Montana Governor Signs Zoning Reform Bills

Four bills that target housing production promise to streamline permitting processes, reform ADU regulations, and loosen zoning restrictions in commercially zoned areas.

1 minute read

May 24, 2023, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of Missoula, Montana

jonbilous / Missoula, Montana

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed into law four new zoning reform bills aimed at encouraging more housing development in the state and promoting smart growth that limits sprawl and protects the state’s agricultural areas, a key flashpoint for the housing debate in Montana. David Erickson covers the story in Missoulian.

Senate Bill 407, according to the governor, “streamlines permitting for commercial and residential development by eliminating local design review by volunteer boards, reducing costs associated with permitting delays.” Sen. Shane Morigeau, who sponsored the bill, expressed disappointment that Republican lawmakers opposed efforts to include more immediate relief efforts for renters and other residents struggling with housing costs.

Another bill, SB 382, requires local governments to develop plans for meeting future housing needs through zoning and land use reform. Yet another allows for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), while the fourth bill allows housing development in some areas previously zoned for commercial uses.

The package of bills was passed by the state legislature in April.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in The Missoulian

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

Close-up of rear car bumper in traffic on freeway.

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving

A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

March 23, 2025 - Road Capacity as a Fundamental Determinant of Vehicle Travel

Cars parked and plugged in at an EV charging lot in Santa Monica, California surrounded by palm trees.

EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California

Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.

March 28 - Inside EVs

Construction workers on a suspended platform are installing thermal insulation on the facade of a modern apartment building, improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss during cold weather.

Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks

HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.

March 28 - Bloomberg CityLab

Sign above entrance of United States Department of Transportation.

Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?

USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.

March 28 - Streetsblog USA