Frenchtown Interchange Zoning Initiative
Project Background:
Nonprofit organization Keeping Frenchtown has submitted a zoning amendment application requesting to zone approximately 567 acres located at the north end of the Frenchtown Freeway Interchange, Exit 89 (see map).
The application states that the proposed zoning is intended to protect the existing neighborhood character that is primarily agricultural, rural residential and commercial/light industrial. This area is currently unzoned, meaning there are no zoning restrictions for how landowners can use their property.
If approved, the land would be zoned the following combination:
Agricultural, Rural Residential (AGRR-5): Allows residential development on 5-acre tracts.
Agricultural, Rural Residential (AGRR-10): Allows residential development on 10-acre tracts.
Rural Residential and Small Agricultural (RRS-1): Allows residential development on 1-acre tracts.
Industrial Center Light (ICL): Allows for light industrial, artisan and limited commercial activities with minimal off-site impacts
In addition, the application also proposes to allow for two dwellings, including duplexes, on existing tracts in the RRS-1 Subdistrict, as long as all other state and local regulations are followed. All other rules in the Missoula County Zoning Regulations would apply to this planning and zoning district, including a buffer around Mill Creek to protect riparian resources.
This application will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the county commissioners.
If a petition signed by at least 60% of the affected property owners is confirmed, the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners may apply the proposed zoning. If approved, the land would be zoned as:
A 160-acre tract on the north end is proposed for Agricultural, Rural Residential (AGRR-10) (blue)
Fourteen tracts in the area of Belker Lane, Garrard Lane and Sara Jo Lane are proposed for Rural Residential and Small Agricultural (RRS-1) (red). The proposed zoning allows an exception to permit two dwellings on existing tracts in this subdistrict.
Four tracts along Belker Lane and Frenchtown Frontage Road are proposed for Light Industrial (purple)
Remaining lands are proposed for Agricultural, Rural Residential (AGRR5) (yellow)
Project Timeline:
Thursday, April 30, 2 p.m.: Missoula Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting and Board of County Commissioners Meeting
In-person location: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula County Courthouse, Sophie Moiese Room
Virtual option: Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published on Missoula County’s public meeting portal.
Project Lead:
Jennie Dixon, 406-258-4946
Public Comment:
Submit public comment by Wednesday, April 29, by using the comment tool below. Let us know what you think by logging in or creating an account and submitting your comment below.
Important Links and Documents:
Who's Listening
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Phone 406-258-4946
I support smart zoning in Frenchtown. It helps protect what we love about our community—open space, safety, and a small-town feel—while still allowing for thoughtful growth. Good planning now means fewer problems later, and a better place for all of us to live.
I support the proposed zoning amendment by Keeping Frenchtown. Putting zoning in place helps protect the rural and agricultural character of this area while allowing for reasonable, well-planned growth.
Right now, being unzoned leaves the door open for incompatible development. This proposal creates a balanced approach with appropriate residential density and limited light industrial use that fits the community.
Overall, this is a smart, proactive step to preserve what makes Frenchtown unique while planning responsibly for the future.
I strongly support zoning for this area for many reasons including the safety of our kids, the character of the community and the health of our water and wildlife. It just doesn’t seem possible that a development of this size wouldn’t negatively and dangerously affect our community in ways that can never be recovered. Thank you.
I am a Frenchtown resident and own an adjacent property. I strongly support this zoning proposal. Keeping this area from large commercial developments will protect it from increased traffic which so close to the high school would be very dangerous to Frenchtown teens. This zoning helps protect and preserve the community of Frenchtown. Please approve it to keep our community safe and strong!
Frenchtown and this area in particular desperately needs zoning. The area has long been a respite from the “hustle and bustle” of nearby Missoula. There are many natural qualities in Frenchtown that deserve the protection of zoning. The proposed zoning would preserve the beauty of the area as well as protect resources such as water and wildlife. Turning off this exit to go to the Pond or trek to the Folf or Golf course and coming face to face with a huge development or heavy industrial or commercial development would take away from the neighborhood feel that locals and visitors cherish. Unregulated, this area could not withstand the increased traffic and congestion heavy industrial, commercial or infill housing. With proximity to two schools divided by an interstate and railroad, the traffic would also deteriorate the current feel of a small sleeper town and put residents and visitors in danger. Please consider zoning as proposed to save the Frenchtown we love and the Montana feel we want to portray to residents and visitors alike.