The City of Missoula Urban Forestry Division invites residents to a public workshop to update City street tree and boulevard ordinances on Thursday, May 9. Please attend!

Staff will present proposed changes to Title 12 of the Missoula Municipal Code (MMC) on May 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 140 W. Pine.

City Forester Chris Boza says the current regulations, found in MMC chapters 12.48 and 12.32, were written decades ago and need to be updated to reflect current trends in City planning and urban forest management. “These ordinances affect everyone, including renters, property owners, developers and home builders. We’re seeking to clarify how boulevards should be maintained, what types of vegetation may be planted and where, and how boulevards can best be developed to create safe, welcoming streets and sidewalks. Most importantly, the proposed regulations will set us on a path to renew and revitalize our aging urban forest,” Boza says. Title 12 of the municipal code governs streets, sidewalks and public places, Chapter 12.32 covers street trees, and Chapter 12.48 regulates boulevards.

The May 9 workshop is the first step in a public process. After gathering public comment at the workshop, City staff will draft new ordinances and forward them to the City Attorney and City Council for review and consideration. The City Council is required to approve all City ordinances, and will accept public comment throughout the approval process.

Boza says the proposed changes will make boulevard and public tree regulations more understandable and user-friendly. “Most property owners don’t even realize they have a responsibility to maintain adjacent boulevards,” Boza says. “We’re working together with citizens to streamline these regulations and make them clear and consistent across the board.”

For more information, call 721-PARK (7275) or visit www.missoulaparks.org.