KTVH - Montana Cities React to Legislative Zoning & Housing Changes

“Based on just general evolution of development practice nationwide – and then also within our own growth policy, it asked us to look at those kinds of issues as well,” he said. “So we had started on that journey already.”

KTVH - Montana Cities React to Legislative Zoning & Housing Changes
Do not index
Do not index
Read/view the article at KTVH by Jonathon Ambarian
Excerpt:
“One of the biggest bills on zoning and land use was Senate Bill 382. Its sponsor, Sen. Forrest Mandeville, R-Columbus, worked closely with the Montana League of Cities and Towns on the bill.
SB 382 establishes a completely updated land-use planning process for certain larger cities. Each of those cities will be responsible for creating a new plan and future land-use map.
“All the work is frontloaded, so the public will have a big robust piece when we draft the land-use plan – that will be their piece to have input into the process,” Brink said.
SB 382 applies to cities with more than 5,000 people that are in counties with more than 70,000 people. That currently includes ten cities: in addition to Bozeman and Helena, they are Billings, Great Falls, Missoula, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Belgrade and Laurel.
Cities have three years from the signing date of the bill to update their regulations – making the deadline May 2026. However, cities that have recently updated their growth policy will have until that date or five years from the adoption of the policy, whichever is later.”

Our communities play an important role in our daily lives. They provide the governance & infrastructure that embrace our values, maintain our public space, support business & keep us safe.

Become & stay involved locally, attend public meetings, share your voice. Volunteer for boards & commissions, encourage your neighbors & friends to become involved! Support local business! Celebrate Local! Support Local!

Visit Support Local