Our Missoula Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The new code doesn’t require a set amount of parking for new homes, which is directed by new state law, but that doesn’t mean parking will disappear. It just means the City won’t set the number—builders will. Here’s what that means:

• Builders will still include some level of parking because people still need and expect it.
• Banks and renters usually require enough parking for a project to work, so builders have a reason to provide it.
• Different areas need different amounts of parking—for example, homes near downtown or bus routes may need less.

In short, the change gives builders flexibility. It also helps lower housing costs by not requiring excessive parking and supports walkable neighborhoods.

Wildfire risk was carefully considered during the creation of the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan, which guides where and how future growth should occur. That plan set the foundation for the new zoning code.

• Areas with higher wildfire risk were identified using state and local hazard maps. These areas were planned for lower-intensity development to reduce exposure and make emergency access safer.
• Areas with strong infrastructure, lower risk, and better access to emergency services were planned for more housing options.
• Other city efforts, like building codes and landscaping standards, continue to support fire safety at the property level.

In short, wildfire risk wasn’t added later—it was built into the land use plan from the start to help keep Missoula’s future growth safe and sustainable.

Yes. Transportation and street networks were evaluated before zoning was assigned.

• The Land Use Plan considered roads, transit, and walkability.
• Areas with strong infrastructure can support more homes; areas with limited access will grow more slowly.

Zoning follows the plan, ensuring growth happens where streets and services can support it.

The Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan looked at where our roads, water lines, sewer systems, and sidewalks can best handle new growth.

• Areas with strong infrastructure were planned for more homes and activity.
• Areas with limited roads or utilities were planned for lower levels of growth.

Together, the Land Use Plan and zoning help make sure growth happens in the right places—where our streets and utilities can support it.

The City is part of a national project called the Data Track Initiative that helps communities see how zoning changes are working over time.

• We’ll track how many new homes are built, what kinds they are, and where they’re located.
• We’ll look at whether the new rules are helping create more housing choices and keeping homes affordable.
• We’ll also see how growth is fitting into neighborhoods and supporting goals like sustainability.

By watching these trends, the City can understand what’s working well and make changes if needed to keep Missoula on the right path.

The new zoning code is built to make the permitting process simpler and easier to understand.

• Clear rules: It’s written in plain language, so people can see what’s allowed before they apply.
• Less confusion: With fewer gray areas, staff can review projects faster and more consistently.
• Updated process: The new code works better with online permitting tools to save time.
• More projects allowed by right: If a project meets the standards, it can be approved without extra meetings or special reviews.

Overall, the new code helps everyone spend less time waiting and more time building.

That’s a fair question. Zoning is not a one-time project—it’s something we keep improving over time.

• The new code will be reviewed and updated regularly. If we find something that doesn’t work as intended, we can fix it through future amendments.
• Zoning is meant to evolve as Missoula grows and our community’s needs change.
• We’ll continue tracking how the code performs—what’s working well and what needs to be adjusted—to make sure it helps us meet our housing, climate, and equity goals.

In short, this is an iterative process. The new code gives us a strong foundation, and we’ll keep refining it to make sure it serves Missoula well into the future.

The City is improving development processes at the same time as the new code is being launched—so both efforts work hand-in-hand.

• During UDC implementation, we’re focused on training staff, updating technology, and streamlining permits and applications to match the new rules. This helps make the transition smooth for both staff and applicants.
• Many improvements—like clearer checklists, digital applications, and better customer service—are being built into the system as we roll out the UDC.
• After the UDC is in place, this work will keep going. We’ll continue tracking how the new code performs and make regular updates to both the code and the processes that support it.
• The goal is to build a long-term culture of improvement—where the City regularly reviews what’s working, fixes what isn’t, and keeps making development easier, faster, and more predictable.

In short, the UDC gives us a better rulebook, and process improvement makes it easier to use. Together, they’ll keep evolving to serve Missoula better over time.