The New Unified Development Code and Zoning Map Have Been Adopted

(Last Updated: 2/9/26)

On Feb 2nd, City Council adopted the new Unified Development Code (UDC) and Zoning Map. The effective date for the new code is March 4th.

Missoula’s Unified Development Code (UDC) and updated zoning map have been adopted to better align our development rules with Our Missoula 2045 and community priorities—supporting housing choice, neighborhood livability, economic vitality, our climate goals, and responsible growth.

Now, our focus shifts from adoption to implementation—making sure the new rules are clear and accessible.

What’s next

• Creation of a finalized, updated code. For now, the related materials, including original ordinance drafts, as well as lists of final City Council approved amendments, are available on the side bar.
• Implementation rollout and customer support: The City will publish clear, plain-language guidance and support resources as they are finalized.
• Updated forms, checklists, and online tools: You will see updates to application materials and online references to support a predictable and consistent process.
• Trainings and office hours: We will host opportunities to learn the new code and ask questions. More information to come.
• Early implementation focus: clarity, consistency, and transparency. We will track common questions and publish FAQs and guides as needed.
• Code Refinement: targeted refinements based on what we learn as the code is applied will occur at scheduled intervals, based on need.

Where to find updates and stay involved

Engage Missoula is the central hub for implementation updates, including guides and FAQs. Please check back regularly and sign up for notifications as we move through the implementation process.
Reach out to the project managers listed on this page, or to the City Zoning Desk (zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us) for questions.

📄 ADOPTION MATERIALS:

The original adoption materials are listed on the sidebar, and include the initial drafts of the Unified Development Code (UDC) (see Attachment A) and the the Zoning Map (attachment B). The amendments that were made to these original materials through the adoption process are listed on the sidebar as well. There are several ways to access this information:

• View the PDFs of the Unified Development Code (UDC), Zoning Map, Final Council Approved Amendments, and associated materials from the side bar on this web page or attached to the agendas of the public meetings listed below.
• Use the document viewer below to view the full original adoption draft of the Unified Development Code.
• View an interactive version of the Zoning Map here and from links on the sidebar.

Recordings of Public Hearing Meetings:

City Council:

• December 10th, 2025: City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Working Session
• December 15th, 2025: City Council First Reading on Consent Agenda
• December 17th, 2025: City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Working Session.
• January 7th, 2026:
  • City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Working Session
  • City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Pre-Public Hearing Meeting

• January 12th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.: City Council Public Hearing.

• January 14th, 2026: City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Working Session.

• January 21st, 2026: City Council Land Use and Planning Committee Working Session.

• January 26th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.: City Council Final Consideration (referred back to Committee)

• January 28th, 2026 (10:15-5:15): Land Use and Planning Committee Working Session

• February 2nd, 2026 (6:00 pm): City Council Final Consideration and Adoption

Planning Commission:

• November 18th, 2025: Planning Commission Public Hearing
• November 20th, 2025: Planning Commission Public Hearing (Continued)
• December 2nd, 2025: Planning Commission Public Hearing (Continued)
• December 4th, 2025: Planning Commission Public Hearing (Continued)
• December 9th, 2025: Planning Commission Public Hearing (Final)

🗣️ THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS

The public comment period is now closed. Comments received throughout the adoption process until the final vote by City Council on February 2nd, 2026, have been added to the record and are listed in the related meeting agendas in the meetings below. All comments received by staff were provided to City Council for their consideration through the adoption process.

Comments and questions about the final adoption can continue to be submitted via email to the project managers listed on this page, or to the following contacts:

Zoning Desk & Engineering Desk Contact Information

• 406-552-6625, zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us
• 406-552-6636, engineeringdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us

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What Will Code Reform Do?

Code Reform will update our zoning and development codes to implement the community vision adopted in the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan. This will mean allowing more housing in places that allow people to live closer to where they work, shop, and find services. It will also mean promoting more housing diversity and affordability throughout the City, while considering how buildings integrate with the surrounding neighborhood. Lastly, Code Reform will include improvements to the type and quality of public amenities that are included with new development, like streets, trails, and parks.

The Code Reform process will result in the creation and adoption of three key materials:

1. An updated Zoning Map;
2. A new Unified Development Code (UDC) - A UDC contains all city regulations that relate to private development, including zoning, subdivision, public works, and parks and recreation regulations.
3. And an updated City Standards & Specifications Manual.

Learn More

Use the news feed below to find updates, documents, and opportunities to provide your input related to the code reform process of the Our Missoula project. Visit the Our Missoula Events page to stay up to date on in-person opportunities.