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 including regulations based on land sensitivity, aesthetics, or traditional land use, while 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 criteria for zoning that promotes public health and safety. It also restricts the ability of county commissioners to impose minimum lot size requirements unless specific conditions are met, such as proximity to incorporated municipalities or the adoption of a land use map. The bill includes an appropriation of $300 from the general fund to notify local governments of these changes, with an effective date set for 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(10): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(11): 76-1-601, 76-2-203, 76-2-212
HB0889_2(12): 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