Helena commission sets public hearing to adopt 2025 land use plan

The City of Helena Commission on Oct. 20, 2025, voted 5-0 to approve a resolution of intent to repeal the 2019 growth policy as amended and to adopt the 2025 City of Helena Land Use Plan and future land use map, and to set a public hearing on the plan for Nov. 17, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Director Breck introduced the plan and described an 18-month public process that reached more than 1,200 participants through planning commission work sessions, community workshops, staff meetings, working groups and online forums. He said the plan is being advanced to comply with the state planning legislation referenced in presentation material (identified in the packet as Senate Bill 382 / Montana Land Use Act) and to establish a roadmap for growth, zoning and infrastructure over the next 10–20 years.

Director Breck told commissioners the next steps include reviewing and updating zoning and subdivision regulations to comply with the Planning Act by the statutory deadline (the presentation referenced a compliance deadline in May 2026) and a broader multi-year rewrite of zoning and subdivision tools expected to continue into 2027. Commissioners said they expect the plan to guide budgeting and infrastructure decisions.

The motion to adopt the resolution of intent and set the public hearing was approved by roll call: Commissioner Shurtleff, Commissioner Dean, Commissioner Reid, Commissioner Logan and Mayor Collins all voted "aye." The commission recorded the motion as carrying 5 to 0.

The plan and future land use map were recommended for approval by the planning commission at a meeting on Oct. 2, 2025, and staff emphasized the document is intended as a "living document" to be used in future zoning and capital decisions. Public hearings and the formal repeal/adoption sequence will follow the November hearing before final adoption.