MontanaHB 71369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise municipal zoning laws

Sponsored By: Larry Brewster (Republican)

Became Law

Planning and DevelopmentCities and TownsLocal Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Public notice and faster zoning steps

The law requires a public hearing before any city zoning change takes effect. The city must publish the time and place at least 15 days ahead in a local paper. For boundary-only map changes, the council may adopt by resolution. After the hearing, the change takes effect right away. For annexations, the city may hold one joint hearing on annexation and zoning. This is allowed if the proposed zoning allows county-comparable uses, matches county-approved uses, or follows the area’s growth policy. That joint hearing satisfies the city’s zoning notice and hearing duty for the annexation.

Zoning protest process repealed

The law repeals the former state protest rule for zoning changes. Residents and property owners no longer have that specific protest process in state law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Larry Brewster
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Forrest Mandeville
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 289 • No: 8

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 48 • No: 2

House vote • 4/16/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 96 • No: 3

House vote • 3/5/2025