City of Missoula Pauses Development Applications Amid Code Reform

Missoula, September 4, 2025

News Summary

The City of Missoula has temporarily halted the review of all development applications, affecting residential and commercial permits. This pause lasts from late August until September 15 and aims to facilitate the establishment of a new Unified Development Code (UDC) by 2025. Builders express concerns over potential job losses due to permit delays, while city officials emphasize the need for updated zoning regulations to address housing density and affordability issues in the area.

City of Missoula Pauses Development Applications Amid Code Reform

The City of Missoula has announced a temporary halt to the planning review of all development applications, impacting both residential and commercial building permits. This measure, which takes effect from late August through September 15, is aimed at allowing the city to adopt a new Unified Development Code (UDC) by the end of 2025.

This pause encompasses the availability of zoning desks and all business license applications, creating a significant shift in the construction landscape. City officials assert that this temporary measure is essential to prevent longer-term negative impacts on subdivision activity and new projects without a well-defined zoning framework.

Concerns Among Builders and Laborers

Local builders and construction professionals have expressed deep concerns regarding the potential job losses that could arise as a result of the permit delays, especially among carpenters and laborers during the winter months. Many in the construction community believe that such delays could lead to layoffs. This has raised alarms about the unpredictability of the permit process, which builders are expected to navigate amidst these changes.

The city has been processing a high volume of permit applications in recent times, issuing over 200 permits in the last couple of months. Despite this activity, builders are worried about the implications of a pause, as they had to plan six months in advance for permits. This expectation has further intensified frustrations among developers.

Aiming for a New Code

At the heart of this delay is the need for a new UDC that aims to update regulations related to development, including zoning, subdivision, public works, and regulations concerning parks and recreation. The city’s Community Planning, Development and Innovation office has emphasized the urgency of having a draft of the UDC ready by October 1.

Some local industry professionals have raised questions about the necessity of an external consultant paid over $1 million for the code reform process, particularly in light of staff resource reallocation. The city has clarified that the consultant’s work is not directly connected to the UDC consolidation process.

Impact on Housing and Development

The overall goal of implementing a new UDC is to increase housing density within the city and facilitate the opening of new areas for development. This could potentially help alleviate the high housing and rental prices that have emerged as a concern in recent years. Builders and developers have voiced their frustrations over increased development and permit fees during the last five years, all while facing longer approval times.

In addition to changes at the city level, Missoula County has announced the rollback of certain building regulations, allowing various structures to be exempt from permit requirements based on public feedback. This move is intended to make access to building approvals easier and address challenges related to housing affordability in the area.

Future Developments

The Wye area near Highway 93 has been identified as a transitional zone for future urban-style housing developments, with expectations of accommodating between 10,000 and 15,000 homes over the coming decades. Mayor Andrea Davis has acknowledged some miscommunication regarding the future delays in development applications but emphasizes strong support for the ongoing UDC reform process. She believes that finalizing and implementing the new code will ultimately facilitate construction projects in Missoula.

As the City of Missoula moves forward with its planning and regulatory reforms, the impact on the local construction industry and housing market remains uncertain. Builders and city officials alike are watching closely as the city strives for a new framework that promotes growth while attempting to manage the challenges of a changing urban landscape.

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Additional Resources

• Missoulian: Business Article
• Wikipedia: Urban Planning
• KPAX: Missoula County Consideration
• Google Search: Missoula Development
• Missoula Current: Building Permit Requirement
• Google Scholar: Unified Development Code
• Montana Right Now: Holland Lake Lodge Permit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
• Missoula Current: Oregon Housing Construction
• Google News: Missoula Housing