Bill > LC0543

This bill revises the rules for subdivision fees in Montana, specifically focusing on how the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) handles fees related to subdivision reviews, inspections, and enforcement. The bill modifies existing law to clarify how fees can be collected and distributed, including establishing a more detailed framework for fee refunds when project deadlines are extended. The legislation allows the DEQ to adopt rules for fee structures based on subdivision complexity, such as the number of lots, water and sewage systems, and environmental research requirements. Importantly, the bill introduces provisions for distributing fees to local reviewing authorities for reviews, inspections, and enforcement activities, and allocates funding for training independent reviewers. The bill also allows local reviewing authorities to establish their own fees for application reviews and site visits, with the stipulation that these fees cannot exceed their actual uncompensated costs. The changes aim to provide more transparency and flexibility in how subdivision-related fees are calculated, collected, and used, with an effective date of immediate passage and approval.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0543