A TED Ownership Unit, or TOU, is a parcel created through Townhome Exemption (MCA § 76-3-203) that includes the land beneath each dwelling unit and can include land adjacent to each dwelling unit as shown in the approved Townhome Declaration Site Plan. Only one dwelling unit is associated with each TED ownership unit. TED Ownership Units (TOUs) are not lots and therefore minimum lot standards of the overlying zoning district do not apply. 

Townhouse refers to a residential building type containing more than one dwelling unit with a common or abutting wall. Each has its own external entrance, and each is located on its own parcel or TED ownership unit (as described in Title 20, 20.05.030.B.3 and Standards in Title 20, 20.40.140). 

Townhome Exemption Development refers to a development type consisting of residential dwellings that may be single unit or townhouse and owned in fee simple on TED Ownership Units (TOUs) and located on a TED Parcel as described in Title 20, 20.05.040.D. 

So not all TEDs are Townhouses and not all Townhouses are TEDs! 

1. Determine if your project and parcel are suitable for a TED. Use the resources on Research Your Property and the Municipal Zoning Code Title 20, Section 20.40.180 - Townhome Exemption Development Standards. 
2. If you believe your project and parcel are suitable for a Townhome Exemption Development, submit a Permit Intake Form for a Project Review Team (PRT). Due to the complexity of TEDs, it is best to make sure the project would be in compliance. A PRT is a comprehensive, hour-long virtual meeting with the zoning, building, and engineering departments. The Permit Intake Form can be found here and submitted, with plans and a list of questions, to zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us. 
3. TEDs are applied for through a Zoning Compliance Permit, or ZCP. The Zoning Compliance Permit is found here. 
4. The submittal requirement for TEDs:

• a site plan showing each TED building envelope and TOU lines 
• building height
• if proposing townhouses, materials to demonstrate compliance with the Title 20, Chapter 20.40.140 Townhouse Use and Building Specific Standards will be required at building permit.
• fee

5. The ZCP is reviewed by an assigned case planner for compliance. There is a twenty day deadline for approval or denial.

6. The certification letter is sent to the property owner, in addition to their representatives or the applicant. 

7. Following preliminary approval of the TED project, a final TED declaration must be filed with the County Clerk and Recorder.

8. TEDs are expired, or invalid, if no action is taken within two years of issuance. Action is either filing the declaration or completing an approved building permit. There is an expiration date on the issued certification letter.