Updates to the Our Missoula Code Reform Timeline

The Our Missoula timeline called for the release of a new zoning framework alongside a consolidated Unified Development Code (Code) this Spring. This was to be followed by the release of a consolidated Development Manual (Manual), containing more technical specifications and requirements, later this fall.  

In the last three weeks, we have held several frequent code user workshops and listening sessions. These were attended by the builders, architects, engineers, general contractors, and project managers who apply the city’s development codes and standards daily. The goal of these sessions was to ensure that the new Code could meet the community’s expectations, chief among them the creation of more homes. Our discussions with frequent code users highlighted the need to deliver the consolidated Manual alongside the Code. Reviewing these two documents simultaneously decreases the risk of inconsistencies and misalignments. 

Development codes and standards affect all members of the community, not just those in the development industry, and the community wants and deserves a voice in this process. We remain committed to prioritizing inclusive community engagement and ensuring a collaborative, efficient, and inclusive process in the development of code. 

For all of these reasons, we recognize that delivering all work elements together, during a relatively quick engagement period, is not the right approach. Everyone has a stake in this, and we are committed to getting it right. 

To promote continued robust community engagement and a strong partnership with frequent code users in the implementation of this work, we are proceeding in the following manner:   

• By early June, we will introduce our proposed zoning framework and add a dedicated engagement period for this work, which includes newly created Zoning Districts and an accompanying Zoning Map. These two documents represent the biggest change for our community and merit a longer, more robust engagement effort. 
• By early July, we’ll introduce the new consolidated Code and Manual, allowing frequent code users to review these two documents simultaneously to ensure alignment. 

Our goal will be to move all these components to adoption when the community has had the ability to effectively engage with the work. The outcome of engagement will define the formal adoption process, but it could be as early as September. 

The process will conclude with a final engagement cycle that will take place during the adoption hearings for the final Code, Manual, and zoning framework before the City Council.  

Stay updated and join the conversation by visiting our Engage Missoula page.

- The Our Missoula Team