Missoula council adopts municipal code cleanups to align with new development code; ordinance effective April 22

The Missoula City Council on March 23 approved updates to city municipal code Titles 5, 12, 13 and 15 to align local regulations with the recently adopted Unified Development Code (UDC), voting 8–0 to adopt the package, which is scheduled to take effect April 22, 2026.

City engineering manager Ross Mullenhower told the council the cleanup is largely organizational: development-related rules were moved into the UDC (Title 22) while operational and maintenance rules remain in the existing titles. "We realized we weren't removing them all," Mullenhower said, describing work to eliminate duplicate or outdated language and to move technical standards into the city's manuals.

The ordinance package includes several substantive clarifications and new, targeted rules. Title 12 was amended to streamline outdated provisions on poles and wires and to add two specific items: a permit framework for temporary on-street electric-vehicle charging (allowing level 1 and 2 charging with electrician-installed equipment, a covered cord across the sidewalk while charging, no right to reserve the public parking space and ADA compliance) and an increased required clear path for sidewalk cafés (raised from 5 to 6 feet). Title 13 changes address utilities: development-related utility provisions were moved to the UDC, obsolete sewer and gas-language sections were repealed, a code requirement was added to properly abandon sewer services (excavation and capping when a service is abandoned), and the stormwater purpose language was expanded to explicitly include state waters and groundwater protection. Mullenhower also clarified the "point of delivery" for water service and confirmed that service saddles and corporation stops are considered part of the private water service.

During public comment, an online participant asked whether the water-service language increased customer responsibility for repairs. Mullenhower said the code change formalizes existing practice rather than adding new obligations: customers already pay for new service saddles and corporation stops when installing a service, and proper abandonment practices have been in effect though not previously codified.

Public works chair Councillor Basera moved approval and the council voted unanimously by roll call: Basera, Campbell, Jones, Jordan, McCoy, Nent, Pontton and Savage voted yes; the motion carried 8–0. The amendments are slated to become effective April 22, 2026 if adopted as moved.

The council also approved a short consent agenda and set a public hearing on a separate annexation matter for April 13, 2026.

Next steps: the code amendments will be implemented administratively (manual updates and permitting guidance) and staff said they will track and report on the new temporary EV charging permits as the program is piloted.