Community Development Department staff serve as a resource to elected and appointed officials serving on the following Commissions, Boards and Committees:

As described in 2-6-3 of Helena City Code, the Planning Board serves as an advisory board to the City Commission on major subdivision applications, and revisions to the City of Helena Growth Policy and Subdivision Regulations. Planning Division Staff provide assistance to this Board by developing reports that detail the findings of facts and provide recommendations for approval with or without conditions or denial and present their findings for subdivision applications at a Planning Board public hearing. Additionally, Planning Division staff assist in the update and development of existing and future policies and regulations pertaining to subdivision and long range planning. For additional information about subdivision review or the City of Helena Growth Policy, please click on the following links: Subdivision, Growth Policy

As described in 2-6-3 of Helena City Code, the Zoning Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Commission on applications for Conditional Use Permits, Zone Change, Pre-Zoning prior to Annexation, and revisions to the City of Helena Zoning Ordinance. Planning Division Staff provide assistance to the Zoning Commission by developing reports, with recommendations for approval with or without conditions or denial. Staff presents the findings, recommendations and analysis at a Zoning Commission public hearing. Additionally, staff provides technical assistance in the update of existing regulations and development of future regulations that pertain to zoning. For more information about City Zoning, please click on the following link: Zoning

As described in 11-5 of Helena City Code, the BOA deliberates on requests for variances from the City of Helena Zoning Ordinance to address any undue hardship caused by City Zoning Regulations on building a new structure(s), rehabilitating an existing structure(s) or expanding the existing structure(s) on such property. The requests are brought forth by citizen applicants and presented to the BOA by Planning Division staff. For more information about the variance process, please click on the following link: Zoning

As described in 3-1-5 of Helena City Code, the Board of Appeals deliberates on appeals from any decision of the director of building and safety or any inspector under his supervision or any other city officer upon any matter affecting any of the uniform codes adopted in this title, or any other provision in this title. The requests are brought forth by citizen applicants and presented to the Board of Appeals by Building Division staff. For more information about the appeal process, please click on the following link: Building Board of Appeals

When existing or new development requires a subdivision or zoning-related process, the Planning Division staff assists the Helena City Commission by developing reports that detail the findings of facts, and recommendations for approval or denial with or without conditions. Staff presents the finding, recommendation made by the City Zoning Commission and analysis to the City Commission for each application. Additionally, staff provides technical assistance to the Commission on a range of topics including updates or revisions to any city ordinance or policy pertaining to Community Development. These include, the City of Helena Growth Policy, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.

The ADA Compliance Committee serves as an advisory committee to the Helena City Commission to determine reasonable accommodations as stated in the Americans for Disabilities Act. Zoning Officer Elroy Golemon provides staff assistance to the ADA Committee and can be contacted for further information. For information about the ADA federal regulations, please click on the following link: Americans with Disabilities Act

The Helena Public Art Committee serves as an advisory committee to the City Commission that promotes public art in Helena and informs residents and visitors about the many pieces, both publicly and privately owned, available for their enjoyment. The committee celebrates and promotes all of the arts that make Helena  “The Best Little Art Town”. Senior Planner Kathy Macefield provides staff assistance to the Public Art Committee and can be contacted for further information at (406) 447-8491 (kmacefield(at)ci.helena.mt.us).

The above Commissions, Boards and Committees meeting schedules with associated agendas, and minutes from adjourned meetings can be found on the Community Development Calendar (calendar link)

Other Committees

• Business Improvement District
• Helena Parking Commission
• City/County Parks Board
• Helena/Lewis and Clark Historic Preservation Commission
• Transportation Coordinating Committee (TCC)
• Water Quality Protection District Board
• Helena Housing Authority

Planning Division
Room 445, City County Building
316 N. Park Avenue,
Helena, MT 59623
406-447-8490