MT SB214

Zoning regulations must allow nonconforming uses of land or buildings that were legal at the time or prior to when a zoning regulation was adopted, though local governments may discontinue such uses based on changes to or abandonment of the property

Any ambiguity in zoning regulations regarding whether a nonconforming use is allowed, or whether a use was permitted when it began, must be interpreted in favor of the property owner's use

When enforcing zoning violations, any ambiguity about whether a use violates regulations must be interpreted in favor of the use in question

Historic preservation boards are no longer exempt from the prohibition on external board review of zoning permit and variance applications; all such reviews must now be conducted by municipal employees

Effective immediately upon passage and approval; amends sections 76-2-105, 76-2-113, 76-2-208, 76-2-210, 76-2-302, 76-2-308, and 76-25-301, MCA