House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise laws related to local government land use regulations in Montana. The bill stipulates that certain sensitive land requirements cannot be included in growth policies for areas outside city limits. It amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically Sections 76-1-601, 76-2-203, and 76-2-212, to clarify the contents of growth policies, zoning regulations, and minimum lot size restrictions. Notably, the bill introduces new language that prohibits growth policies from regulating land based on its perceived sensitivity, aesthetics, or traditional use, while also allowing for exceptions for citizen-initiated zoning districts and land zoned for commercial or industrial uses.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that zoning regulations should focus on material aspects rather than aesthetic considerations and outlines that minimum lot size regulations can only be applied to land within three miles of incorporated municipalities or if a land use map has been adopted. An appropriation of $300 from the general fund is allocated to the Department of Commerce to inform local governments about these changes, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_1(1): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_1(2): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_1(3): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_1(4): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_1: 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(1): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(2): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(3): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(4): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(5): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(6): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(7): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(8): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(9): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2: 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212