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10/10/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Proposed Zoning Code Addresses Housing Needs in Growing Missoula
Missoula’s newly proposed zoning code aims to add over 20,000 housing units to meet future demands, city officials reported. The draft zoning map is now available for public review, with council adoption expected in December.
This plan follows the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan, which forecasts the city and surrounding area’s population to grow by 37,000 by 2045. The current zoning only allows single-family homes and duplexes in 82% of residential areas.
The proposed zoning map introduces apartments in 89% of residential and mixed-use districts, reserving single-family homes for rural areas, explained Cassie Tripard, city land use supervisor. It promotes “missing middle” housing like triplexes to sixplexes, with 65% of residential districts allowing such structures. Larger buildings with seven or more units can be built in 24% of residential zones.
State-required changes include permitting at least two units per parcel in all residential areas, said Eran Pehan, director of Community Planning, Development and Innovation. It also encourages small-scale commercial development, which received community backing during the planning phase.
The zoning framework outlines new districts, including seven residential, seven mixed-use, and eight special-use types. The approved plan eliminates most overlays, retaining only four. It also revises minimum parking requirements due to new state laws.
By Oct. 29, the complete unified development code will be released along with amendments. Public feedback will be gathered during Planning Board and City Council meetings in November and December.
5 Important Updates in Missoula
Missoula City Council plans to add a 20-minute public comment period at the start of Monday meetings. Previously moved to the end, the new timing aims to better accommodate public input. Council will vote on Oct. 20.
Paisley Park subdivision with up to 670 units approved. The 40-acre development will feature various housing types and public amenities. Rezoning and annexation for the site were also approved.
Disabled parking fines increased to comply with new state law. The fines now range from $150 for a first violation to $500 for a third. This law took effect on Oct. 1, without a reset period for penalties.
Traffic calming measures to be installed on the Northside starting Oct. 13. New stop signs and traffic circles aim to increase safety and reduce traffic in the neighborhood. The project costs $6,000.
A mayoral and city council candidate forum is set for Oct. 14. The City Club of Missoula will host a mayoral debate, and a forum will follow in the downtown area. Both events are open to the public.
Campus Highlights
The University of Montana celebrates homecoming with a “Party Like It’s 1995” theme, recalling its first national football title. Events include awards, a pep rally, and a homecoming parade leading up to the football game against Cal Poly.
The parade travels through downtown before heading to campus, with a tailgate party offering food and drinks. The football game kicks off at 2 p.m. at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Community Events to Enjoy
The Roxy Theater is screening “Bring Them Home,” a documentary about Blackfeet tribal members returning wild bison to their lands, from Oct. 10 to 15. A Q&A with director Daniel Glick will follow the Friday screening.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes host the Beartracks Celebration Powwow on Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Caras Park. This free event features traditional dancing, drum groups, and food vendors.
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