The decision invalidates a preliminary injunction that blocked two key housing bills.

The Montana Supreme Court reversed a decision by a judge last year that would have blocked two zoning reform bills, reports Blair Miller in the Daily Montanan. “The court found that Judge Mike Salvagni, a retired judge who was brought in for the case, incorrectly issued the preliminary injunction based on whether there was a ‘possibility’ of harm to the group and that it had only offered ‘generalized fears and supposition’ about the effects of Senate Bills 323 and 528,” Miller adds.
The court ruled that the claim did not meet four key factors required for a preliminary injunction: “that the applicant is likely to succeed on the merits; is likely to suffer irreparable harm absent preliminary relief; that the balance of equity tips in the applicant’s favor, and that the injunction is in the public interest.”
The bills, which call for cities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and duplexes on residential lots, were part of a major legislative package aimed at reforming outdated zoning laws and addressing the housing shortage that took effect on January 1 of this year. “SB 528 allows municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units on land that already has a single-family home, while SB 323 allows duplexes to be built in cities with populations of at least 5,000 people where single-family homes are allowed.”
FULL STORY: Montana Supreme Court reverses judge’s decision that blocked residential zoning laws

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network
The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits
The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.

Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods
Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Borough of Carlisle
Caltrans
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland