Code Diagnostic & Guiding Principles for Code Reform

City Council adopted the Guiding Principles for Code Reform at the June 10th City Council meeting. You can read the agenda and meeting materials here and the Guiding Principles resolution here.

Code Diagnostic

The Code Diagnostic is a critical first step in understanding what changes are needed to align our development regulations with our community's vision for the future. It is an analysis of our existing conditions - not a recommendation of specific code changes - and will help us construct a roadmap for reforming the code through the Our Missoula process.

Missoula's last comprehensive development code update predates the 2015 Our Missoula Growth Policy. Since 2015, the City has adopted and updated many plans and policies related to land development that are not supported by our outdated development. We are updating the 2015 Growth Policy as part of the Our Missoula project, which also includes a comprehensive update to our development codes.

This diagnostic identifies key issues with Missoula’s development codes and provides actionable insights and considerations for improving clarity, consistency and alignment with the community’s goals and state regulations. It is a synthesis of policy and regulatory documents, listening sessions with frequent code users in the community, staff input, and technical analyses.

The Code Diagnostic evaluates Missoula's current development codes through the following questions:

There are four key findings described in the Code Diagnostic:

1. Codes present barriers to housing equity, capacity, and affordability.
2. Codes present barriers to compatible infill development and limit diversity.
3. Codes do not support mobility and climate policies.
4. Codes are difficult to navigate for customers and staff.
   

Guiding Principles

The key findings of the Code Diagnostic illuminate the need for a new paradigm of development codes and approval processes to guide Missoula’s more equitable, affordable, sustainable, and resilient future. The key findings are the basis for creating the Guiding Principles for Code Reform. The City committed by resolution to use the Guiding Principles for Code Reform as the “North Star” for comprehensive code reform and they will guide all changes to the development codes and the zoning map.

The adopted Guiding Principles for Code Reform include:

1. Organize the codes with a clear and consistent structure that provides user-friendly navigation.
2. Use plain language and clear graphics to make the codes accessible and understandable.
3. Clarify and consolidate development permit review decision authority to increase predictability.
4. Increase overall housing capacity throughout Missoula and especially near key transit corridors.
5. Provide market-feasible incentives for Affordable Housing.
6. Allow for more diverse housing choices and neighborhood serving uses throughout Missoula that support the updated Future Land Use Map.
7. Promote adaptive reuse of existing buildings and prioritize growth that utilizes existing infrastructure.
8. Promote preservation and protection of the natural environment
9. Map zoning districts in ways that support equity; sustainability and resilience, a vibrant public realm; and a walkable and healthy community.

To read the full Code Diagnostic, click here.

To read the Executive Summary, click here.