Missoula County adopts consolidated land‑use board combining planning, zoning and adjustment functions

Missoula County commissioners voted to create a seven‑member consolidated land‑use board that will combine the functions of the county planning board, zoning commission and board of adjustment.

Karen Hughes of Missoula County Planning, Development and Sustainability told commissioners the change is authorized by Senate Bill 130 and the Montana Land Use Planning Act and is intended to make review of land‑use applications more consistent across county processes. “We’re bringing to you today a resolution that would create a new 7‑member board,” Hughes said.

The proposed board will have seven voting members and two alternates; all members must be Missoula County residents. Staff recommended members represent diverse geographic areas and professional backgrounds, including experience in natural and cultural resources, agriculture, housing, economic development, architecture or land‑use planning. The county will continue its historical practice of accepting a conservation‑district recommendation for one seat. Commissioners were presented an amendment to allow the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal council to recommend an appointment that could serve either as a voting member (if residency requirements are met) or as an ex officio member.

Hughes said the county solicited feedback from the existing planning board and board of adjustment, plus developers, agency partners and community councils. “The planning board was generally supportive. The Board of Adjustment was more mixed and had more concerns,” she said. The proposal was also discussed at an all‑community‑council meeting where staff said general support was heard.

A commissioner asked how a tribal ex officio appointment would affect the seven voting seats; Hughes replied, “You would always have 7 members. So, 7 voting members plus the 2 alternates. So, if they appoint someone who would serve as an ex officio, then the commission would appoint the voting member that might otherwise have been appointed by the tribal council.”

Following public comment and a brief discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution as amended; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The resolution directs staff to transition existing bodies and implement the consolidated board early in the next calendar year. If the county later adopts the Montana Land Use Planning Act in full, the consolidated board could also serve as the county planning commission under state law.

Implementation details provided to commissioners include member residency requirements, suggested areas of expertise, and a recommended process for tribal and conservation‑district recommendations. The county will publish appointment procedures and any changes to board bylaws before recruitment begins.