Livingston Commission approves first reading of sweeping zoning overhaul, removes riparian setbacks for later study

The Livingston City Commission voted to approve the first reading of Ordinance 3064, a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 30 of the Livingston Municipal Code that replaces the cityzoning text. Vice Chair Noots moved the ordinance; Commissioner Kale seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Chair Quentin Schwartz, Vice Chair Noots, Commissioner Kale and Commissioner Lyons voting yes.

The update, presented by Planning Director Jen Severson and city manager Grant Gager, bundles text and (separately considered) map changes intended to implement the cityadopted 2021 growth policy and to conform the code to recent state law changes. Severson told the commission the project included four focus groups, two in-person open houses, three consolidated land use board meetings and more than 1,500 online comments from roughly 227 individuals.

"We are recommending that we remove the riparian setback requirements completely from chapter 30," Director Severson said, explaining staffs preference to delay codified riparian setbacks until the city completes a technical, stream-reach study that can tailor buffers to the Yellowstone River, Fleishman Creek and Gilman Creek. "To try to set that number without the information that a study would inform, I believe is just not the best way to go." The ordinance text presented to the commission omits riparian setbacks and directs that issue for a future, more detailed study or possible incorporation into a FEMA-driven floodplain update.

Severson outlined other major changes required or prompted by the 2025 state legislative changes:…