Current Planning and Land Use Division

What is Zoning?

Title 20, Missoula's Municipal Zoning Code, was adopted in November 2009 and continues to be amended through interim ordinances. Title 20 can be found here in Municode.

Zoning ordinance is adopted for the purposes conforming with state laws; protecting and promoting the public health, safety and general welfare; implementing the goals contained in the officially adopted Growth Policy and other plans; establishing clear and efficient development review and approval procedures; and accommodating orderly and beneficial development.

Zoning districts are categorized as Residential (R); Business and Commercial (B or C); Industrial and Manufacturing (M); and Open Space, Public, (OP) and Aviation (A). Each zoning district includes a list of uses designated as either permitted, conditional or prohibited; and site and building standards such as minimum parcel area required, setbacks and maximum height of structures.

Residential (R) zoning districts are primarily intended to create, maintain and promote a variety of housing opportunities for individual households and to maintain and promote the desired physical character of existing and developing neighborhoods. While the districts primarily accommodate residential use types, some nonresidential uses are also allowed. The R district standards provide development flexibility, while at the same time helping to ensure that new development is compatible with the city's many neighborhoods. In addition, the regulations offer certainty for property owners, developers and neighbors about the limits of what is allowed.

Business and Commercial (B or C) zoning districts are primarily intended to accommodate and promote neighborhood and community-serving business and commercial uses (e.g., retail, service, office), as well as mixed-use development consisting of business uses and residential uses in the same building or on the same site. Encouraging true mixed-use development can help reduce vehicle travel demand and provide increased housing choice and transit-oriented densities.

Industrial and Manufacturing (M) zoning districts are primarily intended to accommodate manufacturing, warehousing, wholesale and industrial uses. The regulations are intended to promote the economic viability of manufacturing and industrial uses, encourage employment growth, allow residential uses in the M1R district, and limit the encroachment of unplanned residential and other non-industrial development into M1- and M2-zoned areas.

Zoning Desk and Project Review Team (PRT) Meetings

The City of Missoula offers multiple avenues for applicants to connect with city Development Services staff to provide guidance and address questions related to Land Use Development, Zoning, and Building application permits.  The most efficient and direct way to connect with staff is through the Current Planning & Land Use Zoning Desk.  Applicants can email the Zoning Desk at zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us or call between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm at (406) 552-6625.  Responses can be anticipated within 24 hours depending on volume.  

Staff are also available by appointment through scheduling a Project Review Team (PRT) meeting to assist with complex and or specific issues on your application.  In person or virtual PRT Meetings are available by appointment and are scheduled by submitting the PRT intake form along with your project information (typically a preliminary site plan), and a list of your questions through the Zoning Desk. Providing answers to questions submitted on the intake form may not require a full PRT meeting with Planning, Engineering, and Building staff. To save time in these cases, a staff person may provide answers by phone or email.