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The Model Zoning Code for Affordable Housing has been Accepted by the County Commission as a Reference Document!

During a public meeting held June 16th, 2026, Planning staff presented the final draft of the Model Code to the County Commission and public. After reviewing written comments and hearing verbal testimony, the Commission voted to accept the Model Code as a reference document 2:0! A recording of the meeting can be found here.

Now that the Commission has accepted the Model Code as a reference document it will be posted on the Planning Department’s website for use but will not change any existing zoning regulations or development application requirements. Any substantial zoning amendments or new zoning regulations inspired by the Model Code will require subsequent public hearings and outreach.

A big thank you to all who participated in the development of the Model Code! The project timeline and all relevant documents remain available on the right side of this page. Please reach out to envision@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3130 if you have any questions.

About the Project

The goal of this project is to create "model" zoning content focused on housing affordability. The Model Code can then be used like a menu to make targeted updates to existing zoning regulations or provide starter content to inform the creation of new zoning regulations. The Model Code will include example standards appropriate for rural areas with limited infrastructure and services as well as standards for areas with more robust infrastructure and services.

Importantly, while housing density can increase affordability in some areas, the County’s jurisdiction is not appropriate for high density development in all areas. This project seeks to create zoning content that promotes housing affordability that is appropriate given local considerations and development constraints reflected in the Growth Policy and Future Land Use Map.

The primary goals of this project are to create model zoning content that:

Does not create barriers to affordability through arbitrary or overly restrictive standards

Supports existing property owners, developers, and non-profits seeking to create affordable housing that is appropriate given existing infrastructure and services

Includes standards to promote the development of high-quality units and mitigate the impacts of development

Promotes high quality of life for current and future residents, focusing on things like efficient water use and transportation

Housing is considered affordable when it takes up no more than 30% of a household's gross income. Affordable housing can be in many different shapes and sizes, in fact, the 2024 County Housing Strategy describes how different types of housing are needed to meet the needs of community members in different stages of life and promote aging in place.

The Model Code fills a specific gap by providing technical content for very specific challenges (quality affordable housing) and builds on a continuum of long-range planning efforts like the County’s Growth Policy, Future Land Use Map, and neighborhood plans. The content in these foundational plans acts as a compass to guide the development of the Model Code.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the Model Code. The right pane on this page also includes the project trajectory, a documents section that includes information gathered through public outreach to date, and an FAQ.

Applicability

The content of the Model Code will predominately focus on the Urban or Rural Growth areas shown on the Future Land Use Map or FLUM. The Code also includes some content to address the adjacent Public Infrastructure Holding Areas and Managed Growth Areas. Importantly, the Model Code is a tool, not a zoning proposal. Adoption of any of the model standards, whether as part of a new zoning district or targeted updates to existing zoning, will include public hearings and opportunities for further input.

Relationship to the Growth Area Focused Zoning Reform Discussion

The various long-range planning efforts in Gallatin County are meant to work together and build on each other to deliver on the larger goals expressed in the County’s Growth Policy. A lot of individual components are required to realize the vision of a planning framework that manages growth and protects the County’s most loved attributes.

Zoning Reform is an overarching initiative the County Commission is exploring to determine how best to address a variety of land use concerns through a more intentional approach to expansion of zoning. The Model Code is a concurrent effort to provide a menu of quality content to address a gap in the County’s existing library of zoning regulations. For example, the County has a lot of experience with developing and administering zoning codes that are appropriate for very rural areas, but we have very limited experience with developing code that is appropriate for urban, urbanizing, and small-town core areas.

We’ve heard concerns from residents that new housing is unaffordable to local residents and promotes long commute times, increasing traffic on local roads. These existing concerns highlight the need for this project, which aims to foster housing that is both affordable to local residents and decreases commute times, promoting livability and quality of life. If the Commission pursues updates to zoning or new zoning regulations in any of the areas mentioned above, the Model Code provides a tool to help those efforts move more quickly and smoothly.