MT HB889

Growth policies for land outside city limits may not regulate based on "sensitive lands" criteria including aesthetics, scenic landscapes, sense of place, visibility from roadways, or desirability of view

Prohibits growth policies outside city limits from banning development of agricultural or vacant land, protecting land for "community separation and openness," imposing soil/water regulations exceeding state standards, or mandating land use changes based on perceived food supply needs

These restrictions do not apply to citizen-initiated zoning districts or land zoned for commercial/industrial uses

County zoning regulations must focus on material aspects rather than aesthetic aspects of property, and may not prohibit property use changes based on visibility from roadways

Appropriates $300 from the general fund to the Department of Commerce to notify local governments of the changes, effective July 1, 2025