Zoning code update: open house Q and A tomorrow, public comment due Oct 1
Proposed Zoning Code map, 2025 - Story Map Online
I wanted to provide you an update on the City of Livingston's zoning code process; a standard undertaking that ensures the code aligns with the community's vision and the Growth Policy.
During a regular Consolidated Land Use Board (LUB) meeting in September, the board voted to continue the zoning code discussion at their next meeting, Wednesday October 8, 5:30pm. This provides more time and opportunity for the public to learn, weigh in, and will help formulate the LUB's recommendation to the commission.
If you want to learn more and have questions, the City staff are hosting an Open House Q&A meeting TOMORROW, Tuesday, Sept. 30th from 4:30pm-6:00pm. More information is provided below.
Public comment for the LUB Oct. 8 meeting is due the next day, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5:00pm.
We recognize that zoning code can be a bit technical and updates are often overlooked by residents and business owners. However, zoning code shapes our neighborhoods and communities.
Zoning code informs the kinds of housing that can be built, how tall buildings are downtown, what kinds of businesses are allowed, and how flood-prone areas and wildlife corridors are protected. It’s one of the biggest tools we have for making sure growth matches our values.
The story map demonstrates building heights looking east along Park Street, currently without a limit.
I encourage you to view the story map online and look up your neighborhood to see the proposed changes. You can look up the codes which are further defined in the proposed text.
There's an excellent slide feature to compare the old and new zoning code map, and a few changes have been made to the proposed map since last week. Such as some high density mixed use (HMU) areas have changed to Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Lastly, you may wish to compare the story map with the Growth Policy’s Future Land Use Map (see image below or page 104 of the Growth Policy).
This is a real opportunity to shape how Livingston grows. Please take a few minutes to check the maps, and if you can, drop by the Open House tomorrow to ask questions and make sure your voice is heard at the next Land Use Board meeting October 8th, or during the following City Commission meetings anticipated in November.
Ready to comment? Share feedback online or by emailing planning@livingstonmontana.org.
If you are just starting to dig in, you can find the draft zoning code proposed text, annotated version and proposed story map online.
If you have already commented, thank you! We hope you will keep engaging as the proposed code changes.
Future Land Use Map, Growth Policy, page 104.
Open House TOMORROW, 4:30-6:00pm
The City wants to hear from more people, and have extended the comment period leading up to the second Land Use Board meeting. Here, you can get your question answered about the zoning code and help you frame your comments. This will be an in-person, drop-in event (no Zoom option).
Grant Gager (City Manager), Greg Anthony (the City’s Policy Analyst), and Jennifer Severson (City Planner) will be there with laptops to walk individuals through the story maps and comment forms. They will also have large printed zoning maps and side-by-side views of Park Street building heights.
To learn more in the meantime, you can find a detailed presentation during the first Consolidated Land Use Board, LISTEN HERE. Comments will continue to be accepted leading up to the next City Commission meeting anticipated in early November. Continue to submit your comments!
You can review the zoning code update proposed text, annotated version, and story map, then share feedback here. If you have trouble submitting comments, please feel free to email them at planning@livingstonmontana.org.
Here are some dates to take note of:
TOMORROW, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 4:30-6:00pm: Open House Q&A
THIS Wednesday, Oct. 1, 5:00pm: LUB public comments due
NEXT Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30pm: LUB meeting
~ Tuesday, Nov. 4, 5:30pm: City Commission Public Hearing
All meetings are hosted in the County Community Room, 414 East Callender Street.
Take Action:
Review the Story Map and provide Zoning Code Update Feedback
Resources: