7-2-4752. Court review and decision when area not annexed. (1) The court, without a jury, shall hear and determine the questions presented in the petition.
(2) The court shall order the proposed annexation to take place, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law of this state, if the evidence establishes that:
(a) essential municipal services and facilities are not available to the inhabitants of such territory;
(b) the municipality is physically and financially able to provide municipal services to the area sought to be annexed; and
(c) at least one-eighth of the aggregate external boundaries of the territory sought to be annexed is contiguous to the boundaries of the municipality.
(3) If, however, the evidence does not establish all three of the foregoing factors, the court shall deny the petition to annex and dismiss the proceeding.
History: En. 11-523 by Sec. 10, Ch. 364, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 11-523(part).
Structure Montana Code Annotated
Chapter 2. Creation, Alteration, and Abandonment of Local Governments
Part 47. Annexation With the Provision of Services
7-2-4705. Annexation by municipalities providing services
7-2-4706. Appeal if municipal governing body fails to act on petition
7-2-4707. Resolution of intention to annex
7-2-4709. Hearing on question of annexation
7-2-4711. Ordinance of annexation
7-2-4712. Contents of ordinance of annexation
7-2-4713. Effective date of annexation
7-2-4714. Filing of annexation order
7-2-4715. Simultaneous proceedings for several areas
7-2-4716. Effect of annexation
7-2-4717. Certain expenditures authorized
7-2-4719. through 7-2-4730 reserved
7-2-4731. Plans and report on extension of services required -- consultation with county
7-2-4732. Contents of plan for extension of services
7-2-4733. Vote required on proposed capital improvements
7-2-4734. Standards to be met before annexation can occur
7-2-4735. Guidelines for new boundaries of municipality
7-2-4736. Preservation of existing garbage or solid waste service in event of annexation
7-2-4737. through 7-2-4740 reserved
7-2-4741. Right to court review when area annexed
7-2-4742. Court review and decision when area annexed
7-2-4743. Presumption that municipal actions lawful
7-2-4744. Appeal from district court
7-2-4745. Effect of appeal on effective date of annexation
7-2-4746. Appeal provisions exclusive
7-2-4747. through 7-2-4750 reserved
7-2-4751. Right to court review when area not annexed
7-2-4752. Court review and decision when area not annexed