Livingston commission approves first reading of wide-ranging zoning rewrite; riparian setbacks deferred

The Livingston City Commission approved the first reading of Ordinance 3064, a comprehensive rewrite of the city's zoning text, after a multi-hour presentation and public comment period.

The ordinance replaces the entire text of chapter 30 and is intended to bring the city's zoning code into alignment with the 2021 growth policy and changes enacted by the Montana Legislature, Planning Director Jen Severson said. "This item is before you as a result of the growth policy and the feedback that the city received," Severson told the commission. The rewrite follows extensive public engagement, including open houses, focus groups and more than 1,500 survey comments from more than 227 individuals, she said.

Why it matters: The rewrite addresses multiple, high-profile topics that affect housing capacity, downtown character and environmental protections. Staff and consultants recommended several substantive adjustments to reflect state law while also seeking ways to protect local priorities — for example, by proposing a new light-mixed-use (LMU) district as a transition between the downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.

Key provisions and staff recommendations

- Riparian setbacks: After receiving petitions and technical comments, staff recommended removing riparian setback provisions from chapter 30 and postponing local riparian-buffer rules until the city can complete a focused environmental study of local stream reaches (the Yellowstone River,…