Draft model zoning code for affordable housing draws sustained public comment over short‑term rental provisions

Gallatin County planning staff on Jan. 27 presented a draft "model zoning code" intended as a menu of options to help local communities and the county consider zoning changes that could support affordable and attainable housing. The presentation prompted extensive public comment—primarily focused on proposed short‑term rental (STR) provisions—and legal concerns about owner‑occupancy and owner‑presence requirements.

Ashley Burke, county planning (speaker 6), opened the presentation by summarizing the project background and timeline: the draft was released Dec. 15 for public comment, the feedback form was open through Jan. 31, 2026, and staff expects to finalize and publish the code later in 2026; Burke said the draft is "not an adopted document, so it's not a regulation" and described it as an optional resource for future zoning updates.

Key elements in the staff presentation

- Purpose and scope: The model code is intended to remove zoning barriers (for example, minimum unit sizes and restrictions on manufactured homes), allow ADUs without a special permit process, and tie standards to a future land‑use map that accounts for infrastructure and sensitive lands. Burke emphasized the…