The proposed bill aims to revise zoning laws in Montana by mandating that certain cities allow triplex and fourplex housing as permitted uses in areas where single-family residences are allowed. Specifically, it stipulates that zoning regulations for duplex, triplex, and fourplex housing cannot be more stringent than those for single-family homes. The bill also includes definitions for duplex, triplex, and fourplex housing, clarifying that these types of housing are designed for residential occupancy by multiple family units living independently.

Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to incorporate these changes. Notably, it prohibits local governments from denying the use of duplex, triplex, or fourplex housing on lots where single-family dwellings are permitted and ensures that zoning regulations for these multi-unit dwellings are not more restrictive than those for single-family homes. The bill also encourages the development of higher-density housing and includes various strategies to facilitate this, such as reducing off-street parking requirements and eliminating certain fees for multi-unit developments.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 76-2-304, 76-25-302, 76-25-303
SB0266_1(1): 76-2-304, 76-25-302, 76-25-303
SB0266_1: 76-2-304, 76-25-302, 76-25-303