Commissioners' Public Meeting May 28, 2026

The Missoula County Commissioners held a public meeting on May 28, 2026, primarily focused on land use and zoning issues, including the Frenchtown Interchange zoning initiative. The discussion centered on a citizen-initiated zoning proposal aimed at restricting industrial and commercial development, particularly to prevent a large truck stop by Town Pump near the Interstate 90 interchange. The commission heard extensive public testimony both supporting and opposing the zoning, with concerns about community character, traffic safety, water protection, and vested development rights. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning for approximately 397 acres, while denying a separate 160-acre parcel zoning request. The Board of County Commissioners subsequently voted 4-2 to approve the Frenchtown Interchange zoning district, acknowledging it as a temporary measure pending a comprehensive county-wide zoning update. Additional agenda items included establishing a permanent 15 mph school zone speed limit near PTOAC Elementary School, approval of a family transfer subdivision request, extension of subdivision phasing plans for Ranch Club subdivision with conditions to ensure road completion, and approval of a plat adjustment for the Shelby edition subdivision. The meeting also addressed several resolutions to amend boundaries of rural special improvement districts for lighting and water services. Overall, the meeting involved multiple land use and infrastructure-related procurement and planning decisions, with motions passed on zoning, subdivision extensions, and district boundary adjustments.