Bill > HB889

This bill revises local government land use regulations, primarily focusing on growth policies and county zoning laws. The legislation restricts what local governments can include in growth policies for lands outside city limits, specifically prohibiting regulations based on land "sensitivity" such as aesthetic considerations, appearance, or scenic landscapes. For areas outside city boundaries, growth policies cannot: prohibit development of agricultural or vacant land, prevent land use changes based on economic needs, mandate soil and water regulations beyond state standards, or require land preservation for community separation. The bill also modifies zoning regulations to focus on material rather than aesthetic aspects of property, preventing zoning rules from prohibiting property use changes based on roadway visibility. County commissioners are now prohibited from adopting zoning regulations with minimum lot size requirements, with exceptions for areas within 3 miles of incorporated municipalities or where a growth policy's land use map specifies recommended lot sizes. To support implementation, the bill includes a $300 appropriation to the department of commerce to notify local governments about these legal changes, with the act becoming effective on July 1, 2025. The overall intent appears to be reducing regulatory restrictions on land use and development, particularly in rural or unincorporated areas.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1276