have identified a number of proposed amendments that do not specifically relate to State land use legislation but were necessary to include in this update. These include:

  • Correcting formatting issues; and,
  • Correcting cross references.

For additional background please reference the Round 1 folder under Materials in the sidebar containing the Summary of Proposed Changes and Summary Table of Legislative Bills.

Key Dates

  • City Council Public Hearing and Final Consideration: Monday, October 16, 2023

Important Links

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