MISSOULA - The long-awaited update to outdated development regulations got overwhelming support Monday from the Missoula City Council.

The council voted 10-2 in favor of the new rulebook, Title 20, a victory for people whose jobs have mired them in the old and tangled rules.

"We look forward to our city zoning moving into the 21st century," said Kim Buchanan of the Missoula Organization of Realtors.

Councilors Renee Mitchell and Dick Haines, who unsuccessfully sued the city over the zoning rewrite, voted no. Councilwoman Lyn Hellegaard, also party to the lawsuit, voted yes as did the other councilors.

Mayor John Engen praised the efforts of community members who spent time the last two years working on the document.

"The community made a good investment of its money and its time in creating a zoning document that is up to date, that makes sense and serves all of its users," Engen said. "And that's good government."

Councilman Bob Jaffe, who ushered the document through the Plat, Annexation and Zoning Committee this summer, also praised the work.

"The process has been extensive, and it's been public and it's been open," Jaffe said.

The work wasn't done, though. Business owner Walt Muralt said the restrictions on signs remain a concern. Businesses pay a lot of money for electronic signs and should be able to use them to their full potential. The rules limit them too much, he said.

Councilman Ed Childers said he didn't want to hold up the entire document for signs, but he would bring it up later.

The council didn't vote Monday on a tourism business improvement district, but did hear comments, mostly from supporters. The proposal would add a 75-cent charge to hotel and motel rooms in Missoula, and the money would promote tourism in Missoula.

The Missoula Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated it would generate $500,000 annually, money much needed for the city to compete with other cities such as Spokane and Boise, Idaho.

Kim Johns, a mother and owner of a downtown business, said as a parent she spends a lot of money during events with her children in other communities. She'd rather spend those dollars here and supports the tourism district.

"Missoula has the best town in this state," Johns said. "There's not a town that can compare with what we have to offer. And I think this opportunity allows us to compete with the other towns that are in fact heads above us in what they can do in bidding for these events."

But Rose Lockwood with Ruby's Inn said it seems unfair that properties charging only $20 a night would pay the same as those charging $200 a night. She asked the council to reconsider.

A meeting is planned on the topic at 1 p.m. Oct. 14 in council chambers.

Early on in the meeting, a squadron of balloon-toting children paraded into council chambers.

"Look at you," Engen said to the kids. "You look fantastic. What are you bringing?"

They delivered the mayor a playing ball, a symbol of Missoula's award as Montana's first Playful City by KaBOOM!, an organization that wants every child in America to have a place to play within walking distance.

Engen thanked the Parks and Recreation Department in particular for making Missoula playful.

Reporter Keila Szpaller can be reached at 523-5262, keila.szpaller@missoulian.com or on MissoulaRedTape.com.