Columbia Falls is updating its zoning and subdivision laws to comply with Montana’s Land Use Planning Act, aimed at streamlining housing development. Key changes include eliminating public hearings for subdivisions or housing projects that comply with zoning within city limits, while annexations or zone changes not aligned with the land use plan require a city council hearing. The appeal process for decisions involves written appeals to the planning commission, then potentially to the city council, and finally to district court, which could extend project timelines significantly. The law also abolishes single-family zoning by allowing duplexes wherever single-family homes are permitted and mandates accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on single-family lots without additional parking requirements.

Other notable revisions include reduced parking requirements, elimination of the board of adjustment and conditional use permits in favor of administrative processes, and increased building height limits to 60 feet in business and light industrial zones. The city plans to introduce density bonuses for affordable housing and further refine zoning regulations later in the year, including requirements for bear-resistant garbage containers and stream setbacks. Public comments on these changes can be submitted via the city’s website or by mail.