The Our Missoula: Growth Policy Update & Code Reform project is an extensive planning process that will work with the community to update Missoula's vision for future growth and to modernize the City's development regulations, one of the key tools for achieving this vision.

What Are Development Codes & Why Are They Important?

Development codes are a series of regulations that guide the design and development of cities and neighborhoods.

They include zoning code, which determines how land is used and developed. It regulates what types of development can be built in different areas (or “zones”) of a city and regulates the shape and size of parcels and buildings.

Development codes also include other regulations that guide the design of streets, open space, utilities, drainage, and other development-related issues. These regulations will all be addressed in the Code Reform phase of the Our Missoula project.

Development codes only apply when new construction or alterations to a property are proposed. It does not require residents to build or change their property retroactively. For example, the code cannot require a property owner to go back and provide affordable housing or a new park.

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.

Code Reform will also be informed by the findings and recommendations of the Equity in Land Use Report, the Code Diagnostic, and the adopted Guiding Principles for Code Reform.

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

1. A new Unified Development Code (UDC);
2. An updated Zoning Map;
3. And an updated City Standards & Specifications Manual.

A UDC contains all city regulations that relate to development - including zoning, subdivision, public works, and parks and recreation regulations. The goal of adopting a UDC is to provide aligned, clear, and consistent rules that result in predictable land use outcomes. A UDC will also make the development process more efficient and easier to understand for the community.

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.