Determining what the proposed new zoning ordinance means for you

1. Do you know your existing zoning?
   1. If not, click on this citywide zoning map link. Then click on the Missoula Area Zoning Map link and enlarge or move the map around until you find your location.  (Note:The map is set up in two panels with the majority of Missoula on the "Missoula Area Zoning Map" panel)
   2. Once you know your zoning, go back to the www.zoningmissoula.com weblink.

2. View the proposed new name/map symbol for the existing zoning district.  Note: All existing zoning district names/map symbols are proposed to be converted.
   1. In the draft ordinance go to the table of Zoning District Name Conversions, found on page 20.01-6 of the "Introductory Provisions" chapter of the Consolidated Public Review Draft.. The left column shows the existing zoning district names and the right column shows the proposed new names.   For example, if the existing district is R-XII, the equivalent new district is called RM2.7, and if the existing zoning is C-1 the new district name is C1-4, but focus on the "C1" component for now. 

2. The table groups zoning districts by type: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Open Space/Public.  This relates to chapters of zoning district information in the Consolidated Public Review Draft.
3. You will also find that all Residential zoning districts are proposed to be renamed with an R prefix; Business and Commercial districts are proposed to be renamed with a B or C prefix, Industrial districts are proposed to be renamed with an M (manufacturing) prefix and Open Space districts will have OP prefix.

3. If you just want to know the basic difference between your current zoning and the proposed zoning for the Residential districts you can click on the Side-by-side residential zoning district comparison document. (pdf) (MSWord) Note: The comparison document is organized from lower density residential districts to higher density districts.

4. For a more in-depth review of the proposed zoning revisions, review the “Consolidated Public Review Draft” itself.
   1. Once inside the draft, scroll down to the table of contents.  Note: the entire document is referred to as Title 20, so all the material starts with 20.xxx.  The main chapter numbers are the second set of numbers (for example 20.05 refers to Chapter 5).

5. Go to the chapter that relates to the zoning district you are checking on.  Chapters 20.05 (Residential Districts), 20.10 (Business and Commercial Districts), 20.15 (Industrial and Manufacturing Districts), and 20.20 (Open Space and Public Districts) all describe the basic zoning districts within the city.
   1. Go to the Residential Districts chapter in the table of contents, if you are looking for information about Residential Districts (in other words: if you want to know about the uses and development standards for the Residential zones).
   2. Click on the Business and Commercial Districts chapter, if you are looking for information about commercial districts.
   3. Etc.
6. Find out more about zoning district lot and building standards and allowed uses by scrolling through the district chapter, looking for those particular tables.
   1. Note: Lot and building standards address the following:

                                                               i.      Setbacks - how far buildings must be set back property lines

                                                              ii.      Maximum building height,

                                                            iii.      Density - expressed as minimum lot area per [dwelling] unit; and

                                                            iv.      Minimum lot size for use/development. 

2. Note: Allowed Uses address the following:

                                                               i.      Permitted uses (able to occur as-of-right),

                                                              ii.      Conditional use (require public review, and approval) and

                                                            iii.      Uses that are not allowed.

7. If you are not sure about the meaning of a particular use you should also view Chapter 20.105 (Use Classifications).  This chapter describes all the listed uses.

8. At the end of each zoning district chapter (described above) there is a section for Other Regulations that lists other chapters you may need to refer to if circumstances warrant it.  These are chapters like:
   1. Accessory Uses and Structures to describe standards for garages, sheds, etc.
   2. Parking and access requirements
   3. Landscape requirements (not usually an issue for single family development)

9. Some uses may require additional development standards if they are to be approved.  The allowed uses table includes a column for Standards.  Those use standards are described in Chapter 20.40 Use and Building Specific Standards.

10. Depending on your interests, there are many other aspects to the draft Zoning Ordinance.  Please continue to review other components of the document.

11.  Call 258-4657 (Office of Planning and Grants front desk) if you have any questions.

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