Residential Parking Management Revision
The Missoula Parking Commission (MPC) is beginning the community engagement process to consider modifications to residential parking management. MPC currently offers residential parking management through a permit program adjacent to the University of Montana campus.
The Missoula Parking Commission Expansion and Optimization Implementation and Action Plan, adopted in 2024, makes several strategic recommendations to improve residential parking management. Residential parking management is governed by a set of City Ordinances, detailed below. Acting on the parking plan recommendations will require a change to the City Ordinances that govern residential parking management. Revision will be achieved through a public engagement process to develop recommendations to be proposed for approval by the Missoula Parking Commission’s Board of Directors and the Missoula City Council.
The purpose of this Engage Page is to provide citizens with an understanding of the background of the program and the recommendations being considered, and an overview of the public engagement process. Updates will be posted to this page as the project progresses.
Parking Plan Recommendations
In 2023, MPC commissioned Walker Consultants to perform a comprehensive plan for jurisdiction expansion and optimization of operations. The plan allowed staff to assess data-driven and responsive expansion opportunities for the existing MPC jurisdiction to address parking management challenges and changing parking needs. The plan also allowed staff to explore actions to optimize existing management and operational practices given existing conditions, changing needs and realities, and best practices. Following a public engagement process and collaboration with technical and stakeholder committees, the plan was adopted by the MPC board of directors in 2024.
Part B of the plan evaluates current neighborhood parking management practices and provides recommendations for improvement.
These recommendations are:
Make key foundational changes to convert the resident parking permit program into a more inclusive on-street management program
Amend City ordinance to streamline permit program processes
Broaden the permit program to allow for more users to benefit
Make critical pricing changes to achieve cost recovery and build potential for community reinvestment using program dollars
Amend permit pricing with strong but gradual increases to achieve cost recovery
In June 2026, the MPC board approved an increase to the annual permit rate for fiscal year 2027, bringing it to $85.00. This was the third of five years of recommended gradual rate increases.
Consider premium pricing in areas that demonstrate high key performance indicators given increased value of the right-of-way in high-demand areas
Consider investing in other benefits for the community as part of the permit program
The full plan and details about each recommendation are available at this link.
Public Engagement Process
MPC staff have requested proposals from three parking consultants to facilitate the public engagement process for this project. Selection of a consultant and approval by the MPC board is expected to take place in Fall 2026. The consultant will create a working group that will include residents within the existing permit area as well as people outside of the existing permit area, representatives from local businesses, Hellgate High School, and the University of Montana, and City Council members. This group will meet for three working sessions in early Spring 2027 to consider the alternatives and make recommendations for revisions to the ordinances. Final recommendations will be presented to the MPC board and City Council in late Spring 2027, in advance of the fiscal year 2028 budget process.
For updates about the working group process or to receive information about applying to participate, subscribe to this page by clicking ‘Register’ on this page.
Background
In September 1986, the Missoula City Council adopted the University Area Residential Permit Parking Program in the area immediately surrounding the campus of The University of Montana. The purpose of this District was to ensure safety for its residents and to reduce serious parking overload problems. After the residential parking district was created, the authority to establish such a district and its constitutionality was challenged by ASUM et al. On October 21, 1993, the Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the City and confirmed the City’s position. The following ordinances were adopted in 1986:
10.22.250 Procedure of Establishment of a Residential Onstreet Parking Permit Regulation Program
This ordinance provides guidance for establishing a residential permit program including criteria to be met, ordinance requirements, and signage to be posted.
10.22.260 Limitations on Parking in a Residential Parking Area
This ordinance provides the rules for parking in a residential parking area, and the fines associated with violating those rules.
10.22.270 Residential Parking Permit Application Procedure
This ordinance provides procedures for administering applications for residential parking permits, including required documentation and how the fees should be determined.
10.22.280 Residential Parking Permit Form and Issuance
This ordinance provides guidance for issuance of residential parking permits.
10.22.290 Display of Residential Parking Permits Required
This ordinance establishes rules for how permits should be displayed, and the fines associated with violating those rules.
10.22.300 University of Montana Residential Onstreet Parking Permit Regulations Program
This ordinance outlines the regulations specifically for the residential parking permit program in the area around the University of Montana.
The full Title 10 of City of Missoula Municipal Code can be found on this webpage.
