Bill > SB175

This bill modifies the procedure for county commissioners to adopt or amend zoning regulations in Montana, streamlining the public notice and hearing process. The bill requires that when establishing or revising zoning district boundaries, commissioners must provide detailed public notices at least 45 days before a hearing, including posting notices in at least five public places and publishing them in a local newspaper for two weeks. The notices must specify the proposed district boundaries, general character of zoning regulations, hearing time and location, and inform the public that proposed regulations are available for inspection. For zoning regulation amendments, the bill introduces a shorter notice period of 15 days before a public hearing, with similar notification requirements. The bill maintains the existing process of allowing public comments during hearings and giving commissioners the discretion to review and revise proposals after receiving public input. Commissioners can then pass a resolution of intention to create or amend a zoning district, with a 30-day period for written comments from property owners, after which they may formally adopt the zoning regulation changes. The goal appears to be making the zoning regulation process more transparent and accessible to the public while providing a more efficient mechanism for making necessary amendments.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0014