Development Applications

The City of Missoula receives numerous development applications each year. Application review processes often include the opportunity for public comment. Public bodies like the Missoula City Council, Missoula City-County Consolidated Planning Board, City Board of Adjustment, and City Design Review Board encourage public comment as a way to better understand aspects of the development project, potential impacts, and ways the impacts might be mitigated.

This page is a central place to view submissions and provide comments on current development applications. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions on the sidebar for general information on how, why, and when development applications allow for public comment. You can click on the Development Applications by Hearing Type tab to search for specific types of development applications in the list of specific projects.

Listed below are development applications for specific projects currently under review by the City of Missoula. Each project description includes a project name, brief description, links to application materials, comment deadline, and the name of the project planner assigned to the project review. You can submit comment directly in the space available in the project description. (NOTE: You must be registered with Engage Missoula in order to do so). You can also contact the project planner directly to make comment, or to request more information.

Remember to visit this page to stay updated on the progress of development applications.

Development Projects

Category Board of Adjustment Show all

Variance Request: Fiber-Optic Utility Equipment in Setbacks

Share Variance Request: Fiber-Optic Utility Equipment in Setbacks on Facebook Share Variance Request: Fiber-Optic Utility Equipment in Setbacks on Twitter Share Variance Request: Fiber-Optic Utility Equipment in Setbacks on Linkedin Email Variance Request: Fiber-Optic Utility Equipment in Setbacks link

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Update: The Board of Adjustment approved the variance requests on September 27th. This case is now closed for comment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Development Services has received a request from Todd Naylor with Telephone Data Systems (TDS) Metrocom, LLC for variances to front setback, side setback, and rear setback requirements for properties located at 1527 39^th Street, 1885 Mount Avenue, 2220 River Road, and 3718 Rattlesnake Drive. Setback requirements in residential zones are listed in Title 20, Table 20.05-3. The applicant is requesting these variances as part of a proposal to install fiber-optic node cabinets for a broadband network. These variance requests are in response to the utility easements existing within the front, side, and rear setback areas that ground mechanical equipment greater than 48 inches in height is not permitted to encroach into per Title 20, Section 20.110.050, Table 20.110-1.
PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1638/Private-Development-Projects
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The public hearing will be held by the Board of Adjustment on Wednesday, September 27^th, 2023 at 6:00 pm.
Information on how to attend the meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams or in person can be found online at: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes
PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken until the public hearing is closed. Comments can be submitted through Engage Missoula, via email to the planner noted below, by mailing in a letter to the City of Missoula office at 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or during the Board of Adjustment public meeting on September 27^th, 2023, at 6:00pm. Your comments may be considered by the Board of Adjustment in their decision to approve or deny this request.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Zoe Walters and can be reached at 406-552-6399 or waltersz@ci.missoula.mt.us.
Variance Request: Montana Food Bank Network

Share Variance Request: Montana Food Bank Network on Facebook Share Variance Request: Montana Food Bank Network on Twitter Share Variance Request: Montana Food Bank Network on Linkedin Email Variance Request: Montana Food Bank Network link

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

UPDATE: On November 29, 2022 Board of Adjustment approved the variance requests. This case is now closed for comment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A public hearing was scheduled for October 26^th, 2022 however a quorum was not met. The Board of Adjustment has called a Special Meeting for November 29^th, 2022 to hear the variance requests of the Montana Food Bank Network. Staff are re-noticing the project for the upcoming hearing. No changes have been made to the application packet. Agency comments submitted during the first agency comment period are included in the staff report.
Development Services has received a request from Luke Jackson with Loci Architecture & Design on behalf of the Montana Food Bank Network, for variances from the building height, front yard setback, parking and drive surface setback from property line, and parking and drive surface setback from building requirements of the Missoula Development Park Overlay for the property legally described as Lot 2 & Lot 5 in Maggie Jax Subdivision, Section 36, Township 14 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M. The applicant is requesting these variances as part of a proposal to construct a Montana Food Bank distribution warehouse to meet current and immediate food distribution needs across the state of Montana. These variance requests are in response to the property existing on a steep slope creating 114,836 square feet of no build-area.
PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1638/Private-Development-Projects
PROJECT TIMELINE:
The public hearing will be held by the Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022, at 6:00 pm.
Information on how to attend the meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams and whether a hybrid or in-person option is available can be found online at: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes
PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken until the public hearing is closed. Comments can be submitted through Engage Missoula, via email to the planner noted below, by mailing in a letter to the City of Missoula office at 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or during the Board of Adjustment public meeting on November 29th, 2022, at 6:00pm. Your comments may be considered by the Board of Adjustment in their decision to approve or deny this request.
PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Zoe Walters and can be reached at 406-552-6399 or waltersz@ci.missoula.mt.us.

1 comment
Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center

Share Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center on Facebook Share Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center on Twitter Share Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center on Linkedin Email Public Forum: Missoula County Fairgrounds Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center link

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

UPDATE: On April 28th, 2021 the Public Forum took place and was concluded. This case is now closed for comment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Missoula County has requested a public forum regarding an exemption from the setback requirements of the OP3 Public Lands and Institutional zoning district for the Missoula County Fairgrounds located at 1101 South Ave West. The proposal includes the construction of a new building that will house the Rocky Mountain Garden and Exploration Center. The building is proposed to be setback 6 feet from the South Ave West property line. Normally, the required front setback in the OP3 zoning district is 30 feet.
The City of Missoula Board of Adjustment is authorized by state law to hold a public hearing, known as a public forum, when a public agency proposes to use public land contrary to the local zoning regulations. In this case, Missoula County is the public agency proposing to use public land contrary to the zoning regulations by varying from the front setback. The Board of Adjustment does not have the power to deny or condition the approval of the project. The proposed use is permitted regardless of the outcome of the hearing. We invite you to submit public comment stating your opinion on the proposal.

PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/56152/Application_RMGEC-Missoula-County-Fairgrounds

PROJECT TIMELINE:
The hearing date is scheduled for Wednesday April 28^th, 2021 at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. For more information on how to attend a virtual meeting, visit: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes

PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken until the public hearing is closed. Comments can be submitted through Engage Missoula, via email to the planner noted below, by mailing in a letter to the City of Missoula office at 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, MT 59802, or during the public meeting. Provide your comment by April 20^th, 2021 to be included in the staff report provided to the Board of Adjustment. Your comments may be considered by Missoula County when moving forward with their proposal for the Fair Grounds.

PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Emily Gluckin. She can be reached at (406) 552-3091 or gluckine@ci.missoula.mt.us.
Public Forum: Missoula County Elections Center

Share Public Forum: Missoula County Elections Center on Facebook Share Public Forum: Missoula County Elections Center on Twitter Share Public Forum: Missoula County Elections Center on Linkedin Email Public Forum: Missoula County Elections Center link

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

UPDATE: On February 25th, 2021 the Public Forum took place and was concluded. This case is now closed for comment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Missoula County has requested a public forum for an exemption from the zoning requirements of the Design Excellence Overlay at 140 N. Russell Street. The exemptions pertain to build-to-width requirements, parking lot setback and placement, and landscaping design. The proposal includes the modification of an existing parking lot and the addition of new parking on the property. The site contains two existing buildings that house the Missoula County Elections Center.
The City of Missoula Board of Adjustment is authorized by state law to hold a public hearing, known as a public forum, when a public agency proposes to use public land contrary to the local zoning regulations. In this case, Missoula County is proposing to use land differently than City zoning regulations require. The Board of Adjustment does not have the power to deny or condition the approval of the project. The proposed use is permitted regardless of the outcome of the hearing. However, we invite you to submit public comment stating your opinion on the proposal.

PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/DocumentCenter/View/55488/Application_Missoula-Elections-Center-Public-Forum

PROJECT TIMELINE:
The public forum will be held by the Board of Adjustment on February 24^th,2021 at 6:00 PM. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. For more information on how to attend a virtual meeting, visit: https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes

PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
Public comment will be taken until the public hearing is closed. Provide your comment by February 16^th, 2021 to be included in the staff report provided to the Board of Adjustment. You may submit comment by email, phone, in the comments section below, or at the public hearing.

PROJECT PLANNER:
The case planner is Emily Gluckin. She can be reached at 406-552-3091, or gluckine@ci.missoula.mt.us.

2 comments
Variance: Setbacks for 225 Hasting Avenue

Share Variance: Setbacks for 225 Hasting Avenue on Facebook Share Variance: Setbacks for 225 Hasting Avenue on Twitter Share Variance: Setbacks for 225 Hasting Avenue on Linkedin Email Variance: Setbacks for 225 Hasting Avenue link

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

UPDATE: On December 2, 2020 City Council approved the variance. This case is now closed for comment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The owners of 225 Hasting Avenue have requested a variance from the setback requirements of the R5.4 Residential zoning district. The setbacks for this zoning district are as follows: 20-foot front and rear setback, and a 7.5 foot or 1/3 the building height for the two interior side setbacks. The applicant has requested a variance from the side interior setback on the east side of the structure as part of a project to remodel the main residence and construct a new attached garage with access off of Hasting Avenue. The addition is proposed to sit closer to the property line than allowed in this zoning district.

PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1638/Private-Development-Projects

PROJECT TIMELINE:
The public forum will be held by the Board of Adjustment on Wednesday, December 2^nd, 2020 at 6:00 pm.
All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom, with more information posted here:
https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes

PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
The final deadline to receive public comment is November 25^th, 2020 for Engage Missoula. After November 25^th email comments to eidama@ci.missoula.mt.us.

PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Alex Eidam. She can be reached at 406-552-3437 or eidama@ci.missoula.mt.us.
Public Forum: Sentinel High School Dynamic Display Sign

Share Public Forum: Sentinel High School Dynamic Display Sign on Facebook Share Public Forum: Sentinel High School Dynamic Display Sign on Twitter Share Public Forum: Sentinel High School Dynamic Display Sign on Linkedin Email Public Forum: Sentinel High School Dynamic Display Sign link

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

UPDATE: On October 28th, 2020 the Public Forum took place and was concluded. This case is now closed for comment.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Sentinel High School is a public agency and has requested a public forum regarding an exemption to the ground sign and dynamic display sign requirements for the property located at 915 South Avenue. This property is located in the OP3 Public Lands and Institutional zoning district, and dynamic display signs are not permitted in the OP3 zoning district. There is an existing legally permitted non-conforming dynamic display sign, which the applicant is proposing to replace and expand. The City of Missoula Board of Adjustment is authorized to hold a public hearing when an agency proposes to develop or use public land contrary to the zoning regulations. The Board of Adjustment shall have no power to deny or condition the proposed development. The proposal will be permitted regardless of the outcome of the public hearing. However, public comment on this project is appreciated.

PROJECT APPLICATION LINKS:
The application packet can be viewed here: http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1638/Private-Development-Projects

PROJECT TIMELINE:
The public forum will be held by the Board of Adjustment on Wednesday, October 28^th, 2020 at 6:00 pm.
All meetings will be held virtually via Zoom. For more information on how to attend a virtual meeting, visit:
https://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/1149/AgendasWebcastsMinutes

PROJECT COMMENT DEADLINE:
The final deadline to receive public comment is October 20^th, 2020 for Engage Missoula. After October 20^th, email comments to eidama@ci.missoula.mt.us.

PROJECT PLANNER:
The project planner is Alex Eidam. She can be reached at 406-552-3437 or eidama@ci.missoula.mt.us.