Responsible Growth and Development

Zoning code update: Zoning determines what kind of development can take place in an area, and a values-based approach to zoning helps create a community that’s a great place for everyone to live, work and play. In 2022, the Missoula Board of County Commissioners adopted the updated zoning code for the Missoula urban area outside city limits. In the lead-up to this adoption, the County's Lands and Communities Office (formerly known as Community and Planning Services) met with community and neighborhood council members, developers, real estate agents, architects, designers and other community members and stakeholders to gather input about the zoning code and how it could improve. The resulting zoning code included six core recommendations: align zoning with community values; correct zoning misalignment between city and county; incentivize density where appropriate; overhaul design standards to promote quality development; update code reorganization and formatting; and create unified code and enhance enforcement tools. Each year the County does maintenance on this zoning code to ensure it remains a useful document with few errors and no unintended consequences.

Mullan BUILD grant: In 2019, Missoula County and the City of Missoula secured a $13 million federal BUILD grant to provide funding to build out the roads and other infrastructure west of Reserve Street, between Mullan Road and West Broadway. A network of complete streets to improve connectivity and provide access to 1,500 acres of developable land is being created and will improve safety, reduce congestion, generate economic development and provide greenspaces to connect sidewalks, trails and natural resources. The Sx͏ʷtpqyen* Area Master Plan helped to establish the development plan in this area, and construction is currently underway. Phase I, including a new roundabout on Mullan Road and additional roads, was completed in July 2023.

*Salish word meaning A Place Where Something Is Cut Off and Comes to a Point

iSAM: The Interactive Subdivision Approval Monitor (iSAM) designed by the Missoula County Clerk & Recorder’s Office provides a snapshot of Missoula County development. iSAM depicts changes in development since 2018, including the number of newly created parcels, project locations and project types. The dashboard also gives insight into project approval timelines. Filters allow users to sort data to fit their needs and get a more complete picture of development in Missoula County.

Long Range Transportation Plan: Missoula Connect 2050: In February 2022, the commissioners adopted the new Long Range Transportation Plan. In Missoula, jointly between the County, City and Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Long Range Transportation plan is updated every four years to reflect the changing dynamics of the area. The 2021 Long Range Transportation Plan has a horizon of 2050, sets forth a direction and strategies to help shape the region’s transportation network, and considers all modes of transportation, including driving, walking, bicycling and transit, to help set priorities for the future. Funding and project prioritization are taken into consideration, as well as public input through surveys, workshops, online media and advisory committees.

Bear Smart Missoula: The increase in human habitation into wildlands and the increase in the Missoula Valley’s population has led to increased human-bear conflicts. The County and City recognize this creates a public safety hazard and leads to food-habituated bears having to be killed. City and County leaders are collaborating with the Bear Smart Working Group, made up of concerned residents, bear experts and agency representatives. The group has followed the Bear Smart Community program developed in British Columbia, Canada. The goal of this group is to address the root causes of human-bear conflicts, reduce the risks to human safety and private property and reduce the number of bears that must be killed or relocated each year.

In fall 2023, The Missoula City-County Health Board voted to expand the Bear Buffer Zone in the Missoula Valley and require garbage be stored in bear-resistant containers or enclosures throughout it. The old Bear Buffer Zone was established in 2010 and was limited to city properties. The expanded zone will encompass the upper Rattlesnake, Bonner, Pattee Canyon, Miller Creek, Big Flat, O'Keefe Creek, Butler Creek, Grant Creek and the Potomac area. Learn more about how Missoula is working toward being Bear Smart.

Wildfire Preparedness: Topography, vegetation and weather patterns make Missoula County particularly vulnerable to wildfire, especially as the County grows. Most Missoula County residents live within the Wildland Urban Interface, which is any area where the combination of development (like homes and businesses) and vegetation can result in increased risk of damage from wildfires. Missoula County provides numerous ways that homes can prepare for wildfires and mitigate risk to your property. Learn more.

River recreation parking: In the early summer of 2023, Missoula County, in coordination with other agencies, opened an additional parking lot near the Sha-Ron Fishing access site where river recreators can park in the summer months. This has helped with parking and safety concerns along Highway 200 in East Missoula. Learn more.