Montana Code Annotated
Part 2. County Zoning
76-2-203. Criteria and guidelines for zoning regulations

76-2-203. Criteria and guidelines for zoning regulations. (1) Zoning regulations must be:
(a) made in accordance with the growth policy; and
(b) designed to:
(i) secure safety from fire and other dangers;
(ii) promote public health, public safety, and general welfare; and
(iii) facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.
(2) In the adoption of zoning regulations, the board of county commissioners shall consider:
(a) reasonable provision of adequate light and air;
(b) the effect on motorized and nonmotorized transportation systems;
(c) compatible urban growth in the vicinity of cities and towns that at a minimum must include the areas around municipalities;
(d) the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses; and
(e) conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the jurisdictional area.
(3) Zoning regulations must, as nearly as possible, be made compatible with the zoning ordinances of nearby municipalities.
(4) Zoning regulations may not include a requirement to:
(a) pay a fee for the purpose of providing housing for specified income levels or at specified sale prices; or
(b) dedicate real property for the purpose of providing housing for specified income levels or at specified sale prices.
(5) A dedication of real property as prohibited in subsection (4)(b) includes a payment or other contribution to a local housing authority or the reservation of real property for future development of housing for specified income levels or specified sale prices.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 246, L. 1963; R.C.M. 1947, 16-4704; amd. Sec. 15, Ch. 582, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 87, L. 2003; amd. Sec. 7, Ch. 446, L. 2009; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 249, L. 2021.