All Roll Calls
Yes: 358 • No: 138
MontanaSB 24369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET
Amend zoning regulations to allow taller buildings
Sponsored By: Ellie Boldman (Democrat)
Became Law
Planning and DevelopmentCities and TownsBuildings and Building Regulations
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Apartments allowed in commercial zones with water/sewer
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, cities the Census counts as urban with over 5,000 people must allow apartment buildings and mixed-use projects with housing in commercial zones. The parcel must have will-serve letters from the city water and city sewer systems. These projects are permitted uses, which speeds approvals and can add homes in business areas.
Cities must allow duplexes on single-family lots
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, cities in Montana with 5,000 or more people must allow duplexes on any lot that allows a single-family home. Cities cannot set stricter rules for duplexes than for single-family homes. This lets owners build or convert to a duplex on those lots and can add more housing choices.
Taller buildings and capped parking downtown
Beginning Oct 1, 2026, in qualifying cities, zoning cannot require more than one off‑street parking space per housing unit, plus required accessible spaces. Cities may accept a shared parking agreement to meet this cap and cannot demand more than the cap through that agreement. In downtown commercial, heavy commercial, or industrial zones, cities cannot set a building height limit below 60 feet. Local governments also cannot pass new height caps that conflict with this state rule.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ellie Boldman
Democrat • Senate
Cosponsors
Kenneth Bogner
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/17/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 41 • No: 9
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 38 • No: 12
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
AMD-SB0243.003.001 Powers DO PASS
Yes: 33 • No: 66
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 78 • No: 21
Senate vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 76 • No: 23
Senate vote • 3/1/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 47 • No: 3
Senate vote • 2/28/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 45 • No: 4
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/16/2025SenateSigned by Governor
5/13/2025SenateTransmitted to Governor
5/5/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/5/2025HouseSigned by President
4/29/2025SenateReturned from Enrolling
4/20/2025SenateSent to Enrolling
4/17/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House
4/17/2025Senate2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred
4/16/2025Senate2nd Reading Pass Consideration
4/15/2025SenateReturned to Senate with Amendments
4/11/2025House3rd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025House2nd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025House2nd Reading Motion to Amend Failed
4/11/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/9/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025HouseHearing
3/7/2025HouseFirst Reading
3/3/2025HouseReferred to Committee
3/3/2025HouseTransmitted to House
3/1/2025Senate3rd Reading Passed
3/1/2025Senate2nd Reading Passed
2/28/2025Senate2nd Reading Pass Consideration
2/26/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Passed as Amended
2/25/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended
2/24/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/17/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
4/9/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
2/25/2025
Introduced
1/30/2025