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MontanaSB 25269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise land use laws related to manufactured and factory built homes

Sponsored By: Dave Fern (Democrat)

Became Law

HousingPlanning and DevelopmentCities and TownsLocal GovernmentState Lands

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Equal zoning for manufactured and factory-built homes

Local zoning must treat manufactured and factory-built homes the same as other houses. In permit or variance hearings, the law presumes these homes do not lower nearby values unless proven otherwise. The law defines factory-built housing and manufactured housing so officials and builders know what rules apply.

Tiny homes allowed with clear standards

Local governments can create zoning districts that allow tiny homes. A tiny dwelling unit is 350 to 750 square feet on a permanent foundation and lived in for at least 45 days. Appendix Q of the International Building Code, as printed January 1, 2023, guides building rules for these homes.

Rural resource use protected, clear permit timing

Outside city limits, local governments cannot fully stop the use or development of listed mineral, forest, or farm resources. They can still set reasonable conditions or ban uses in residential zones. Any rule that limits these uses must be in place before you file a permit or when you request a preapplication meeting.

No mandatory affordable-housing fees or land

Local zoning rules cannot make developers pay fees or give land to create housing at set incomes or prices. This lowers up-front costs for builders. It may also reduce local funding or land set-asides for affordable homes.

State trust land can host mobile parks

The state treats multifamily housing and mobile home parks on state trust land as a commercial use. Developers can lease trust land for multiple manufactured homes for rent. This opens a clearer path to build these projects on state land.

Six-month deadline to sue new zoning

You must start any court challenge to a new county zoning district or rule within six months of the board’s order. This shortens the time to contest zoning decisions.

Local rules for small care homes

Local governments may set zoning rules for foster homes, small care homes with eight or fewer people, and some day-care homes. Day-care homes registered with the state are excluded. Local rules cannot conflict with state protections or require different safety or sanitary rules for small facilities.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dave Fern

    Democrat • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 379 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/8/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 91 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/1/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 97 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/1/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/28/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 47 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/8/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    4/25/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    4/25/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/21/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/9/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/9/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House

    4/8/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading Passed

    4/7/2025Senate

  10. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/3/2025House

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/2/2025House

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/1/2025House

  13. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    3/26/2025House

  14. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    3/25/2025House

  15. Hearing

    3/7/2025House

  16. First Reading

    3/3/2025House

  17. Referred to Committee

    3/3/2025House

  18. Transmitted to House

    3/1/2025Senate

  19. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/1/2025Senate

  20. 2nd Reading Passed

    2/28/2025Senate

  21. Committee Report--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/25/2025Senate

  22. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended

    2/24/2025Senate

  23. Hearing

    2/14/2025Senate

  24. Referred to Committee

    2/13/2025Senate

  25. First Reading

    1/31/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/15/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 3)

    3/27/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    2/25/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/31/2025

    PDF

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