11-2-2: INTENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS:
The city is hereby divided and classified into the following zoning districts that are intended to provide for development in conformance with the system of services available, the slope of the land, or any other limiting factors to serve such development while preserving the quality of the area. These zoning districts are described as follows:
   A.   The OSR (open space/residential) district primarily provides for residential development consistent with physical constraints, the natural capacity of the land, and available public and private services. The regulations seek to minimize danger from wildland fires, stormwater flooding, soil erosion, and other environmental hazards. The regulations also seek to mitigate traffic hazards, protect the natural scenic character of hillside areas, promote the safety and well being of property owners, and ensure the efficient expenditure of public funds.
   B.   The R-1/R-2 (residential) districts provide for residential dwellings and limited nonresidential development that protects and enhances the residential nature of the area.
   C.   The R-3 (residential) district provides for the development of a mixture of residential structures to serve varied housing needs and allows limited compatible nonresidential uses.
   D.   The R-4/R-O (residential-office) districts provide for a compatible mix of higher density residential development with professional and business offices and associated service uses.
   E.   The R-U (residential-urban) districts provide for stand alone single or duplex structures, and a compatible mix of professional and business offices and associated service uses.
   F.   The B-1 (neighborhood business) district provides for a compatible mixture of residential, public, and small scale commercial uses that serve as transitions between zoning districts.
   G.   The B-2 (general commercial) district provides for compatible residential uses and a broad range of commercial and service uses that serve large areas of the City and that are normally required to sustain a community.
   H.   The B-3 (Central Business) District is the central focus of the City's business, government, service, and cultural activities, and allows compatible residential development.
   I.   The DT (Downtown) District is intended to encourage the creation and preservation of mixed-use development opportunities, including a wide range of housing options serving a wide range of incomes and demographics; to provide for the protection and enhancement of historic and cultural resources; to establish minimum requirements and responsibilities for the installation of public improvements in support of redevelopment; and to encourage desirable site design for all development occurring in the district. These aspects are all essential for the development of a diverse, dynamic and desirable city environment.
   J.   The TR (Transitional Residential) District is intended to provide a buffer between the mixed-use, urban core of Helena, the Downtown (DT) District, and the residential districts bordering it to the east and west by offering ground-floor story residential uses by right and a height limitation to ease structure height differentials between the Downtown District and surrounding districts.
   K.   The CLM (Commercial-Light Manufacturing) District provides for the community's commercial and light manufacturing needs. These uses generally need access to the City's transportation amenities and should be located to reduce adverse impacts upon residential neighborhoods in the City.
   L.   The M-I (Manufacturing and Industrial) District provides for manufacturing and other industrial uses.
   M.   The PLI (Public Lands and Institutions) District provides for and applies only to public and quasi-public institutional uses and lands, and recreational, educational, and public service activities for the general benefit of the citizens of the City.
   N.   The T (Transitional) District provides for an orderly and harmonious transition between zoning districts where appropriate. Each Transitional District has unique standards and is intended to be temporary and phased out over time.
   O.   The Airport District provides for airport uses and facilities necessary for the operation, maintenance, and protection of airports. Associated retail and service uses, public institutional uses, aeronautical related manufacturing, public service, and limited recreational activities are also permitted.
(Ord. 3097, 4-7-2008; amd. Ord. 3222, 9-26-2016; amd. Ord. 3256, 6-24-2019)