This bill revises local government laws in Montana, specifically addressing parking space requirements in municipal zoning. It introduces provisions that limit the number of parking spaces that municipalities can require for new developments. Under the new regulations, municipalities cannot mandate more than one parking space for every 5,000 square feet of commercial space or more than one parking space per residential dwelling unit. Additionally, there are exemptions for certain types of buildings and facilities, such as existing buildings undergoing a change of use, commercial spaces under 15,000 square feet, and various types of housing, including deed-restricted affordable housing and assisted living facilities.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that if a city or town council requires more parking spaces than the established limits, they must compensate the property owner for the actual costs incurred in constructing the additional parking. This compensation requirement is included in the amendments to sections 7-14-4501, 76-2-304, and 76-25-303 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The bill aims to balance the needs of urban development with the financial implications for developers, promoting more flexible zoning regulations while ensuring that municipalities can still manage parking effectively.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-14-4501, 76-2-304, 76-25-303