District comparison

from R-1 + R-2 → SR

Maintain the character of low-density, single-family residential areas and serve as a transition between more densely developed urban neighborhoods and rural areas outside the city limits. Continue to allow higher-density residential (triplexes, quadplexes) by Conditional Use Permit with site and building design standards, and consider small-scale neighborhood-serving commercial along major corridors or at select intersections.

R-1 and R-2 share identical dimensional standards, so the merged SR envelope is unambiguous.

from R-3 → NR

Serve as a transition between lower-density residential areas and higher-density residential and commercial areas. Allows a variety of housing types including single-family, duplexes, and multi-family dwellings of three or more units, plus limited compatible nonresidential uses.

Rename only; R-3 standards carry forward.

from R-U → UR

Promote compact, walkable environments and allow limited nonresidential uses (restaurants, professional offices, personal services). Intended for urban areas or those transitioning to higher-density development. Report recommends incorporating cluster design standards, including reduced setbacks.

Rename carries R-U standards forward, but the report recommends cluster design standards with reduced setbacks — not yet quantified.

* Carried forward from R-U, but the report recommends a change here — see the note above.

from R-4 + R-O → MU

Serve as a transition between residential neighborhoods and more intensive commercial areas, accommodating a mix of housing types and commercial uses compatible with adjacent residential areas. Standards should primarily support vertically integrated mixed-use while also accommodating stand-alone residential and horizontally integrated mixed-use.

R-4 and R-O share identical dimensional standards, so the merged MU envelope is unambiguous.

from DT + TR → DT

Support vertically integrated mixed-use development that promotes pedestrian-friendly environments and activates the historic core. Absorb the TR Transitional Residential District into DT and establish height transition standards to reduce the impact of taller multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial buildings on adjacent residential neighborhoods.

DT's current form-based standards (Helena Code Ch. 9) carry forward; the report adds a NEW height-transition standard at the edges toward residential, not yet quantified. TR's height cap (36 ft) is superseded by the transition standards.

* Carried forward from DT, but the report recommends a change here — see the note above.

from B-1 → B-1

Accommodate neighborhood-serving commercial and public uses as a transition between residential neighborhoods and more intensive commercial areas. Residential limited to upper floors above commercial or the rear of the development; standards should emphasize accessibility from nearby neighborhoods and buffering.

Retained; B-1 standards carry forward.

from B-2 → B-2

Accommodate a broad range of commercial and service uses. Standards should encourage a more pedestrian-scaled pattern: building placement closer to the street, parking to the side or rear, and shared access between sites.

Retained; B-2 standards carry forward (pedestrian-scaled placement refinements not yet quantified).

from B-3 → CC

Replace the B-3 Central Business District (no properties are currently zoned B-3). Accommodate larger-scale commercial development along high-traffic corridors (Custer Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Interstate 15), providing for retail, office, service, and commercial uses that benefit from high visibility. Larger development sites, setbacks, and parking areas than B-2.

New district with a different intent than B-3; the report publishes no dimensional standards. B-3's current standards are shown only as the baseline of the district being replaced.

Current column shows B-3, the district being replaced — shown only as a baseline. Proposed standards are not yet specified.

from CLM → CLM

Accommodate light industrial uses compatible with nearby residential and commercial areas, plus limited residential above or behind industrial uses. To align with the Technology and Innovation land use category, should also accommodate research and development and co-working spaces.

Retained; CLM standards carry forward.

from M-I → M-I

Accommodate heavy industrial uses involving processing or manufacturing of extracted or raw materials. Establish development standards requiring screening and buffering from adjacent residential areas and public rights-of-way, plus building design standards for visual compatibility.

Retained; M-I standards carry forward.

from Airport → AP

Accommodate airport-related facilities and complementary uses (aeronautical manufacturing, public/institutional, associated retail and service). To better align with the Industrial land use category, should also accommodate warehousing, distribution, and logistics facilities.

Rename only; height remains governed by Helena Code Ch. 35 Airport Zoning Regulations.

from PLI → PLI

Accommodate governmental and quasi-governmental uses: municipal, county, and state buildings; schools; non-profit agencies; places of worship; and community service providers.

Retained; PLI standards carry forward.

New district to accommodate public parks, recreational facilities, and natural areas managed by City/county/state/federal entities, plus privately-owned recreational facilities. Intended to protect environmental features such as woodlands and stream corridors by limiting development and restricting permitted uses.

New district; the report publishes no dimensional standards.

from PUD (process) → PUD-O

Replace the standalone Planned Unit Development plan process with an overlay applied in conjunction with existing base zoning. Provides a method for developers to request flexibility from base standards when the development delivers a clear community benefit or creative design (diverse housing, sustainable design, accessible design). Applies to sites of at least two acres.

Overlay over the underlying base district; no standalone dimensional envelope.

from OSR → OSR

Recommended for elimination: the OSR District is located outside the City's jurisdictional boundary.

Recommended for elimination.

from T → T

Recommended for elimination: T districts are intended to be temporary. Enhanced standards for landscaping, buffering, screening, and lighting should instead be incorporated directly into the new UDO to ensure compatibility between adjacent uses and districts.

Recommended for elimination; its function folds into UDO-wide site standards. Not a dimensional district in the current lot-requirements table.