Montana 2023 Regular Session

Montana House Bill HB553

Introduced
2/14/23  

Caption

Housing for Montana Families Act

Impact

The proposed legislation significantly impacts state and local laws regarding zoning and housing development. By enforcing that local governing bodies cannot restrict the construction of accessory dwelling units, the bill aims to enhance housing availability. Proponents argue that this will help address housing shortages by encouraging diverse and affordable housing options. It also prevents local regulations from imposing higher parking requirements or impact fees specifically for ADUs, thus promoting their easier integration into existing communities.

Summary

House Bill 553 focuses on modifying local government housing regulations to allow for the establishment and use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within residential zones. The bill aims to prevent local ordinances from prohibiting ADUs and ensures that manufactured housing is treated equivalently to conventional housing regarding zoning. It mandates local governments to adopt strategies that facilitate the use of ADUs while addressing common issues that arise from new developments, such as impact fees and parking requirements.

Contention

However, the bill has raised concerns among various stakeholders, including local governments and housing advocates. Some local jurisdictions fear that the standardization imposed by HB 553 could undermine their ability to manage land use according to specific community needs and prevent the enactment of tailored solutions to local housing challenges. Critics argue that while increasing the availability of ADUs is beneficial for housing supply, it could lead to conflicts with existing community plans and infrastructure capabilities that local governments should be allowed to address.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT SB382

Create the Montana Land Use Planning Act

MT HB819

Create Montana community reinvestment act to fund workforce housing

MT LD1829

An Act to Build Housing for Maine Families and Attract Workers to Maine Businesses by Amending the Laws Governing Housing Density

MT HB299

Revise resolution and ordinance requirements re: land use regulation enforcement

MT SB266

Revise municipal zoning to allow for triplex and fourplex housing

MT HB317

Provide for the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act

MT SB379

Revise zoning laws

MT HB47

Generally revise the Montana Information Technology Act

MT HB138

Generally revise Montana Bank Act

MT SB458

Define sex in Montana law

Similar Bills

HI HB516

Relating To Housing.

NJ A3584

Concerns development and use of accessory dwelling units.

NJ A2792

Concerns development of accessory dwelling units and related municipal land use regulations.

NJ S1106

Concerns development and use of accessory dwelling units.

HI HB541

Relating To Urban Development.

CO HB1152

Accessory Dwelling Units

NJ A1987

Concerns development of accessory dwelling units.

NJ A2489

Concerns development of accessory dwelling units.