Committee hears bill to allow up to six stories by right in commercial zones of qualifying Montana cities

Senator Ellie Boldman, sponsor of Senate Bill 243, said the measure builds on prior legislative housing efforts and would require that in cities meeting the bill’s criteria commercial zones must allow multifamily and mixed‑use buildings up to six stories by right. Boldman described the change as consistent with recommendations from the governor’s housing task force to “relax height restrictions in Montana cities meeting the same criteria” to expand walkable housing options.

Proponents argued the change would unlock infill housing, reduce per‑unit land cost and limit sprawl. Jake Brown of Shelter Whitefish told the committee SB 243 “specifically addresses … restrictive height restrictions that local jurisdictions might impose, for multifamily homes and mixed use developments, allowing for buildings in those zones to be built up to 6 stories by right.”…